The Squeeze (FILM REVIEW)
The Squeeze
Film Review
by Kam Williams
Gambler and Golfer Conspire to Fleece a Sucker in Cat-and-Mouse Caper
Augie Baccas (Jeremy
Sumpter) is a God-fearing golfing sensation who credits his phenomenal success
on the links to a combination of hard work, talent and a belief in the
Almighty. And the promising prodigy is on the verge of leaving his
dysfunctional home for the greener pastures of the PGA Tour so that he’ll no
longer be mistreated by his abusive stepfather (Elliott Grey) anymore.
But then he’s
approached by an unsavory character who rolls into town in a classic
convertible with an attractive blonde (Katherine LaNasa) riding shotgun. Reeves
“Riverboat” Boatwright (Christopher McDonald) is a brash gambler sporting a thick
Southern drawl and enough cash to seduce the youngster into making a deal with
the devil
The plan is to sucker
a mark unaware of the kid’s prowess into betting a million dollars against him in
a two-man match. Augie’s take will be 10% provided he wins. In Las Vegas, they find what they think is a
patsy in Jimmy Diamonds (Michael Nouri), a high-roller with his own golf pro
(Jason Dohring).
That is the basic
setup of The Squeeze, a pat cat-and-mouse caper marking the writing and
directorial debut of Terry Jastrow. Unfortunately, this battle-of-wits’ plot
proves way too predictable to hold one’s attention very long.
A moralizing,
paint-by-numbers parable lifted right out of the Hollywood
hack playbook.
Fair (1.5 stars)
Rated PG-13
for sexuality, profanity, drug use and mature themes
Running time: 95 minutes
Distributor: ARC
Entertainment
To see a trailer for The
Squeeze, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91f2vHdkAKc
No comments:
Post a Comment