Doublecrossed

DOUBLECROSSED (1991-MADE FOR CABLE TV) **1/2 Dennis Hopper, Adrienne Barbeau, Robert Carradine, Richard Jenkins, G.W. Bailey. Hopper is the sole reason to watch this film based on the true accounts of smuggler turned DEA co-op Barry Seal and his ordeal when he was set up during an entrapment of a South American cartel.

Dennis Hopper talked about Barry Seal this way "Barry Seal was like a pirate, he went for the gold. I stop short of calling him a hero however. Everyone has to eat their own snakes and his were poison". Hopper brings his trademark intensity to the role of Seal. He gives an on-edge performance akin to his high wire thru hell acts in Easy Rider, Blue Velvet and River's Edge. This man is an amazing actor who is never boring and always delivers. You get tired just watching him. Adrienne Barbeau also gives a great performance as Seal's understanding wife.

Another fine performance from Hopper in this gritty drama about a drugs runner turning the tables on the drug lords who have employed him and finding little help from the authorities in his fight to bring them to justice. Apparently based on a true story, the plot is a fairly predictable flow from Hopper getting into the drug trade for the cash, getting into trouble, getting out of it and then getting back into the hot water to gather evidence for the DEA; the strange and at times shocking aspect of the film is the disregard and lack of trust he is shown the very people he is trying to help. An interesting piece in its lack of moral absolutes and its focus on a complex man trying to find the right path in an uncertain and untrusting world. Hopper turns in a solid job as the central figure, and the workmanlike supporting cast and steady, if a little slow, direction make this a worthwhile, but not outstanding, TV movie. One to look out for in the schedules but not really worth renting unless you're either a big Hopper fan or interested in the world of drugs and drug law enforcement (or aeroplanes).