Plot
A small-time crime boss kills a drug dealer without realizing that the drug dealer works for the biggest crime boss in the country.

Release Year: 2009

Rating: 6.0/10 (1,682 voted)

Director: Franck Khalfoun

Stars: Cuba Gooding Jr., Miguel Ferrer, Harvey Keitel

Storyline
A small-time crime boss kills a drug dealer without realizing that the drug dealer works for the biggest crime boss in the country.

Cast:
Cuba Gooding Jr. - Joshua
Miguel Ferrer - Vincent
Harvey Keitel - Nino
Alex Meneses - Marisa
Leonor Varela - Anna
Michael Sean Tighe - Jeff (as Michael Tighe)
Noel Gugliemi - Frankie Tahoe (as Noel G.)
Johnny Messner - Mickey
Reed McColm - Donnie
Mike Starr - Paulie
Louis Mandylor - Stephen
John Cenatiempo - Johnny C
M. Scott Sue - Gate Keeper
Paul Sampson - Richie
Walter Poole - Bodyguard

Release Date: 3 Jan 2009

Filming Locations: Spokane, Washington, USA

Box Office Details

Budget: $6,000,000 (estimated)

What? A direct-to-DVD movie with Cuba Gooding Jr. that's actually GOOD?

Rating:

If you have kept an eye on Cuba Gooding Jr.'s career over the past few years, you probably know he's been churning out awful direct-to-DVD movies after being branded box office poison. Having seen several of these movies, I initially had no plans to see "Wrong Turn At Tahoe". I only decided to give it a whirl after reading a positive review of it at another web site.

I was surprised by what I watched - this is a pretty decent drama. First, the production values are very strong for what was reportedly just an $8 million budget. It looks slick, while at the same time having a moody look that's appropriate for the nastiness that happens. As for Gooding, he is for once believable in his role, successfully showing a hard edge for his character. However, it is Miguel Ferrer who steals the show as Gooding's boss - he really commands the screen when the center of attention is on him.

The dialogue is good, colorful yet not in a show-off manner. The characters are believable in their actions. And the movie travels at a relaxed pace (though not TOO relaxed). Some younger viewers might find it too slow, but I thought the movie kept interest despite its slow pace.

The movie is not perfect. The decision to show part of the end at the beginning somewhat spoils things. The hand-to-hand combat at the climax seems out of an action movie, not a serious drama. And the "twist" at the last minute is somewhat silly; I could not believe the revelation would have stayed hidden for so long. There are a couple of other flaws I could mention, but overall this is an engaging movie that could have played in theaters.

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