Desperate Measures (1998) / Drama-Mystery

MPAA Rated: R for violence and language
Running Time: 100 min.

Cast: Michael Keaton, Andy Garcia, Marcia Gay Harden, Brian Cox, Joseph Cross
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Screenplay: David Klass
Review published June 30, 1998

Cop Peter McCabe (Andy Garcia,) needs to find someone to give him a bone marrow transplant or his son will die of leukemia. The only genetic match he can find is that belonging to Frank Conner (Michael Keaton). The downside is that Conner is evil incarnate and imprisoned for multiple murders and mayhem. Conner accepts, seeing this as an opportunity to escape, knowing they won't kill him or McCabe's son will die.

Not a very pleasant film, sort of a Die Hard in reverse, with Keaton going up elevator shafts and climbing through ducts in order to escape from the cops. Garcia turns in a fine performance, Keaton is not as good but has his moments. Thankfully the kid isn't as obnoxious as most would be. The film is basically just an excuse for a chase vehicle, nothing more. That said, it isn't particularly engaging, and I lost interest in what happened early on. It's not horrible, just a waste of time.

Qwipster's rating:

©1998 Vince Leo