A dynamite conceit -- a hit-man and hit-woman fall in love and then find out that they've been hired to kill each other -- falls flat because of director John Huston's inability to settle on a consistent tone. It's not a satiric comedy, though it has satiric elements, but it's never compelling as drama either. Jack Nicholson is humorous enough as the dolt of a hit-man, and Kathleen Turner was at a career high when she made this film and just about runs the show. Creepy William Hickey gets a few scenes as don of a mafia family, and Anjelica Huston became the first actress (and I think to date only actress) to be directed to an Academy Award by a parent, but her role doesn't consist of much more than her walking around, decked out like a bird of prey.
Maybe it's because Huston was reaching the end of his illustrious career (this was one of the last movies he made), but the movie feels plodding and lifeless.
Grade: B-
Maybe it's because Huston was reaching the end of his illustrious career (this was one of the last movies he made), but the movie feels plodding and lifeless.
Grade: B-