U-Turn

The Gist: Bobby owes money to the mob and his life is in serious danger. On his way to Las Vegas, his car breaks down in the desert and he's forced to seek help in a small, remote town. Every resident he meets seems odder than the previous, until he stumbles into a strikingly beautiful woman, who seems to be leading him on. The fact that she's married will complicate Bobby's life further.

U Turn centers around a fairly ordinary premise, unlucky guy jumps from the frying pan into the fire, but with Oliver Stone in the director's chair, one can rest assured that ordinariness will likely be hastily derailed.

I think Sean Penn is a good actor, and quite hot, but I am by no means a fan of Jennifer Lopez. I think she's a beautiful woman, but cannot really act and is only a mediocre singer. Her strength is that beautiful body, and that's what works for her here, since she's playing the hot, frustrated housewife of an overbearing older guy who starts flirting with the hottie passing by.

The film also features Nick Nolte, Claire Danes, Powers Boothe, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton, and Jon Voight.

The Bottom Line: U Turn is a bit campy and more than a bit weird, but solid performances anchor it and the occasional injection of humor keeps things looking fresh.

Grade: 7