Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

"Dale 'Mac' McKussic" (Mel Gibson) was previously an extremely successful drug dealer who has since retired and is trying to start a new life on his own in a legitimate manner. The problem is that his former main supplier, "Carlos" (Raul Julia) is coming back to Los Angeles and everyone in drug enforcement is firmly convinced that because of that Mac is back in the drug business. This includes his best friend "Nick Frescia" (Kurt Russell) who also happens to be a high-ranking detective in Los Angeles County. To make matters even more complicated, Mac has a crush on a woman by the name of "Jo Ann Vallenari" (Michelle Pfeiffer) who Nick also happens to be in love with as well. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that this film came out when all three actors were in the prime of the aforementioned actors were in the prime of their careers and as a result it garnered quite a bit of interest. The movie itself is entertaining but I have to say some of the dialogue could have used a bit of improvement. Again though, it was still a good film for the most part and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Oh boy, my parents, my girlfriend, my conscience, always told me not to drink several kinds of alcohol. I should have known better when I sunk into Tequila Sunrise... Yes, it is a different kind of movie, mixing genres, but that is exactly why it is so good. Let us talk about its content, its recipe: A dose of buddy movie (without the race card.) with Mel Gibson and Kurt Russel, both friends and adversaries, another dose of buddy movie (pulling the race card) with Mel Gibson and the mysterious character of Carlos and his really good lines, a dose of romance with the gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer dancing between the two frenemies, a father-and-son plot, a sprinkle of investigation, put that all in a shaker and you are ready to serve. But that is not all there is to it. This movie is served with a perfect style. Colors are really great, some scenes are sweets to the eyes. (The Swing scene, shot against the light is really delicious). Last but not least, the music has one foot on each side of the border, jazz and Spanish guitar alternate in perfect harmony. 115 minutes of very good moments that I will not spoil here, I have already said too much, don't be afraid this melting-pot, if you like good old movies you will not regret it and you might even feel dizzy when the credits come...

First off Michelle Pfeiffer in the hot tub scene is worth at least 2 points right of the bat.. Raul Julia steals the show with limited time on screen,, that's 2 points. beautiful camera work and scenery 1 point. interaction between Mel Gibson and Kurt Russel and their constant arguing,, and their solid friendship worth 2 points,, and the storyline,, a drug dealer a cop,, a sexy young woman who both are in love with ,,3 points.. so there is how I get a 10... Mac is looking for one final score so he can retire,, but his best friend is a cop and is highly suspicious of Mac,, they are both in love with a local restaurant owner Jo Anne,, J.T. Walsh also plays a great supporting role in the movie,, but for me Raul Julia just steals the show he plays two parts,, a Mexicali federale and a drug lord.. this movie is great to watch,, part action, thriller drama love story,,

One of only five films directed by reputed writer Robert Towne (Chinatown), has some handsome stars (Kurt Russell, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Mel Gibson) to photograph in the striking location of Manhattan Beach, California. The story is truthfully fluff. A difficult relationship develops between restaurateur Pfeiffer and two buddies since high school, Russell (cop) and Gibson (drug dealer). Russell is a charmer with slicked back hair and a cocky bravado. Gibson is a tender-hearted softie pining for Pfeiffer; he's a good father who has attempted to go legit selling equipment and parts. Gibson spends time at Pfeiffer's successful Italian restaurant, hoping he might be able to eventually score a date. But Russell, working from the intense surveillance of DEA agents (led by the late, great JT Walsh), having bugged her restaurant, listening to conversations between Pfeiffer and Gibson, will beat his pal to the punch, seducing her before he even gets a chance. As this romantic melodrama commences, Pfeiffer instead falls in love with Gibson, even after all the dangers that might undermine their relationship like his Mexican drug partner (played by the usually excellent, late Raul Julia; Julia just steals the film, with his effortless charisma, once he emerges as the drug supplier masquerading as a Mexican Federali) appearing surprisingly (unbeknownst to the hapless Walsh, often considered foolish, with Russell often just emasculating him) and serious prison time if Gibson's caught by the DEA. Russell's character, working in concert with the DEA who seem to always botch any attempt to catch Gibson (and ultimately Julia), is placed in quite an emotional and professional quagmire…if he does his job correctly, his pal must go to prison and risk losing Pfeiffer in the process, but if he doesn't, it will detrimental to his law enforcement career. Seeing Pfeiffer having to decide between Gibson and Russell makes for the film's central dilemma; the ladies might understand how difficult it would be for her to choose. Russell is comfortable as the smooth operator, self-assured and confident at what he does (and he's damn good at catching criminals), with Gibson certain to make the girls swoon as a gentle divorcée longing for Pfeiffer but tied up in his business with Carlos (Julia) which could ruin any chance at happiness. Love triangles in these types of Hollywood romantic dramas are commonplace, but this was 1988 and Tequilla Sunrise has three bonafide stars as the leads. Towne was fortunate to get these three right when they were hot. It is a testament to Julia that he could walk away with the film considering the talent involved. I think the ending, which says that love conquers all even though it appears Gibson's going to jail (and should, to tell you the truth…), didn't quite wash with me, but I enjoyed how Russell grins in defeat accepting surrender when he realizes Pfeiffer is totally gaga for his pal. Considering Towne wrote this, you'd think there would be some meat on the bones, but this is all about star power; this kind of movie is more of a star vehicle and it seems Towne purposely avoided too complex a plot, instead opting to let his cast woo us with their talent (and looks). That sunset conversation between Russell and Gibson on the swingset is a showstopper of photographic beauty (the sunlight just bathes them, with us seeing just the silhouettes of Gibson and Russell as the talk about Pfeiffer and their dilemma).