Sometimes you come across a cherry of a film from a small studio that entertains more than the majors. This one is called The Squeeze, a fun well-made movie with some familiar faces and performances from good upcoming stars as well. The movie based on a real person gets you engrossed from its cool beginning to a surprise twist ending that satisfies. If you like films that give more than the same old story, than check out The Squeeze now on DVD.
In small town America we find Augie (Jeremy Sumpter) an outstanding self-taught golfer who wows the crowd with his spectacular shots. His best friend and romantic interest Natalie (Jillian Murray) knows how good he can play and admires his aspiration of being a big time golfer. During a local tournament broadcast on the radio, professional gambler Riverboat (Christopher McDonald) and his money girl Jessie (Katherine LaNasa) hear about Augie’s astounding win. They rush to the local golf course and find Augie in the clubhouse. After a quick demonstration of his golfing ability Riverboat offers him a proposition that will make him a lot of money.
So begins the nearly true story of high stakes wagering on a golf game that will lead to a do or die situation. Director and writer Terry Jastrow keeps his film moving along at a fast pace adding characters and building his plot to the surprise finish. He makes the story intriguing, convincing and entertaining with a cast that knows how to act. Although his film involves golf, it’s really about integrity, professionalism and life choosing paths. He sticks close to the experience told him by golfer Keith Flat, but like all Hollywood movies, embellishes and flavors it with good story telling.
Jastrow’s main draw centers on Sumpter who makes his character Augie likeable, smart and convincing. Sumpter has all the moves of a golfer, has a good screen look and knows how to win over an audience. The young actor shows his skill to keep the audience compelled with Augie, wanting him to succeed even though he’s participating in illegal gambling. When Augie comes up against the dangerous gambler Jimmy Diamonds (Michael Nouri), he has to make a call he did not expect.
Seasoned actors Christopher McDonald as Riverboat, Michael Nouri as Jimmy Diamonds and Katherine LaNasa as Jessie give their talent to the film making it fun to watch. McDonald turns his crafty character Riverboat into a hard nosed gambler who takes chances on most anything. He’d even put Jessie in danger just to keep the stakes high. As for Jessie, LaNasa shows her depth making her a moll who likes money and supports Riverboat as long as she’s got her hands on the bank. Lively and cunning Jessie knows how to intercede when things get out of hand. Rounding out the gamblers Nouri puts his hat in the ring as the dastardly Diamonds who will kill to win if the circumstances developed. Nouri is perfect for the part showing the dark side of gambling.
The Squeeze has been rated PG-13 by the MPAA for some sexuality, language, drug material and thematic elements.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good con film with a plot that entertains big time. (B)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Jeremy Sumpter, Christopher McDonald, Jillian Murray, Michael Nouri, Jason Dohring, Katherine LaNasa
Director and writer: Terry Jastrow
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sexuality, language, drug material and thematic elements
Genre: Crime, Comedy
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Video Release Date: June 9, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen 16×9 Aspect Ratio 2.40:1
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: ARC Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
