Trouble Bound (1993) scores points for entertainment value and a
convincing dream-like quality to the story from a litany of
implausible situations and risible events.
It also has a hip and joyful soundtrack from start to finish,
resminicent of numbers from Johnny Guitar Watson or Guitar Slim,
other mini-moog and Miles Davis Quintet numbers, etc.
This is a road movie, comprising various elements, ranging from
texas hold'em poker games, provocative strippers, bar fist fights,
a beating victim in the trunk needing to be disposed of, and a
treasure hunt for a high roller's stash of cash, in between mob
gang rivalry.
The picture is also a comedy of sorts, not shy in actively urging
viewers see the lighter side of various absurd yet lethal
confrontations, some with gunplay, or concerning the rapport
between Michael Madsen's character, (a decent card player), and
Patricia Arquette chatterbox, 18 year old character, somehow
showing a juvenile set of mind, reminiscent in some ways to Kate
Winslet.
Billy Bob Thornton and Seymour Cassel add texture to the story, and
more credibility.
The humor does well, often from over the top situations, such as
the meeting held between Arquette and her grandma - the appearance
almost a parody of the original Godfather movie from its
suddenness or clear-break at a mansion estate in the context of
the action. Another example is the exaggerated profanity which is
risible, especially in the gangland climax of the movie, and taken
in context with a large number of comical earlier moments.
This movie could have been improved with a wide-screen, but it
isn't the case as it seems designed for the high school crowd based
on the dialog, although the story is more mature than that,
centering on the underworld, gambling, showgirls, the mob, etc.
In sum, this is an obviously entertaining Hollywood and TV style
movie, underlining an imaginary world, comical, relaxed and
appealing to the child in every man and woman. Worth seeing.
