No Way Out (1987)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Blistering performances.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Ordinary crime film masquerading as Cold War spy thriller. Costner plays an ambitious young Naval officer thrilled at the chance to be working for Defense Secretary Hackman. What Costner doesn't know is, Hackman is the sugar daddy of the woman he's been sleeping with - Sean Young. When Hackman kills Young in a fit of rage, he and his aide (Will Patton) cook up a plan: They'll float a story that Young was murdered by a legendary (and possibly non-existent) Soviet spy named Yuri who, rumor has it, has infiltrated the highest levels of D.C. power, and they'll put Costner in charge of flushing him out. When Costner's investigation proves fruitless (as it must), Young's death will go down as just another tragedy in the annals of Cold War intrigue.But things aren't what they seem...Fine acting by Hackman (of course), Costner and Patton can't overcome the ridiculous story contrivances, starting with Costner and Young going at it in the back of a limo less than 5 minutes after they meet. (Sorry, kids, but that simply doesn't happen in the real world).The dialogue is hit and miss. Sometimes it's witty - and sometimes you cringe:YOUNG: "Send me postcards from your exotic ports of call. That's what they call them, isn't it - exotic ports of call?"COSTNER: "A port's a port. You're exotic."There's a twist at the end that is 1) set up deftly and honestly in the early going, and 2) has absolutely nothing to do with the main mystery. The movie doesn't need it. Indeed, the novel this film is based on, "The Big Clock" by Kenneth Fearing, doesn't even have it, and it works just fine. 7 out of 10.

I'll make it short because I don't want to spoil to anyone- This movie is excellent. While the cinematography might not be that special, the plot is mind-blowing. And so are the characters. Each character is very unique and you can see it in the film- While the MC {Main character} is quite the generic-good-guy (Which is unique to the environment he's in, so it's not THAT generic), everyone else around him are special in their tone and behavior and even their looks. Now, the plot is also very good. Even amazingly good. Spoiler free- The MC is a commander in the navy who is recruited to the pentagon, and he dates the senators mistress. (No spoilers thus far. It's the beginning plot). You might think it's a weird drama flick- But hell no! It's a very engaging thriller with an amazing ending!I recommend it very much! The beginning might bore you, but it will just make the ending more amazing.

"No Way Out" is simply one of the best Kevin Costner movies I've ever seen. I believe this was where he scored his first break as a talented action star with his sexy and heart throb good looks. The cover up story is very nerve racking that you can really feel the suspense around it. The movie runs for almost 2 hours and it takes you around the Washington DC area & the Pentagon and is worth watching over & over again. The chronology of episodes really intensifies the viewers until the whole cover up explodes at the climax. The movie also ignites with passion, as Kevin Costner fell for the Secretary of Foreign Affair's mistress played by Sean Young. Of course, Gene Hackman, one of the all time best actors around, also played a good role as the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Sex & politics is just a hot topic of our times and in the coming November 2000 elections especially when loyalty and integrity and devotion to your job & countrymen come into play. That's what this movie stirs some criticisms but not this extreme.Fast-paced, suspenseful, and exhibiting all the aspects of a classic Soviet-era spy game drama, "No Way Out" will have you poised on the edge of your seat. The story is really well done & shines in the movie. The camera-work is really good, as is the music, special effects, & the pacing, but the pacing is uneven at spots but generally well done. With a fine supporting role from Will Patton (who would later appear in the less successful "The Postman" with Costner) "No Way Out" keeps you on the edge of your seat from start-to-surprise end finish.Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Commander Tom Farrell (Kevin Costner) is a naval officer who is being interrogated. Six months earlier, Farrell got involved with Susan Atwell (Sean Young) without knowing that she's the mistress to the secretary of defense David Brice (Gene Hackman). He's starting a new job under Brice working with an old friend Scott Pritchard (Will Patton). Eventually Farrell finds out that Brice is the other man. A jealous Brice strikes Susan off the balcony to her death. Pritchard works to cover it up and find the other lover who is a possible witness. There is a negative to a Polaroid under the bed and Pritchard claims it as a photo of a KGB mole. Farrell is put in charge as Sam Hesselman (George Dzundza) tries to regenerate the photo.It's a terrific noir thriller. Once the movie turns into an investigation, the paranoia and the intensity ramp up multiple folds. It's like a runaway train. It's an exciting psychological thriller without the action scenes. With this, Kevin Costner is on his way to becoming the biggest star in Hollywood.