Red Rock West is a tasty film noir with a western twang to it and enough twists to keep hardened crime buffs on their toes. Even better than the deliciously complicated plot are the performances of a cast enjoying themselves with the ripe material.
Red Rock West (1993)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:37
Fresh:35
Rotten:2
Average Rating:7.5/10
Synopsis: Michael is on his way to Wyoming in a vintage Cadillac, where he's been promised a good steady job. But before reaching his destination, he finds himself in the town of Red Rock, where he's... Michael is on his way to Wyoming in a vintage Cadillac, where he's been promised a good steady job. But before reaching his destination, he finds himself in the town of Red Rock, where he's mistaken for a hired assassin by Wayne, a bartender plotting to kill his wife. Wayne flaunts a lucrative offer in Michael's face, which the down-and-out Michael can't resist; he accepts the money and goes along with the plan. Michael meets Wayne's wife face-to-face, but when she doubles the original offer, Michael leaves town. Just to be on the safe side, however, he leaves the sheriff a note explaining everything. On the road again, he crashes into another motorist. When the police arrive, Michael discovers Wayne is the local sheriff. Before it's all over, he's got to clear his name, come up with the money, and get out of Red Rock, which is a lot harder than it sounds. John Dahl's noir black comedy is an absolute joy to watch. [More]
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle, J.T. Walsh
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Lara Flynn Boyle, J.T. Walsh, Dwight Yoakam
Director: John Dahl
Director: John Dahl
Reviews for Red Rock West
It's well worth tracking down, wherever you can find it. For it has the kind of tension and energy -- maybe even a touch of delirium -- that is only a memory in most of today's big studio movies.
One of the most successful entries in the crowded ranks of early '90s neo-noir thrillers.
A rather ho-hum if watchable neo-noir, though it's been treated in some quarters as something special.
It's a brilliant noir movie that seems to understand the inner workings of film noir, rather than just paying tribute to it.
John Dahl's second feature is a quirky, low-budget "Western noir," baosting a fresh narrative angle and a quintessentially indie cast, including Nicolas Cage (before he became a star), J.T. Walsh, and the ubiquitous enfant terrible Dennis Hopper
[A] well-played, highly entertaining and playfully ingenious thriller.
With J.T. Walsh, Dennis Hopper, and Lara Flynn Boyle in your desert thriller, it's hard to go wrong, and in his riveting sophomore feature, John Dahl rarely gets tripped up.
A great example of western film noir from director John Dahl, a modern day master of these types of films.
It should never have fallen through the cracks. This clever little film is a real find.
As Red Rock West reached its conclusion, I was completely caught up in its plot -- and unsure of what would happen next. That's rare in a thriller, and it's a tribute to the ingenuity, skill and craft of the people on both sides of the camera.
Latest News for Red Rock West
June 13, 2007:
Director Dahl Out of "Punisher 2"
Looks like "Punisher 2" is in even more turmoil after losing Thomas Jane. Now rumored director John Dahl has revealed that he's changed his mind about taking over the... More...
May 18, 2007:
Jane Out, Dahl In on "Punisher 2"?
We're already well aware that actor Thomas Jane has walked away from the "Punisher" sequel, but now comes word that a new director might be attached. More...
More Movies
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 70% 70% | Where the Wild Things Are | 03/12 |
| 84% 84% | Paranormal Activity | 03/12 |
| 89% 89% | Zombieland | 03/12 |
| 76% 76% | The Informant! | 03/12 |
| | The Strength of Water | 03/12 |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Red Rock West at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Tim Burton's costume designer talks to Movieline about her long collaboration with the filmmaker and Johnny Depp.

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

We've got 20 copies of the hit TV series' Pilot Episode to giveaway.

Double passes up for grabs to the new comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

Get all the latest movie updates, reviews, interviews and features here.
Competitions

Enough Prequel, Original Trilogy and Family Guy DVDs to fill a space cruiser

Everything from Dr. No to Quantum of Solace could be yours.

We're giving away the 10th Anniversary Blu-ray, plus Braveheart and the Rocky collection



Top Critic

