U Turn

It's like eating mushrooms and finding yourself in a strange state where perspective is erased and sound cuts you like a saber on your bare skin. Somewhere, the combination of Stone's eccentricity with Ennio Morricone's overwrought soundtrack is pretty successful, but sometimes this experiment loses its way and staggers over the gorge of exaggeration. Luckily, it always saved by the hand of the excellent cast and a rather successful redneck prank. It's pretty obvious that Stone is trying so hard to find himself until he gets lost... And unfortunately, that lasted to this day. (2004-01-09)

Formally, it has a brilliant style with an incredibly refined cinematography, filters, and excellently interwoven musical inserts. Emotionally, however, it’s very cold. Whether it was the intention is hard to say (though it did seem that way to me towards the end), but I didn't believe the acting of the film's key figure, Jennifer Lopez, for even a minute – yes, beauty for sure, but no talent. Sean Penn, on the other hand, is outstanding. The basic plotline is unfortunately too simple and as such, will not satisfy many film enthusiasts. The Indian moralizing babble can be survived, just like the literally insane ending, where a smile from ear to ear is obligatory. Crazy, twisted, depressing, deranged. Oliver Stone and his genre deviation, or one slightly controversial variation on film noir. (2006-09-28)

Very dark, dead, blackly humorous, bleak and strongly atmospheric!! Great acting, a well thought out and polished story with plenty of twists and turns, this is awesome in every way and I can't find anything to fault with the film. If I went through what Sean Penn experienced in this film, I would hang myself the next day without a second thought. For me, one of the best movies ever!! 100%. (2014-03-02)

A visually captivating spectacle with Oliver Stone's unmistakable touch, filled with quite suspenseful twists and featuring some of the best actors in Hollywood. That already gets you excited, doesn’t it? When Stone takes the director’s chair, you can be sure the film won’t have any flaws in that regard. It’s a guarantee of quality, as all films under his direction boast exquisite craftsmanship. U-turn grabs your attention from the very first moments, whether it’s due to Morricone’s amazing score or the visual execution, which is unusual but pleasing to the eye. Quick cuts and an original camera style benefit the film, making it one you’ll remember for a long time. Sean Penn delivered a masterful performance; his character was entertaining, but watching his constant bad luck was tragically sad. Some twists were unexpected, but several felt a bit forced, which isn’t ideal. The film especially shines with its excellent supporting roles (Billy Bob Thornton as the relentless mechanic was unforgettable, as was the devilishly cunning Nick Nolte), where several acting greats delivered commendable performances, even though they didn’t spend much time on screen. The final scene in the rocks was built up to perfection, and I truly savored the Penn-Lopez showdown. For anyone planning to visit Arizona, this film might not be the best choice, as it could change your mind. I give it 83%. (2017-08-14)

Weird film, that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think of U-Turn. Emotionally it’s a very cold film that just fizzles through your head. I’m not saying I was bored, but it is weak for Stone standards. Among those worth mentioning are the chubby, charmingly dirty Bob Thorthon (unrecognizable!) and the then-unknown Jeniffer with her sexy proportions. (2003-05-11)