Review of Fast Getaway (1991) by Bill C — 01 Sep 2010

Corey Haim's death at the age of 38 this past year left a sour taste in my mouth. Mainly just like River Phoenix, I often wonder, what could've been. While I know the circumstances are different, as Phoenix was still working quite constantly, and died while still doing major productions, and Haim hadn't done a major production in nearly 20 years, due to his numerous problems. I still wonder, how an actor with Haim's natural charisma and tremendous on screen personality that he brings to the table, that had he not made the wrong decisions, what could've been? And he had some promising projects on the horizon. Was a comeback far behind? We'll never know.

In 1991, Haim's decline in career was beginning. But to me "Fast Getaway", was a fun, entertaining comedic and lighthearted matinee thrillride, that was actually fun in a B-Movie type of way. The movie was not realeased in theaters in the United States, and saw a very brief release in select Canadian theaters, mainly in Toronto and Vancouver.

Haim plays Nelson, a member of a gang of Bank Robbers, lead by his father, played by Leo Rossi, an always reliable character actor, who is best known for his role as the filthy cheerleader in the unforgettable rape scene in "The Accused" with Jodie Foster. Here Rossi & Haim make a fun and energetic team, loving what they do, and also enjoying there way of bonding.

However, the team splits up after a bad falling out, but that doesen't stop the father and son from continuing. Annoyed by this is the really quirky in your face bombshell ex-gang member played by Cynthia Rothrock, as she and her bumbling dork of a companion, take matters into there own hands, as Sam (Rossi) is thrown in the slammer, and Nelson is kidnapped by the rebellious duo and forced to work for them.

Nelson now must figure things out, how to get out of this situation, and put things back together again.

This film is definitely full of plotholes, but by the end I was satisfied with what I saw. Maybe it was because when I first saw this movie, I was 15, stuck indoors on a rainy Summer weekend, and I didn't waste any time. Yes, even a film critic can like a movie, if the movie is put on at the right time in the right way.

But I have to say, despite being on a downward spiral, Haim is top notch here. I could've forseen him doing films like this, with people like Eddie Murphy, or even Jim Carrey in the future. But he burned too many birdges and screwed himself over.

You can tell Haim is still trying to maintain a good reputation as an actual actor here, but that don't matter when the term "You'll Never Work in this Town Again" is all too true in Hollywood.

However, Fast Getaway, may be a reminder of what could've been, but it's not sad to watch, it's quite enjoyable and fun. Sometimes as a film critic, you just gotta relax.