Retro Film Review: Puerto Vallarta Squeeze (2004)

If there is one factor that could spell doom for Hollywood, it is the proliferation of clichés, formulas, and predictability that afflict contemporary films, particularly those produced by major studios. While productions with more modest budgets may exhibit some resilience to this epidemic, the emergence of clichés can mar the outcome significantly. A prime illustration of this phenomenon can be found in the denouement of Puerto Vallarta Squeeze, a 2003 drama directed by Arthur Allan Seidelman.

Adapted from the novel by Robert James Waller, the story commences in the Mexican city of Puerto Vallarta in 1990. Fading American writer Danny Pastor (portrayed by Craig Wasson) and his Mexican paramour Maria de la Luz Santos (played by Giovanna Zacarias) bear witness to a double assassination on the streets. Shortly thereafter, they encounter Clayton Price (depicted by Scott Glen), an American who purports to be stranded and offers a substantial sum for a discreet journey northwards towards the US border. Unbeknownst to Pastor and Luz, Price is a former Vietnam veteran and CIA-trained assassin responsible for the killings, sparking a massive manhunt by Mexican authorities. The pursuit involves two CIA operatives - the seasoned Walter McGrane (played by Harvey Keitel) and the youthful Weatherford (portrayed by Jonathan Brandis). Amidst their journey northward, Luz finds herself drawn to the enigmatic stranger.

Initially, Puerto Vallarta Squeeze presents a refreshing allure. The exotic Mexican locales harmonise with unconventional characters and a peculiar love triangle. The narrative provides a platform to showcase underutilised talents like Craig Wasson, while offering Scott Glen, typically cast in tough-guy supporting roles, a rare opportunity to portray a romantic lead. Consequently, viewers are caught off guard by the onset of clichés, leading to a rapid decline in the film's quality. Harvey Keitel delivers a customary performance, with Jonathan Brandis - tragically taking his own life shortly after the premiere - leaving a somewhat forgettable impression. The film's conclusion, diverging significantly from the novel, proves particularly disheartening as it predictably sacrifices credibility for Hollywood conventions. Seidelman, a director with a lengthy television career, manages to render the film watchable, yet it is marred by an abundance of familiar tropes that hinder its recommendation.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: Original version of the review is available here.)

Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo

Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e

BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7