Tequila Sunrise

Name: Tequila Sunrise
Genre: Action, Thriller, Romance, Crime
Released: December 2, 1988
Duration: 115 min
Rating: 62
Cast: Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer

1988

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 68 Ratings

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7.9

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7.9	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 68 Ratings

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Tequila Sunrise

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Movie Details & Credits

Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: December 2, 1988 | R

Starring: Kurt Russell, Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer

Summary: Two former high school friends -- one a fast-rising L.A.. cop and the other a drug dealer desperate to get out -- are both vying for the affection of a sleek restaurant owner. (Warner Bros.)

Director: Robert Towne

Genre(s): Action, Thriller, Romance, Crime

Rating: R

Runtime: 115 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Hal Hinson

Tequila Sunrise succeeds in both its larger strokes and its smaller ones-as both a romance and a thriller. It has a sense of comedy audacious enough to stage a bust that is delayed by a seduction and the sophistication to know that, for some people, to be called "slick" is the cruelest of insults. Tequila Sunrise has a deep-down glamor that borrows not from movies, but from life. It's knowing, but the last thing you'd call it is slick. [2 Dec 1988, p.b1]

100

Jay Scott

Kurt Russell has never seemed more clever, Mel Gibson more vulnerable nor Michelle Pfeiffer more goddess-like. Once upon a time, before the pictures got small and the hills were obscured by smog, the Hollywood sign read: "Hollywoodland." That was back when Tequila Sunrise, an intelligent, escapist epic for adults, wouldn't have seemed the anomaly it seems today. [2 Dec 1988, p.C1]

Desson Howe

But the greater credit goes to writer/director Towne. In this adult adventure with a twist, he has mixed a good one. [2 Dec 1988, p.n41]

Mike Clark

Until it cools off some with a full half-hour remaining, Tequila Sunrise packs the solar heat the credits and premise promise. Yet a three-quarter success does a good Mel Gibson movie make - even if his co-stars steal it. [2 Dec 1988, p.1D]

TV Guide Magazine Staff (Not Credited)

Luckily, Towne has assembled a marvelous cast who somehow manage to keep the film moving, despite their obvious confusion over just what it is they're supposed to be feeling. Read full review

Sheila Benson

Written with his trademark artfulness, nicely acted and gorgeously pretty, Tequlia Sunrise finally blows away into slick unsubstantiality. [2 Dec 1988, p.1]

Staff (Not Credited)

There's not much kick in this cocktail, despite its mix of quality ingredients. Casually glamorous South Bay is the setting for a story of little substance as writer-director Robert Towne attempts a study of friendship and trust but gets lost in a clutter of drug dealings and police operations. Read full review

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User Reviews

FilipeNeto

Aug 22, 2020

I honestly expected something more from this film. The script is based on interesting premises and has everything to create a pleasant atmosphere of suspense, with touches of romance and action, but I felt that the film has no impulse or depth, lacking impact with the audience. It is tooI honestly expected something more from this film. The script is based on interesting premises and has everything to create a pleasant atmosphere of suspense, with touches of romance and action, but I felt that the film has no impulse or depth, lacking impact with the audience. It is too light, and we watched it without thinking too much.

The script is based on a love triangle between two childhood friends, one of whom, Mac, is a former drug dealer and the other, Frescia, an agent in the Narcotics Division. They are both interested in Jo Ann, the manager of an Italian restaurant they used to go. But the chief of police is convinced that Mac is not out of the drug business and he's preparing a visit of a powerful drug barom for a big deal. So, Frescia decides to involve Jo Ann, and ask him to spy on Mac, while trying to take advantage of the situation to seduce her.

The film relies heavily on dialogue and cast's performance. And there is no doubt that dialogues were very well made. The main actors are also good and leaved us an excellent work, particularly Michelle Pfeiffer and Mel Gibson, who build a truly enviable chemistry. Kurt Russell is also very good, although he is not able to meet with his colleagues, who almost throw him into the gloom. On the other side, Raul Julia barely gave life to a caricature, given that he limited himself to follow the list of Latin stereotypes: histrionic, he speaks loudly, screams and exaggerates in the demonstrations of affectivity.

Technically, the film has an excellent cinematography and filming work, which earned it its single Oscar nomination. The influence of noir is quite clear in this film. The scenario is complete when we consider the regular effects, the good sets and costumes and a dated soundtrack, not very elegant and worthy to be left in the forgetfulness where it fell.… Expand

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JLuis_001

Mar 28, 2019

It has a good cast but it's surprising that neither Mel Gibson nor Kurt Russell manage to raise it up and make it a little more interesting.

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timone

Nov 9, 2018

All right lets get this over with, Tequila sunrise. Yes, out of all the Mel Gibson films I was going to watch and this is the one I wanted to see the least. And let me tell you folks, this is one of my boring films of all time. Oh god do I hate this film. This is the first film that I thinkAll right lets get this over with, Tequila sunrise. Yes, out of all the Mel Gibson films I was going to watch and this is the one I wanted to see the least. And let me tell you folks, this is one of my boring films of all time. Oh god do I hate this film. This is the first film that I think it's boring instead I like the theme song at the end credits. I love this song but I hated the film. This is definitely one of my least favorites.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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