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U-Turn

Play trailer Poster for U-Turn R,  1997,  2h 5m,  Crime/ Drama/ Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 60% 53 Reviews Tomatometer 63% 25,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
60% Tomatometer 53 Reviews 63% Popcornmeter 25,000+ Ratings
A two-bit criminal (Sean Penn) meets an attractive woman (Jennifer Lopez) and her spouse (Nick Nolte), each of whom wants him to murder the other.
U-Turn

What to Know

Critics Consensus

U-Turn is a lurid, stylish lark that boasts striking moments but lacks the focus and weight of Oliver Stone best work.

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Critics Reviews

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Martin Hoyle Financial Times Jan 20, 2023
This is a knowing, sophisticate's view of film noir: mannered, heartless, kitsch. Go to Full Review
Geoff Brown The Times (UK) Jan 20, 2023
In essence this is potboiler stuff. But it is a positive relief to find the director of Natural Born Killers in holiday mood. Go to Full Review
Richard Williams Guardian Jan 20, 2023
Those who have learnt to distrust this director will hardly be surprised to learn that here is a film giving murder a bad name. Go to Full Review
Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Nov 22, 2025
3/4
It offers sinful pleasures for those willing to take the ride. Go to Full Review
Michael Dwyer Irish Times Jan 24, 2023
The more outsized the performances the more fun the film, and while Penn is refreshingly less mannered than usual, it's the scenery-chewers who carry the picture. Go to Full Review
David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Apr 11, 2020
3/4
Filmmaker Oliver Stone has infused U Turn with exactly the sort of over-the-top, less-than-subtle vibe one might've anticipated... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Luke P Nov 5, 2018 Well worth a view with some good black humour, Deserves a much higher rating. Billy Bob Thornton is superb.
Leia W Oct 30, 2018 Talk about underrated. Wow! Sean Penn plays a drifter traveling to Vegas when his car gives way close to a town called Superior, Arizona, filled with weird folks. The narrative twists and turns in a serpentine fashion, rarely proceeding in a predictable or straightforward manner for more than a few minutes at a time (hence, the title). Film noir aficionados will recognize and/or expect many of the plot's contortions, since there are various requirements that have to be met by any entry of the genre. However, anticipating certain occurrences doesn't necessarily diminish our enjoyment, and the film takes so many detours that at least one or two of them are bound to surprise even the most jaded movie-goer. This is a very underrated film which was butchered on release. (Must watch Oliver Stone Neo noir). See more
George W Oct 20, 2018 This has a high rating for me personally. I like the backdrop, the story was great, never boring, and the long list of eccentric characters in particular, Billy Bob Thornton as the hick mechanic, Nick Nolte as the vile husband of Jennifer Lopez and the annoying couple Joaquin Phoenix and Claire Danes.. Sean Penn didn't look happy in the role but he is always great. Jennifer Lopez took stick for her performance but she didn't need to act, she is really sexy as the eternally lying femme fatale and thats enough. Brilliant movie. Loved it. See more
Sep 4, 2018 Massively under rated by some who fail to see the brilliance in this crime thriller laced with lust, passion and a mix of complex characters which delivers a dark, twisted and thoroughly amusing journey. Anyone judging this film based on technique and depth isn't seeing the film for what it is and perhaps missing the point entirely. This is a simplistic snap shot in a moment of time that is perfectly plausible where the scene is dysfunctional and chaotic but purposefully not trying to deliver a deeper message or meaning to the wider world so ignore those calling it aimless. A great and enjoyable film for anyone that looks beyond the heights of blockbuster type genres. See more
Albus S Aug 3, 2018 Depiction of the darkest side of US done at maximum, it's a pity that Oscars evaded this brilliant movie as its conduct has a disparity of selection. See more
George G Apr 18, 2018 UNDERRATED CLASSIC!! Great Cast, Great Director, Great Film!!! Quirky Noir Drama will keep you on the edge of yourLazy Boy seat! Not to be Missed! Think Coen Brothers style! See more
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U-Turn

My Rating

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Movie Info

Synopsis A two-bit criminal (Sean Penn) meets an attractive woman (Jennifer Lopez) and her spouse (Nick Nolte), each of whom wants him to murder the other.
Director
Oliver Stone
Producer
Dan Halsted, Clayton Townsend
Screenwriter
John Ridley
Production Co
Canal+ Droits Audiovisuels, Phoenix Pictures, Illusion Entertainment Group, Clyde Is Hungry Films
Rating
R
Genre
Crime, Drama, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 3, 1997, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 25, 2011
Box Office (Gross USA)
$6.6M
Runtime
2h 5m
Sound Mix
Surround, Mono
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