Retroactive (1997)

Crappy film

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

I've watched more time travel movies than I can remember. They've all been interesting but this one sticks in my mind as the one I like the most.I think it's because James Belushi's character is completely unpredictable and Kylie Travis' character becomes increasingly desperate as a result. I guess it's also because I like the idea that even if you have the ability to travel in time, that doesn't mean you'll automatically be able to change the outcome.I guess I also like the idea of having female lead characters in science fiction movies. Alien, for example, works well for me for that reason too.

It's a movie with these actors at the prime in their prime. The plot is quite simple, but expands on the back-in-time concept with vastly different dynamic changes in the timeline. James carries the 'good-ole-boy' to the extremes that puts reality to shame. So much so, that I gag at a lot of his performances post Retroactive. Hell, he makes it so real and so bad, one loves him to death. All the actors portray their roles with performances that exceed reality that QT would be crying. It's a perfect mix of Sci-Fi and characters over the top that make this movie such a success. Another sad, critical success financial failure performance.

Ever find yourself watching a really bad movie with no script or character development, that deteriorates to nothing more than shootings, car chases and explosions? That is "Retroactive" only much worse, because the viewer is forced to endure the same shootings, car chases, and explosions, over and over. If you enjoy sci-fi, avoid this for sure. If you enjoy interesting characters and a clever plot, avoid this for sure. If you don't like wasting an hour and a half of your time, avoid this for sure. If on the other hand you like endless shootings, car chases, and explosions, then "Retroactive" is your movie. All others should avoid "Retroactive" like you would a rabid dog. - MERK

In the wake of an unfortunate incident which lead to six people losing their lives, smart, gutsy, but severely guilt-ridden hostage negotiator Karen Warren (strongly played by Kylie Travis) quits her job and goes driving cross country to get her head together. Problems arise when Karen wrecks her car in the middle of a swelteringly hot and empty stretch of barren Texas backroads. Karen's given a lift by foul, boorish, obnoxiously hostile, and hot-tempered redneck psycho criminal Frank Booth (a fabulously forceful and flamboyant portrayal by James Belushi) and his timid, browbeaten wife Rayanne (a topflight turn by erstwhile 90's direct-to-video erotic thriller starlet Shannon Whirry). Frank kills Rayanne in a fit of rage when he finds out she's cheating on him. Karen narrowly avoids being bagged by Frank, seeking shelter in a secret government compound where token nerdy scientist Brian (a charmingly boyish Frank Whaley) is experimenting with time travel. Karen goes back twenty minutes in time and attempts to stop Frank from killing Rayanne with even more disastrous results. Bound and determined to get things right, Karen goes back in time again. And then again when things go even more awry ...Director Louis Morneau, working from a highly sharp-witted and imaginative script by Michael Hamilton-Wright, Robert Strauss and Philip Badger, ingeniously blends elements of a gritty crime thriller, a grungy road movie, and your basic ripping'n'rousing actionfest with a nifty central science fiction premise into an excitingly dynamic, absorbing, and oftentimes literally explosive handy dandy multi-genre combo synthesis. The extremely exhilarating action sequences are staged with heart-stopping brio and ability, the suspense is dexterously stoked to the nerve-frying ninth degree, the admittedly funky special effects are used with laudable judiciousness, and the furiously forward-ho headlong pace never once flags or falters during the film's fiercely zesty 91 minute running time. George Mooradian's bright, sun-bleached cinematography adds considerably to the sweaty tension. Ditto Tim Truman's lively, rattling, pulse-pounding score.Kudos as well to the uniformly first-class acting from a swell cast. The always welcome and invigorating M. Emmet Walsh contributes a cogent cameo as a weaselly gas station proprietor. James Belushi's deliciously rip-roaring hog-wild histrionics as the dangerously volatile Frank are a riot to watch, injecting a hilariously crude'n'rude sense of black-as-coal humor to the generally serious proceedings. Most impressive of all is Kylie Travis' fiery performance as Karen, whose deep-seated need for redemption and exceptional bravery make her a very moving and sympathetic tragic heroine. A multiple award winning feature at numerous foreign fantasy film festivals, this bang-up terrific indie sleeper favorite deserves all the acclaim and accolades it has garnered abroad. It's a sheer delight that's eminently worthy of cult status.