Saturday, April 30, 2022

Movie review - "One Way Ticket" (1997) **

 Aussie TV movie - seemingly shot on video tape - about a prison guard, Rachel Blakely, who has an affair with a prisoner Peter Phelps. Blakely is very good. So too is Phelps although how much you enjoy the film will depend on how much you enjoy their chemistry Phelps was a little too believable as a hardened crim for me and when he boogied to her along to 'Hold Me in Your Arms' it seemed silly. Casting someone like, say, a young Hugh Jackman would've changed the tone. The scenes between Phelps and Blakely were a little rapey - when he dances with her it's not entirely sexy. Maybe that's just me but their complete lack of sexual chemistry was the biggest flaw in the movie.

I've got to say Phelps completely commits - with his tatts and later shaved head. Blakely goes for it too - it's surprising to see her topless. Chris Haywood offers strong support and there's a bunch of familiar faces.

It's a solid story though curiously lacking in excitement. Richard Franklin's direction is competent rather than outstanding.

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