Review of Against All Odds (1984) by Tonypolito — 14 Aug 2010

The basic plotline may be loosely derived from an all-time classic ["Out of the Past" (1947) w/ Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer & Kirk Douglas], but the director's continual use of the bright sunlight of Cozumel and L.A. washes all the noir right out of this film.

Plus the satisfying, stinging conclusion of "Past" here gets replaced with a happy-sappy Hollywood Machine ending. Bridges and Ward do wiggle about as a pair of tanned & oiled-up hot-bods (on the altar of an Mayan temple, no less), but overall the steam's pretty tepid and they seem somewhat mis-cast.

As tribute, Greer herein is granted a substantial role. The best delivery is James Woods, replicating his "Once Upon A Time in America" gangster mug, shot this same year. The viewer's also dealt a crowbarred-in car chase, Bridges in red Porsche vs. Woods in black Ferrari.

Phil Collins' title tune constantly wafts, but far-more interesting listening & viewing is Kid Creole staging "My Male Curiosity." In 1980, Creole broke the best out of the basically obscure 1970s Dr. Buzzard's Original Savannah Band, bringing along its blending of the Big Band, Swing, Latin/Tropical and disco genres fronted by Cab Calloway-influenced showmanship. Given the 1980 birth of MTV and the music video, Creole's visuals - staccato, rhythmic dance-steps and zoot-suit shouldered outfits - had substantial influence on the subsequent crafting of Michael Jackson, Prince, MC Hammer, et. al. Little quality footage of Creole's 80s stage act still circulates, so this film serves as a rather major preservation of it.

RECOMMENDATION: The hot-bods, cars, music, scenery, bad boys and gritty-business plotline - it all adds up to OK entertainment, a decent two hours. Just don't expect any suspense or noir.