Baja (1996)

Nice effects though.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

Yet another obscure Lance Henriksen film worth seeking out. Henriksen plays a hit-man with relationship problems. Donald Logue is also notable as the psycho boyfriend of Molly Ringwald. Unfortunately, Ringwald's character is totally unlikable and fails to elicit any sympathy whatsoever. The acting ranges from good (Henriksen and Logue), to fair(Michael A. Nickles) as Ringwald's estranged husband, to totally unacceptable(Ringwald). The plot twists and turns, and seems somewhat contrived at times. Nevertheless, "Baja" moves along nicely with it's quotable dialog "a real professional never talks and if he does he lies", desert scenery, and intriguing characters. - MERK

Lance Henriksen is the only reason to watch this movie. He is at his best combing his unique talent for menace and sensitivity. He is such an excellent actor and much under-rated I think. He has all the best lines and it's worth it just to watch him. Sure wish TV series would come out on DVD.

Kurt Voss must be the most underrated director in the history of the cinema. I became a fan after travelling to Thousand Oaks for a screening of his excellent "Horseplayer," primarily due to The Pixies presence on the soundtrack. I was impressed, to say the least.Do not let the presence of a post-John Hughes Molly Ringwald dissuade you, "Baja" is not to be missed. A clever and mean twisting and turning plot gives way to an unusually compassionate ending. Lance Henrickson proves not only to be a great tough-guy (as per usual), but a fantastic comedian. He deftly delivers some of the most acid-tongued lines in recent memory, "What is there a grape-pickers convention going on here?"Voss' directorial style is understated, brilliantly allowing his sardonic wit to bubble forth without pretension. His dialogue is taught and ripe with honest laughs, rather than pandering to the plethora of pop-culture references masquerading as "snappy dialogue" in so many neo-noirs today.Check out "Baja" and keep an eye on Kurt Voss.

This movie is definitely a sleeper so with that in mind you have to be in the right mood to enjoy it. I admit Lance Henriksen was the only reason I wanted to see it in the first place so I was mildly surprised by the end. Especially because Lance has a tendency of late to appear in movies where he's the only real value, but the movie's alright.It's different. It's got a relaxed low-key feeling and mood surrounding it and also has the gift of having two under-rated characters actors star. Lance, of course, and Donal Logue. Besides Lance, I can't explain why I liked it. It's a movie you have to see for yourself and make up your own mind. Ringwald acquits herself decently however the story doesn't win any awards and I doubt I would have given this a chance if it wasn't for Lance.