You can almost hear it now, can't you? That synthesized drum beat kicking in, Phil Collins' unmistakable voice piercing through the humid airwaves of 1984. Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) wasn't just a song; it was an event, a sonic wallpaper for a year already drenched in neon and style. And the film it sprang from, Taylor Hackford's Against All Odds, carries much of that same slick, atmospheric, and dangerously seductive energy. Watching it again on a worn VHS tape feels less like revisiting a movie and more like unearthing a time capsule – one filled with sunshine, shadows, and the heavy weight of questionable choices.
Sun-Drenched Danger, LA Noir
At its heart, Against All Odds is a reimagining, a stylish 80s update of the classic 1947 film noir Out of the Past. It swaps the smoky backrooms of the 40s for the sun-bleached landscapes of Mexico and the cool, glass-and-steel power structures of Los Angeles. The setup is pure noir: Terry Brogan (Jeff Bridges), an aging pro football player nursing an injury and needing cash, gets a dangerous offer from his old acquaintance, the slick, menacing gambler Jake Wise (James Woods). The job? Find Jake's runaway girlfriend, Jessie Wyler (Rachel Ward), who not only took off with his money but also happens to be the stepdaughter of the powerful, ruthless owner of Terry's former team.
The moment Terry tracks Jessie down in Cozumel, sparks fly amidst the Mayan ruins and turquoise waters. What follows is a tangled web of desire, betrayal, and desperation, pulling Terry deeper into a conspiracy involving crooked land deals, powerful figures, and the inescapable pull of a woman who might be his salvation or his doom. Hackford, who previously showed his knack for character-driven drama in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982), masterfully contrasts the languid heat of the Mexican affair with the cold, sharp edges of the Los Angeles storyline, creating a palpable sense of shifting ground beneath Terry's feet.
The Players in a High-Stakes Game
The film rests heavily on the shoulders of its central trio, and they largely deliver. Jeff Bridges, already a compelling screen presence, embodies Terry Brogan with a weary charm. He’s not a hero; he’s flawed, impulsive, and driven by immediate needs – a steady paycheck, a connection, survival. You believe his desperation and his susceptibility to Jessie's allure. Bridges makes Terry’s increasingly poor decisions feel tragically understandable, a man caught in currents too strong to swim against. It's a performance that showcases his early ability to blend physicality with vulnerability.
Then there's James Woods as Jake Wise. Woods practically vibrates with intensity, a coiled snake ready to strike. His Jake isn't just a villain; he's a force of nature – manipulative, charismatic, and utterly terrifying in his casual cruelty. It’s a quintessential Woods performance, crackling with unpredictable energy that elevates every scene he's in. The legendary car chase sequence down Sunset Boulevard between Terry and Jake feels genuinely dangerous, reportedly enhanced by the fact that both Bridges and Woods performed a significant amount of their own driving, adding a layer of authentic tension you just don't get with CGI.
Rachel Ward as Jessie Wyler is perhaps the most enigmatic, and arguably divisive, element. Is she a true femme fatale, consciously weaving a web, or is she merely reacting, surviving within the orbit of powerful, dangerous men? Ward certainly captures the allure and the sense of mystery the role demands, though some found her performance less nuanced than her co-stars'. Yet, her presence is undeniable, the fulcrum upon which the plot turns. Finding the right actress was apparently a challenge; names like Debra Winger were reportedly considered before Ward, fresh off the massive success of the TV miniseries The Thorn Birds (1983), landed the role.
Style, Sound, and That Song
Visually, Against All Odds is pure 80s gloss, captured beautifully by cinematographer Donald E. Thorin. The contrast between the vibrant, sun-drenched Mexican locations (including striking scenes filmed at Chichen Itza and Tulum) and the cool, often nocturnal, landscapes of Los Angeles is stark and effective. It's a film that looks expensive, even on its estimated $13 million budget.
And then there's the music. While the Phil Collins title track became a global phenomenon – hitting number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song – the entire score, composed by Michel Colombier with contributions from Larry Carlton, is a moody, atmospheric gem. Artists like Stevie Nicks, Peter Gabriel, and Kid Creole and the Coconuts also contribute tracks that perfectly capture the film's sultry, sophisticated vibe. The music isn't just accompaniment; it's woven into the film's DNA, amplifying the romance, the tension, and the melancholy. It's hard to imagine Against All Odds without its distinctive sound.
Echoes in the Tape Hiss
Does Against All Odds fully capture the existential dread and moral ambiguity of its noir progenitor, Out of the Past? Perhaps not entirely. The 80s sheen sometimes softens the edges, and the plot, particularly concerning the complex land development conspiracy, can feel a touch convoluted. Yet, it succeeds wonderfully as a neo-noir, translating the genre's core themes of fate, obsession, and the corrupting nature of power into a contemporary (for its time) setting. It explores how easily decent people can compromise themselves when backed into a corner, driven by desire or desperation. What choice does Terry really have, once entangled? Doesn't his predicament echo the feeling many face when caught between bad options?
It remains a compelling watch, a film that pulses with atmosphere and features powerhouse performances, particularly from Bridges and Woods. It’s a quintessential piece of 80s filmmaking – stylish, dramatic, maybe a little excessive, but undeniably entertaining. I remember renting this one from the local Video Palace, the cover art promising exotic locations and thrilling conflict. It delivered, and watching it now brings back that specific feeling – the anticipation of a grown-up thriller, something slicker and more dangerous than the usual fare.
Rating: 7/10
This score reflects the film's undeniable strengths – its potent atmosphere, strong lead performances (especially Woods and Bridges), iconic soundtrack, and stylish direction. It successfully updates noir conventions for the 80s. However, it loses a few points for a slightly convoluted plot in the latter half and a central romance that, while steamy, occasionally feels less compelling than the surrounding intrigue and danger. It doesn't quite reach the bleak perfection of Out of the Past, but stands firmly on its own as a memorable 80s thriller.
Against All Odds lingers not just for its unforgettable theme song, but as a potent reminder of how seductive danger can look, especially when bathed in neon light and tropical sun. It’s a trip back worth taking, even if you know the destination is likely heartache and betrayal.