Tequila Sunrise (1988)

We’d like to toast Tequila Sunrise (1988) for its icy noir atmosphere and hot babes. Under the direction of Chinatown (1974) screenwriter Robert Towne, the romantic crime drama follows Dale “Mac” McKussic (Mel Gibson) and Lieutenant Nick Frescia (Kurt Russell). They’re best friends who have pursued careers on opposite sides of the law. Things get sticky when Mac starts seeing restaurant owner Jo Ann Vallenari (Michelle Pfeiffer) — especially when Nick asks her to tell him what happens when Mac meets with Mexican drug kingpin Commandante Xavier Escalante (Raul Julia). Redolent of RKO gangster fare of yore, Towne’s modern tale gets away with playing a bit more fast and loose with decency standards. Ms. Pfeiffer’s character, for instance, is given permission to flash her flesh in a steamy sauna scene wherein Mr. Gibson feels her up to the tune of jazzy muzak. The action is made kinkier by the fact that the lusty couple is under surveillance. I spy with my little eye Michelle’s beautiful bare butt. Or is it? Through the trickery of moviemaking, audiences are actually treated to a shot of a body double’s derrière. Makes you want to say, “Bartender, make mine a double” or “bottoms up!” As expected, unexpected twists and turns ensue, as did an Oscar nomination for Best Cinematography. Also successful was the movie’s song “Surrender to Me” performed by Heart’s Ann Wilson and Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander which reached number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100. Of course, Michelle is always number 1 with us!