Watch The Blue Iguana

The Blue Iguana is a crime comedy released in 1988 that follows two ex-cons Eddie (Dylan McDermott) and Paul (James Russo) as they return to their lives on the streets of Los Angeles following their release from prison. The two friends decide to take up employment at the Blue Iguana bar as bouncers with hope that they could make some quick cash. Little did they know, this decision would change their lives forever.

On their first night on the job, Eddie and Paul find themselves in the middle of a heist gone wrong at the bar. After successfully stopping the robbers, they discover a valuable diamond hidden in the bar's safe. Along with the diamond comes the attention of two mob bosses, one of whom claims that the diamond is theirs. Unwilling to return the diamond, Eddie and Paul try to sell it to the highest bidder at an auction.

The plot thickens as the auction goes awry, and the two friends find themselves on the run from gangsters, law enforcement, and hired assassins, all trying to claim the diamond for themselves. Along the way, they encounter a stripper named Jo-Jo (Jessica Harper), who becomes a pivotal character in the story.

The story takes many twists and turns, becoming more complex as the friends delve deeper into a dangerous underworld they were not prepared for. The characterisation is well done, with each character adding their own twist to the plot. The character of Eddie, in particular, is interesting, with his sarcastic wit and his past coming back to haunt him.

The film is directed by John Lafia, who does an excellent job of building tension throughout the story. The dialogue is well-written, with some comedic moments that lighten the mood of the film. The pacing, however, is a bit choppy at times, as some scenes seem to drag on for too long or are underdeveloped.

The soundtrack of the film is impressive, with catchy songs that fit the tone of the movie. The cinematography captures the grittiness of Los Angeles, with shots of rundown streets, seedy bars, and motels.

The film features some noteworthy performances, especially from Dylan McDermott who portrays Eddie. He embodies the character well, capturing his wit and desires for a better life. James Russo is also excellent in his portrayal of Paul, Eddie's best friend, and life partner. Jessica Harper's character, Jo-Jo, brings a fresh perspective to the story, making her more than just a damsel in distress.

Some of the film's weaknesses are the lack of character development outside of Eddie and Jo-Jo, where some characters are introduced in one scene, only to disappear soon after. Additionally, some of the scenes towards the end of the movie feel rushed, leaving the viewer wanting more closure.

Overall, The Blue Iguana is a good heist movie with strong performances, memorable moments and a great soundtrack. However, it's not without its flaws, and some of the pacing issues and underdeveloped characters detract from the movie's overall enjoyment.

The Blue Iguana is a 1988 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2.