Red Rock West MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: -2

Lonely Texas drifter Michael Williams (Nicolas Cage) has a serious problem on his hands. Just after arriving in the sleepy Wyoming town of Red Rock, he meets Wayne (J.T. Walsh), the town barkeeper who mistakes him for a hit man from Dallas. Shocked, Michael listens to Wayne coolly explain his vengeful plan to kill his wife Suzanne for being unfaithful. Michael accepts the $10,000 fee, but later warns his intended victim to leave town. They decide to leave together, but soon return to retrieve her husband's cash in his safe. Meanwhile, suspense mounts when the real hit man (Dennis Hopper) shows up and Wayne realizes his mistake. Surprising twists in the plot, combined with heart-stopping action and realistic performances make this an exciting film to watch. However, it's definitely not for the faint hearted. Although currently playing in the theatres, RED ROCK WEST is also available on video.

Fortunately, the main character, Michael, has several redeeming qualities. He exhibits a willingness to sacrifice when he rescues Suzanne from danger, and integrity when he reports his hit and run accident. However, he shows a greedy streak when he takes the money for the "hit" and runs. The sheer evil exuding from Lyle, the real hit man, may frighten some viewers. The characters use crude and obscene words as part of their everyday vocabulary, including f- and s-words many times. An obligatory bedroom scene between Michael and Suzanne is thrown in, seemingly as an afterthought, showing her partially undressing him. Also, the violence near the end of the film is graphic and overdone. One of the villains is impaled by a sword on a statue while another is brutally knifed. When will filmmakers recognize that sex and gratuitous violence are not necessary?

Preview Reviewer: Fran Smith
Distributor: Polygram