This is one of those films that flew under the radar... WAY better than I thought it was gonna be .This movie was done well compared to others of similar 'direct-to-video' design. The introduction start dramatic and sets the stage for a action packed gangster flick. The editing was done well with seamless transitions from scene to scene. The story line played out on screen with very few bumps in the road. The cast and crew were impressive especially considering the low budget used to bring this vision to the video store light of day. Honestly, there are times you forget that this is a low budget B flick with consistently great acting by Cuba Gooding Jr
29 Reviews
Better then average production values for a DTV film of this nature. Cuba shines, and this movie is a solid success.
callanvass17 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
(Credit IMDb) A small-time crime boss kills a drug dealer without realizing that the drug dealer works for the biggest crime boss in the country
Wrong Turn at Tahoe could possibly be a potentially much-needed turning point in Cuba's falling career. This movie reeks of class, and ranks as one of the better mobster flicks. The shoot out at the end is not only exciting, but felt like a big theater epic. I was really surprised a film this solid was stuck going DTV, I've seen plenty of Theatrical movies that are worse then this one go to theaters, that shouldn't have. I also thought it was built up very efficiently. The opening paves way for what is to become of the movie, and I thought it paved off flawlessly. Pacing issues in the middle is a slight complaint, but that's really it.
Performances. Cuba Gooding is excellent in his role. I saw passion, I saw the talent, and I saw the hunger that I haven't in a long time. I've been depressed and disappointed with many of his DTV films, except the solid Line Watch, so needless to say I am thrilled with his effort here. Miguel Ferrer is fantastic, and adds class to every movie he's in. His intensity is enthralling to watch, and I loved his chemistry with Cuba. Harvey Keitel is solid in his role. Screen time precious, performance just great.
Bottom line. This is better then a lot of Mobster films that went to theaters. It's paced just right aside from the notion about the middle I said earlier in my review. Hopefully this is the start of a renaissance for Cuba of sorts. If, anything else he's headed in the right direction. Recommended
7 ½ /10
Wrong Turn at Tahoe could possibly be a potentially much-needed turning point in Cuba's falling career. This movie reeks of class, and ranks as one of the better mobster flicks. The shoot out at the end is not only exciting, but felt like a big theater epic. I was really surprised a film this solid was stuck going DTV, I've seen plenty of Theatrical movies that are worse then this one go to theaters, that shouldn't have. I also thought it was built up very efficiently. The opening paves way for what is to become of the movie, and I thought it paved off flawlessly. Pacing issues in the middle is a slight complaint, but that's really it.
Performances. Cuba Gooding is excellent in his role. I saw passion, I saw the talent, and I saw the hunger that I haven't in a long time. I've been depressed and disappointed with many of his DTV films, except the solid Line Watch, so needless to say I am thrilled with his effort here. Miguel Ferrer is fantastic, and adds class to every movie he's in. His intensity is enthralling to watch, and I loved his chemistry with Cuba. Harvey Keitel is solid in his role. Screen time precious, performance just great.
Bottom line. This is better then a lot of Mobster films that went to theaters. It's paced just right aside from the notion about the middle I said earlier in my review. Hopefully this is the start of a renaissance for Cuba of sorts. If, anything else he's headed in the right direction. Recommended
7 ½ /10
Cuba Gooding Jr. excels in this violent crime thriller...
ajs-1026 December 2010
I do enjoy a crime thriller and this, even though it went straight to DVD, isn't a bad one. Some great performances, plenty of violence and a pretty strong plot all add up to an entertaining watch (if you like that kind of thing). I'll tell you more of my thoughts after the following summary (summary haters please wait in the car with Joshua; he'll take you for a ride if you ask him nicely).
Joshua is the number one guy to Vincent, a medium sized drug lord and crime boss on the East coast of the United States. He hears, through a third party, that a dealer by the name of Frankie Tahoe is out to kill Vincent. Of course Vincent won't stand for that and they go and take care of Frankie. Now, unfortunately Frankie works for the biggest boss on the East coast, Nino, and he's upset at losing one of his best dealers. They meet and, well, let's say they didn't part as best buddies. After Nino takes his revenge on Vincent the gloves come off and it gets very violent indeed. Of course there is a lot more to tell but I'm not going to spoil it for you.
This is a very dark and a very violent film with some great performances. I thought Cuba Gooding Jr. was excellent as the brooding Joshua who has a dark secret he has been carrying since childhood; in fact it's the best performance I've seen from him in quite a while. Miguel Ferrer plays the part of the, sometimes psychotic, crime boss Vincent perfectly and Harvey Keitel is also excellent, as ever, as Nino.
It's a pretty well made film which, although the budget was obviously pretty small still manages to excite and enthral. It has a very well written script but it is one of those that you have to watch, you can't have it on in the background and expect to follow it. So, if you like a good crime drama and you're not bothered too much by some rather graphic violence, then this one's definitely recommended otherwise, I would give it a miss.
My score: 6.5/10
Joshua is the number one guy to Vincent, a medium sized drug lord and crime boss on the East coast of the United States. He hears, through a third party, that a dealer by the name of Frankie Tahoe is out to kill Vincent. Of course Vincent won't stand for that and they go and take care of Frankie. Now, unfortunately Frankie works for the biggest boss on the East coast, Nino, and he's upset at losing one of his best dealers. They meet and, well, let's say they didn't part as best buddies. After Nino takes his revenge on Vincent the gloves come off and it gets very violent indeed. Of course there is a lot more to tell but I'm not going to spoil it for you.
This is a very dark and a very violent film with some great performances. I thought Cuba Gooding Jr. was excellent as the brooding Joshua who has a dark secret he has been carrying since childhood; in fact it's the best performance I've seen from him in quite a while. Miguel Ferrer plays the part of the, sometimes psychotic, crime boss Vincent perfectly and Harvey Keitel is also excellent, as ever, as Nino.
It's a pretty well made film which, although the budget was obviously pretty small still manages to excite and enthral. It has a very well written script but it is one of those that you have to watch, you can't have it on in the background and expect to follow it. So, if you like a good crime drama and you're not bothered too much by some rather graphic violence, then this one's definitely recommended otherwise, I would give it a miss.
My score: 6.5/10
What? A direct-to-DVD movie with Cuba Gooding Jr. that's actually GOOD?
Wizard-827 November 2009
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.
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.
Killer Rental!
bobbalewicz9 January 2010
This was a definite surprise. A Redbox dollar rental, it was worth full price at Blockbuster. Cuba Gooding? Best thing I've seen him in for couple of years now, since Men of Honor? But he ought to pickup more 'bad guy 'roles...he's very believable...hard and gritty. However Miguel Ferrar: you stole the show bro! You are so underused in Hollywood, brother, get your agent to get you onto your own 'Cop/Dick/ME/whatever' TV show, you are very, very good! This film not for kiddies or chix but a good time and really, for the budget I heard this was made for? Very, very good overall production, filming, staging, etc. Enjoy!
A Good Story with Some Excellent Performances
Uriah434 May 2015
"Vincent" (Miguel Ferrer) is a relatively minor crime boss who is fortunate to have a man like "Joshua" (Cuba Gooding Jr.) looking out for his interests. So, when Joshua learns that a drug dealer has plans to kill Vincent, he relays this information to his boss, and they set out to take care of the problem once and for all. Unfortunately, what they don't know is that the drug dealer just happens to work for "Nino" (Harvey Keitel) who is the biggest crime lord on the East Coast, and he doesn't appreciate having one of his men knocked off. It's at this point, however, that "business" becomes quite personal, and matters get out-of-control very quickly. Now rather than reveal any more of this movie and risk spoiling it for those who haven't seen it, I will just say that this film encapsulated a good story with some excellent performances without expending an unnecessary amount of time in the process. I especially liked the performance of Cuba Gooding Jr., who seemed perfectly cast for this particular role. At any rate, I enjoyed this movie and all things considered I rate it as above average.
Surprising
quartermile507 December 2009
I'm not a big fan of Cuba's but he was believable in his role. Miguel Ferrer certainly commanded attention and, in my opinion, was a better overall performance, but Cuba pulled off his character well -a loyal, hardened, right-hand man to Miguel "Vincent".
While it is more of a typical gangster style flick, it does offer something a little different; which is what I think makes this movie work.
I would recommend this movie on a rainy day or if someone asked about it, but I wouldn't call someone to tell them to go pick it up... Possibly good enough for the big screen, but certainly not a let down for DVD.
While it is more of a typical gangster style flick, it does offer something a little different; which is what I think makes this movie work.
I would recommend this movie on a rainy day or if someone asked about it, but I wouldn't call someone to tell them to go pick it up... Possibly good enough for the big screen, but certainly not a let down for DVD.
Wrong Turn takes a turn for the better
djderka10 January 2011
EXTERIOR: NIGHT INSIDE CAR
The opening is much like the opening of RESERVOIR DOGS, which starts with a wounded guy in the back of a car.
This revenge mob hit film is reminiscent of PRIME CUT, (Lee Marvin) and THE EVIL THAT MEN DO, (Charlie Bronson) and about a dozen mobster revenge films where a lower echelon mobster seeks justice against the mobster kingpin for killing a family member or other unforgivable act.
But, I really enjoyed this thriller because of the relationship between Vincent and Joshua.
Didn't think Vincent needed to be a paranoid tho, and the scene showing his wife's affair should not have been cut out of the movie.
I agree with others, that this dark, relationship thriller, turns into a Jackie Chan martial art duke out...so it jumps out of style. Confusing flash back on who really killed Joshua's dad. Despite some murky editing and script confusion, the mutual loyalty between Joshua and Vincent could have been stronger...too many confusing moments.
EXTERIOR: DAY OUTSIDE VINCENT'S HOUSE
Car is outside with two hit men waiting for Vincent to come out of the house. Their car is bumped from behind. WTF? They get out for a look and are are quite surprised at what happens. So was I.
Nicely, done. And, great supporting characters in this overall good, engaging drama. I don't know why it wasn't in the theaters. Maybe it was on a limited release.
The opening is much like the opening of RESERVOIR DOGS, which starts with a wounded guy in the back of a car.
This revenge mob hit film is reminiscent of PRIME CUT, (Lee Marvin) and THE EVIL THAT MEN DO, (Charlie Bronson) and about a dozen mobster revenge films where a lower echelon mobster seeks justice against the mobster kingpin for killing a family member or other unforgivable act.
But, I really enjoyed this thriller because of the relationship between Vincent and Joshua.
Didn't think Vincent needed to be a paranoid tho, and the scene showing his wife's affair should not have been cut out of the movie.
I agree with others, that this dark, relationship thriller, turns into a Jackie Chan martial art duke out...so it jumps out of style. Confusing flash back on who really killed Joshua's dad. Despite some murky editing and script confusion, the mutual loyalty between Joshua and Vincent could have been stronger...too many confusing moments.
EXTERIOR: DAY OUTSIDE VINCENT'S HOUSE
Car is outside with two hit men waiting for Vincent to come out of the house. Their car is bumped from behind. WTF? They get out for a look and are are quite surprised at what happens. So was I.
Nicely, done. And, great supporting characters in this overall good, engaging drama. I don't know why it wasn't in the theaters. Maybe it was on a limited release.
A bit dull
harrymccormack198112 November 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I took a chance with this film after as it advertised itself as a gangland crime drama and Harvey Keitel was part of the cast. No sure guarantee of a classic but I wasn't expecting one. Only a fairly decent film.
Cuba Gooding Jr stars as a "right hand man" to smalltime hoodlum Miguel Ferrer who is caught up in a personal war with Mafia kingpin Harvey Keitel after killing one of his drug dealers. Things get messy when Ferrer's wife is brutally murdered as retaliation which sets a revenge plot for the rest of the film. There's also a side story with Gooding Jr flashing back witnessing his father's murder as a child. It all sounds promising.
However this is not the case. All the way through it was a rather slow-paced bore-fest full of stereotypical "gangster dialogue and clichés" witnessed in other far superior films.
Gooding Jr is wooden, Keitel is wasted although Ferrer does himself justice with his character.
It's not a total bomb, far from it, but rather a great storyline not brought to its potential and that's the frustrating part.
Approach with caution.
Cuba Gooding Jr stars as a "right hand man" to smalltime hoodlum Miguel Ferrer who is caught up in a personal war with Mafia kingpin Harvey Keitel after killing one of his drug dealers. Things get messy when Ferrer's wife is brutally murdered as retaliation which sets a revenge plot for the rest of the film. There's also a side story with Gooding Jr flashing back witnessing his father's murder as a child. It all sounds promising.
However this is not the case. All the way through it was a rather slow-paced bore-fest full of stereotypical "gangster dialogue and clichés" witnessed in other far superior films.
Gooding Jr is wooden, Keitel is wasted although Ferrer does himself justice with his character.
It's not a total bomb, far from it, but rather a great storyline not brought to its potential and that's the frustrating part.
Approach with caution.
Better Than Most Movies I Have Seen Lately
lwmswm20 June 2022
Good tight script. Good acting. Good pace with no filler or unnecessary side stories. No over loud music soundtrack. Okay cinematography. Some good shootouts and fight scenes. A little humor. I promise you that you have seen worse.
Give me a break...
alex95646 December 2009
The only reason I watched the movie were the comments in this site- "the return of Cuba?", "What? A direct-to-DVD movie with Cuba Gooding Jr. that's actually GOOD?" and so on. Someone actually said that this movie is not "The Godfather". It's an abuse to "The Godfather" to use the two movie names in the same sentence. I want to save you from making the same mistake as I did (watching the movie), that is why I'm writing this comment. The plot of the movie is straight forward, it starts and there are no surprises to the end (just shooting and killing). It's not even a good action movie. During the movie the actors make some decisions that are not at all consistent and logical. The movie is really waste of time, so if you decide to watch it remember- I have warned you!!! Oh, and I almost forgot. The dialogs are like a few high school kids have gathered in the school yard and try imitating De Niro or Pacino.
4/10 (and that's the best you can give)
4/10 (and that's the best you can give)
My sort of Movie
chser45320 December 2010
Small time gangster takes on Big time gangster the story has been down countless times before, but when its done well as here, makes for a good watch. Small budget and reflected in a fairly low profile cast, CG-Jr and Ferrer along with Keitel all make sound convincing performances. The violence is brutal and the characters harsh but convincing, certainly seen worse big budget examples of the genre getting their shot on the big screen. Don't expect anything ground breaking plot-wise but fans of the gangster flick wont be disappointed with the gritty realism, slick action sequences and unobtrusive soundtrack.
A familiar story, but solid execution helps
Leofwine_draca31 March 2016
WRONG TURN AT TAHOE is a straightforward low budget crime thriller boasting a decent cast, lots of action and incident, and a familiar but well-worked storyline. It's about a small time crook who accidentally bumps off the wrong person and subsequently finds himself the subject of a vendetta by a big shot crime boss.
Such story lines are ten a penny, but WRONG TURN AT TAHOE does well with the material by focusing on the nuts and bolts action of the piece. There's a whole host of well-shot violence here, and a short running time that means the film never outstays its welcome. Plus, the casting of the underrated Miguel Ferrer (ROBOCOP) in a lead role is an inspired one, as this actor gets far too little screen time given his undeniable talent. Okay, Cuba Gooding Jr. is acceptable at best, but Harvey Keitel has fun with a small but grandstanding role.
Such story lines are ten a penny, but WRONG TURN AT TAHOE does well with the material by focusing on the nuts and bolts action of the piece. There's a whole host of well-shot violence here, and a short running time that means the film never outstays its welcome. Plus, the casting of the underrated Miguel Ferrer (ROBOCOP) in a lead role is an inspired one, as this actor gets far too little screen time given his undeniable talent. Okay, Cuba Gooding Jr. is acceptable at best, but Harvey Keitel has fun with a small but grandstanding role.
A really generic movie with bad dialog
ultimt318 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This is a movie that begins by spoiling the movie and then going back in time like so many movies have done before. There are so many movie clichés in this flick you could make a drinking game out if it. The characters' actions do not make any sense and neither does the ending. If I hear the scorpion crossing the river story in another movie, I am going to freak out. It is up there with "We are the same.. you and I!" The dialog is really badly written, and the characters' motivations get jumbled up so often, the characters make no sense. This supposedly HUGE powerful crime boss brings a small timer into his home (why?), gets insulted and then just lets him leave (why?). Then kills the small timer's wife and then remains at that very house. Then has next to no protection on his home, a house he showed him how to get to. Characters bust out knives when it is convenient for the plot. This generic hole filled plot was really bad and the action scenes were pretty generic too. People casually chatting back and forth while gunfighting, senseless character actions, implausible circumstances over and over again. I tend to turn my brain off for action movies, but this one was beyond brain dead. It was like the script was written by a 12 year old with no editing. Many scenes had a "come on, that is ridiculous" moment. If it was cheesy and campy, it may have come off, but this movie took itself seriously.
wysiwyg
megrandad30 November 2009
Thoroughly agree with Wizard 8; a tidy and unpretentious little gangster flick with solid performance from all the players. Miguel Ferrer does indeed hold the screen as a hard man living by a set of questionable principles, but Cuba Gooding is no slouch as the right hand man approaching a personal crossroads in life. The legendary Harvey Keitel just has to turn up on this one. The plot is fairly simple, the dialogue punchy, and it just moves right along. Not for the kids please – too violent - but it certainly deserves an adult look. It doesn't pretend to be Godfather Part 2 - what you see is what you get. Good flick.
Cuba's Best DTV Offering
refinedsugar17 September 2023
'Wrong Turn At Tahoe' had no business turning out this fun. What keeps it chugging along is a good cast, decent directing and a story that moves at a good pace albeit stomping familiar grounds. Cuba Gooding Jr., Miguel Ferrer and Harvey Keitel headline, but you also get some fine work from faces in the supporting cast.
Joshua (Gooding) is the right hand man of local mob boss Vincent (Ferrer). Doing collections with associate Mickey (Johnny Messner) they end up at the apartment of a drug addict and conspiracy theorist Jeff (Michael Sean Tighe) who is a childhood friend of Vincent. He relays that a drug pusher named Frankie Tahoe (Noel G.) is looking to kill Vincent. Starting off a chain reaction of events that lead to bigtime boss Nino (Keitel) where only one man will be left standing.
You can see the play on words in the title. It's not a film of huge scope, but the tale of a man who owes his boss his life, their bond and the violence that surrounds them is satisfying. Everything feels grounded. Joshua is effective at his job, but he has grown weary of it. He doesn't quip a bunch of one liners or all flash with guns and money. He does what he has to and somehow is still a decent person. Vincent is a pitbull who values loyalty, but prone to flights of violence. While Nino has been surrounded by money and power for so long he thinks he's invincible.
'Wrong Turn At Tahoe' features moments of torture & a surprise or two on the way to a half hearted last frame. Ferrer is fantastic and I always like when Noel G shows up in a gangster street flick too. For my money, the best effort Cuba appeared in after sinking into the dtv territory.
Joshua (Gooding) is the right hand man of local mob boss Vincent (Ferrer). Doing collections with associate Mickey (Johnny Messner) they end up at the apartment of a drug addict and conspiracy theorist Jeff (Michael Sean Tighe) who is a childhood friend of Vincent. He relays that a drug pusher named Frankie Tahoe (Noel G.) is looking to kill Vincent. Starting off a chain reaction of events that lead to bigtime boss Nino (Keitel) where only one man will be left standing.
You can see the play on words in the title. It's not a film of huge scope, but the tale of a man who owes his boss his life, their bond and the violence that surrounds them is satisfying. Everything feels grounded. Joshua is effective at his job, but he has grown weary of it. He doesn't quip a bunch of one liners or all flash with guns and money. He does what he has to and somehow is still a decent person. Vincent is a pitbull who values loyalty, but prone to flights of violence. While Nino has been surrounded by money and power for so long he thinks he's invincible.
'Wrong Turn At Tahoe' features moments of torture & a surprise or two on the way to a half hearted last frame. Ferrer is fantastic and I always like when Noel G shows up in a gangster street flick too. For my money, the best effort Cuba appeared in after sinking into the dtv territory.
Solid Gangster Action Movie
Iniquitous3 April 2015
I normally bypass anything featuring Cuba Gooding Jr. Maybe I'm still scarred from Pearl Harbor (the movie, I don't claim to have been at the attack). However, I gave this one a chance based on the Netflix user rating (4 stars at the time). I was extremely surprised by the quality of the film. The plot is rather weak, but the talent presenting it is excellent. I had no issues with Cuba Gooding Jr. Keitel provided the least from a performance perspective, but he was good enough not to ruin it for the rest of the cast. There are clichés and logic failures throughout, but I was never bored. I'm glad this movie got made, and I'm glad I got to watch it.
Fantastic shoot-em-up
winopaul9 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Tonight on broadcast TV were two films from 2009. This was one, Black Dynamite was the other. Mike Starr was a character in both. Black Dynamite had a 3-million budget and made $300k. Yup, it could barley make 1/10 of its budget. That tells you all you need to know, despite the people raving about what a great spoof it is. I guess no one remembers I'm Gonna Get You Sucka. The shame is that the actors are great in Black Dynamite. The bigger-name actors in this film are even a little better. Its instructive to see how much better Mike Starr is used in this film compared to Black Dynamite.
The primary difference is the script and the courage of the director. Franck Khalfoun, the director, had the guts to play it straight and he pulled it off. Wrong Turn had a 6-million dollar budget and went straight to DVD for reasons I cannot fathom. It relied on gore a little too much, and the younger directors all make moves that are a live-action variant of a first-person shooter video game. So be it, this was still pretty good, with some great moments. Not sure why Khalfoun is not doing more-- he sure did a great job with this.
The quality of the acting was so good, I am amazed they could get this cast for such a low budget. The music was good, and there were times that the cinematography was stunning. Not always, but a few shots were Deakins-like, where if you freeze the frame it looks like a painting. And I was watching in 480SD with sidebars. Seeing this in HD would be great.
I really don't know why critics panned this-- maybe it was the straight-to-DVD aspect and they never watched it, they just assumed it would be bad. I think this holds up with Transporter and the Bourne flicks, and best of all, no nauseating shaky-cam like Bourne. Its a nice little Walking Tall meets Scarface flick and I recommend it. I give 7 stars. Its not The Departed, but its way better than Black Dynamite.
The biggest mystery to me is why screenwriter Eddie Nickerson only did this one flick, and why people are not beating down his door for more of the same. Six million, and the whole crew gets a lot of bang for those bucks.
The primary difference is the script and the courage of the director. Franck Khalfoun, the director, had the guts to play it straight and he pulled it off. Wrong Turn had a 6-million dollar budget and went straight to DVD for reasons I cannot fathom. It relied on gore a little too much, and the younger directors all make moves that are a live-action variant of a first-person shooter video game. So be it, this was still pretty good, with some great moments. Not sure why Khalfoun is not doing more-- he sure did a great job with this.
The quality of the acting was so good, I am amazed they could get this cast for such a low budget. The music was good, and there were times that the cinematography was stunning. Not always, but a few shots were Deakins-like, where if you freeze the frame it looks like a painting. And I was watching in 480SD with sidebars. Seeing this in HD would be great.
I really don't know why critics panned this-- maybe it was the straight-to-DVD aspect and they never watched it, they just assumed it would be bad. I think this holds up with Transporter and the Bourne flicks, and best of all, no nauseating shaky-cam like Bourne. Its a nice little Walking Tall meets Scarface flick and I recommend it. I give 7 stars. Its not The Departed, but its way better than Black Dynamite.
The biggest mystery to me is why screenwriter Eddie Nickerson only did this one flick, and why people are not beating down his door for more of the same. Six million, and the whole crew gets a lot of bang for those bucks.
A gruesome film is "Wrong Turn at Tahoe"
dhaufrect-114 April 2015
A gruesome film is the 2009 crime thriller, "Wrong Turn at Tahoe". It is directed by Franck Khalfoun and written by Eddie Nickerson. The actors include Cuba Gooding Jr., Miguel Ferrer, Harvey Keitel, Alex Menses, Leonor Varela, Michael Sean Tighe, Noel Guglemi, Johnny Messner, Reed McColm, Mike Star, Louis Mandylor, John Cenatiempo, M. Scott Sue, Paul Sampson, Walter Poole, Edward Nickerson, Cole S. McKay, Gary Williams, Jason McKee,John Casino, Carl Ciarfalio, Mark Riccardi, Todd Holland, Deron Schroeder, Genevieve Alexandra, Morcedes Brown, Khalil Williams, Adnan Baleci and Richard Lee Warren. It is a violent Mafia film that is filled with thugs and hand guns with silencers. I gave it 6 stars. Dale Haufrect
Wrong headed
rjaywallace125 March 2019
All things considered, take some cannoli.
emortland22 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
It's not the worst internal gangster strife film around, it's just kind of slow and plodding, and the big finale seems a tiny bit implausible - really? This is the state of current pro Mafia henchmen? I don't mind being "clickbaited" into watching this because of Mr Keitel, but I can't figure out how he died - serious shoulder wound? Whatever. Yeah, the two women seemed to go pretty gratuitously, and apparently Mr Gooding turned scorpion at the end. Ah well. I'm not sure you'll spend hours afterward worrying about it.
Old School Revenge
gensbill12 April 2019
The movie has a great cast with good acting, a good story, and excellent action including nicely done gun work. It may not look like it will be good -- I was expecting a cheesy B-movie -- but it is actually, very good.
Action is few, uninspiring and story doesn't go anywhere even after it's over
jordondave-280858 July 2023
(2009) Wrong Turn At Tahoe
THRILLER
Quite bad and painful straight-to-rental movie starring Cuba Gooding JR as Joshua, a personal debt collector he and his partner, Mickey (Johnny Messner) work for a loan shark named, Vincent played by Miguel Ferra, who everything was going okay, until a simple lie turned everything upside down as soon as he crosses paths with the heavier and deadlier gang men! The name "Tahoe" as the movie indicated is reference Frankie Tahoe played by Noel G as a two time drug dealer. Harvey Keitel also stars as a powerful crime boss, Nino. Action is few, uninspiring and story doesn't go anywhere even after it's over!
Quite bad and painful straight-to-rental movie starring Cuba Gooding JR as Joshua, a personal debt collector he and his partner, Mickey (Johnny Messner) work for a loan shark named, Vincent played by Miguel Ferra, who everything was going okay, until a simple lie turned everything upside down as soon as he crosses paths with the heavier and deadlier gang men! The name "Tahoe" as the movie indicated is reference Frankie Tahoe played by Noel G as a two time drug dealer. Harvey Keitel also stars as a powerful crime boss, Nino. Action is few, uninspiring and story doesn't go anywhere even after it's over!
The return of Cuba?
sergiopoe18 November 2009
Call me a product of the ADD age, but it's not very often these days that I'll actually sit through an entire movie without at least fast forwarding through some parts (you know, like the de rigeur musical montage in romantic comedies). And when I saw Cuba Gooding's name in the opening credits, I seriously considered putting an end to the movie and to my misery right there and then (I still have nightmares about his and Christian Slater's disastrous last effort at movie-making). And yet, as the movie developed, I found myself drawn into the plot and the characters. Mind you, this film is not a treatise on either. The plot and characters are rather simple, and we only get brief glimpses into the origins of the relationship between Cuba's character and that of his boss, but it's all we need. The rest is like a good old fashioned shootout at the OK corral. All in all, I'd say this movie was every bit as good as The Departed, minus the star cast and director.
unusual gangster movie with great performances
jwvandegronden-15 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoy movies that breath class, take time to tell the story, and are a little off beat. I saw this movie by accident, and from the get go I was glued to the screen.
Only after watching the movie I learned what a relief this must have been for Cuba Gooding Jr.! I hadn't seen movies with him in it for quite some time, so I was surprised to read all the fails he had produced. And there are a lot! This movie however, is a gem easily overlooked. The overall score of 6.1 is too low in my opinion. It is well written, directed and acted by all members of this great little enterprise.
Cuba plays Joshua, the right hand man of a local gangster Vincent, played by Ferrer, who is excellent by the way! But Cuba is more intriguing, darker and with his dark sharp edged face (Cuba?! Yes, like I said, amazing performance!) he tells the story of a man who knows his place in the world, accepts the circumstances he works in and the resulting violence this automatically brings with it.
He knows no mercy, is tough, street smart and loyal to his boss. During the movie you feel the fragility of Vincent when Joshua tells him he wants out. You feel and see the guard dog quality of Joshua that gives strength to his boss, who collapses when he finds out that Nino (big ass gangster played by Keitel, who is on automatic pilot IMO)had his wife killed after Vincent refused to play by his rules. Joshua turns 180 on his wish to leave and helps his boss to get even.
It sounds like a simple gangster flick, but the way the story is told, slow paced but never boring, the shoot outs and killings that somehow feel more real than I have ever seen (although I have no personal experience how it really does look like, thank God) make the movie so believable, so intense and so overwhelming, that I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time.
It is a gritty movie, real and in your face at a pace that gives you time to take it all in. Go rent this movie, it is well worth it!
Only after watching the movie I learned what a relief this must have been for Cuba Gooding Jr.! I hadn't seen movies with him in it for quite some time, so I was surprised to read all the fails he had produced. And there are a lot! This movie however, is a gem easily overlooked. The overall score of 6.1 is too low in my opinion. It is well written, directed and acted by all members of this great little enterprise.
Cuba plays Joshua, the right hand man of a local gangster Vincent, played by Ferrer, who is excellent by the way! But Cuba is more intriguing, darker and with his dark sharp edged face (Cuba?! Yes, like I said, amazing performance!) he tells the story of a man who knows his place in the world, accepts the circumstances he works in and the resulting violence this automatically brings with it.
He knows no mercy, is tough, street smart and loyal to his boss. During the movie you feel the fragility of Vincent when Joshua tells him he wants out. You feel and see the guard dog quality of Joshua that gives strength to his boss, who collapses when he finds out that Nino (big ass gangster played by Keitel, who is on automatic pilot IMO)had his wife killed after Vincent refused to play by his rules. Joshua turns 180 on his wish to leave and helps his boss to get even.
It sounds like a simple gangster flick, but the way the story is told, slow paced but never boring, the shoot outs and killings that somehow feel more real than I have ever seen (although I have no personal experience how it really does look like, thank God) make the movie so believable, so intense and so overwhelming, that I sat on the edge of my seat the entire time.
It is a gritty movie, real and in your face at a pace that gives you time to take it all in. Go rent this movie, it is well worth it!
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