Review of Switchback (1997) by Jason D — 27 Aug 2009

I was lucky enough to be one of the 7 people who saw Switchback when it came out in theaters as, at the ripe age of 15, I thought this was a terrific film. Now, watching it over a decade later, I have to say that the movie STILL retains its awesomeness, and even some more, especially since I'm older and understand more of the film.

Switchback is about a an elusive killer that's been playing games with FBI agent Dennis Quaid for some time until taking things to a personal level by kidnapping his son. Now, some months later, Quaid tracks the killer in Texas where he receives assistance from town sheriff R.

Lee Ermey (an absolute scene stealer in this film), while a side story develops with lonely drifter Jared Leto (also good in this) makes friends with road tripping Danny Glover and the pair spark up a unique friendship.

This film doesn't try to make things to confusing or mysterious, especially when it becomes apparent who the killer is. The filmmakers seemed to want to get all of the mystery out of the way and just tell an engaging and thrilling story, which the movie is.

Quaid, Glover, Leto, and Ermey deliver some terrific performances and make this film very enjoyable. The thrills are fun as well and even the story is great, though by today's standards, it would seem generic.

Yes, Switchback still entertains me a great deal. It's a fun movie and a personal favorite of mine. Great movie.