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17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Rush" Takes A Hard Look At Our Drug Laws, December 24, 2000
Every citizen who desires to seriously think about our nation's overall drug policies needs to view the 1991 movie "Rush." I finally decided to do a long overdue community review of this controversial film after reading today's edition of the "Houston Chronicle" newspaper. My local major daily ran a story concerning undercover police officer Barbara Markham alleging to have been fired in 1997 by the Chambers County Narcotics Task Force for alerting her supervisors that a paid drug informant was filing false reports. The informant who was under the protection of the police hierarchy simply assumed that Officer Markham would look the other way when he lied to obtain convictions. An out of court settlement to Markham eventually resolved the matter. Very little appears to have changed since Kim Wozencraft wrote a quasi fictional account about her own experiences of some twenty-five years ago. History merely repeats itself. I must be cautious, however, not to merely stress the indirect educational aspects of "Rush." This is also a great film, perhaps even a masterpiece, that ranks among the very best I have ever seen. The virtually unknown director Lilli Fini Zanuck put together a fast pace and riveting story. It offers little comfort to those who glamorize drug use. Ditto for the forces adamantly opposed to legalizing such self destructive behavior. True believers of either stripe will dislike "Rush's" brutal honesty and unwillingness to surrender to staunchly held prejudices. Jennifer Jason-Leigh is perfectly cast as the fresh police academy graduate assigned to her first police job. Any previously embraced idealism is quickly eradicated when she partners with an experienced undercover cop played by Jason Patric. The latter long ago decided that he must personally use illegal drugs to allay the suspicions of drug dealers. He now is a full blown addict. She inevitably finds herself in a predicament where a drug lord demands at gunpoint that both undercover officers use drugs in his presence. Moral compromise is not an option but a mandatory necessity. A very fine supporting performance is given by Max Perlich as the snitch forced to betray his close friends. Perlich deserved at least an Academy Award nomination. Greg Allman should also do more film work. Allman is more than apt portraying the wise and cautious drug kingpin. The elected officials and top police bosses are willing to violate their ethics and decency to put him behind bars. The plot of "Rush" revolves around the efforts to achieve this goal. It would be a mistake to conclude that only Texas has such troubles. Unfortunately, the corruption of the police and court systems resulting from our current drug laws continues unabated throughout our country. Cynicism is rampant and widely held is the view that the end justifies the means; the law should never get in the way of busting drug offenders. The Constitution of the United States is perceived as a document not worthy of honor. Should we completely legalize drugs? It is neither the purpose of this review or the filmmakers to thoroughly deal with that divisive issue. Nevertheless, "Rush" will challenge you. I give it a five star rating. Make sure you view this film at least once. You might even choose to send a copy to your favorite politicians.
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film, Based on Fact, August 22, 1999
By A Customer
This film is excellent in that it captures a mood and atmosphere that was real. The film is based on Kim Wozencraft's book, "Rush." She was the female undercover cop portrayed by Jennifer Jason-Leigh. She changed the name of the town and other names too, to avoid lawsuits, I'm sure, but those of us who lived in Tyler, Texas in the late 1970s, know that is where the real drug bust happened because we were here.The only complaint I have is how they had the waitresses in the so-called Driller's Club dress in Cowgirl outfits. The waitresses in North East Texas rock clubs during the 1970s did NOT dress like that. They were rock clubs, not country western clubs. But overall, the dress, the music, was very right on target, true to the times, and the circumstances. I have to add that Jason Patric's performance was fantastic. You believed he was that strung out guy. Why did he remind me of Dennis Miller the first time I saw him in this film? A better looking version of Dennis Miller, I might add. Also, Greg Allman is perfect as the elusive Will Gaines. If you want to watch a film based on a true story (except for some creative exceptions here and there) that also raises some disturbing questions, get this video. Its riveting.
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Career Building 101 for Jason Patric, December 27, 2002
First off, any film with Gregg Allman as the villain you can count me in for. Allman does a servicable job as the local bar owner/drug dealer, but he has virtually no dialogue. Nonetheless, his presence is menacing enough to pull off the desired effect. Jason Patric is the unquestioned star of Rush. He turns in a career making performance as a "seasoned" narcotics officer who makes his living going undercover. Jennifer Jason Leigh is the straight-laced partner he is given to help bring down Allman. Needless to say, Patric is good at his job, almost too good and there's a reason. His partner soon finds out the real deal and also becomes romantically involved with him. Begin the downward spiral into heroin addiction...The film lags a bit at times but Patric's edgy performance is enough to get you to the eventual climax. The ending seems like it was studio mandated which is a shame because the film itself stands on it's own up to the last scene. Anyway, Rush is worth a viewing for anyone interested in deep character development and taut drama. Recommended.
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