Watch U Turn

U Turn is a neo-noir crime thriller movie from 1997 directed by Oliver Stone. The movie stars a talented ensemble cast including Sean Penn, Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte, Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton, Claire Danes, and Jon Voight. The movie is based on the novel "Stray Dogs" by John Ridley. The story begins with a young drifter Bobby Cooper, played by Sean Penn, traveling by car to Las Vegas to pay off a debt of $13,000. Along the way, he meets Grace McKenna, played by Jennifer Lopez, a seductive woman who lures Bobby into her trap. Grace convinces Bobby to kill her wealthy and abusive husband Jake, played by Nick Nolte, in exchange for a share of the insurance payout she expects from Jake's death.

However, things don't go according to plan, and Bobby finds himself stuck in a small desert town, Superior, where he encounters various eccentric characters, including a blind psychic, a corrupt town marshal, a gas station attendant who sells scorpions as pets, and a young woman who dreams of becoming a star. As Bobby's situation becomes more complicated, he starts to unravel, becoming increasingly paranoid and desperate for a way out.

Meanwhile, the investigation of Jake's murder takes a new turn, with Sheriff Virgil Potter believing that Bobby is the killer. Virgil, played by Powers Boothe, is a crooked lawman who is in cahoots with Jake's shady business partner, only known as Mr. Arkadian, played by Jon Voight. Together, they are trying to cover up a larger conspiracy involving drugs, money, and murder.

The movie's plot is twisty, unpredictable, and darkly humorous, with a dose of hyper-reality and surrealism. The characters are flawed, quirky, and intriguing, with their motivations and intentions gradually revealed throughout the movie. The tone of the movie is gritty, violent, and sexual, with a stylized visual aesthetic that enhances the mood of unease and tension.

The performances of the cast members are exceptional, with Sean Penn delivering a nuanced portrayal of a desperate man who is in over his head. Jennifer Lopez is captivating as the femme fatale who is both alluring and dangerous. Nick Nolte brings a menacing presence to his role as the abusive husband who meets a gruesome fate. Joaquin Phoenix, Billy Bob Thornton, and Claire Danes also shine in their supporting roles, adding to the movie's eccentricity and humor.

U Turn received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, with some praising its stylish direction and twisted plot, while others criticized its excessive violence and convoluted storyline. However, the movie has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a prime example of a neo-noir crime thriller, with its unique blend of genre elements and its bold experimentation with storytelling and filmmaking techniques.

Overall, U Turn is a provocative and entertaining movie that will keep you guessing until the very end. It's a dark journey into the heart of human depravity, with a cast of characters that are as fascinating as they are dangerous. If you're a fan of neo-noir crime thrillers or want to experience a movie that is both thrilling and surreal, U Turn is definitely worth checking out.

U Turn is a 1997 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 5 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 54.