Lookin' to Get Out (1982)

Lookin' to Get Out Poster

Two gamblers must leave New York City after one loses a lot of money. Doing what all gamblers in trouble would do, they hurry to the gambling capital Las Vegas to turn their luck around.

Introduction
"Lookin' to Get Out", a comedy-drama directed by Hal Ashby and launched in 1982, delves into the flamboyant and chaotic world of betting and relationship in Las Vegas. The film was co-written by Al Schwartz and Jon Voight, who likewise stars in the film. The script was apparently motivated by Voight's own gaming addiction in the past. The motion picture likewise includes Ann-Margret, Burt Young, and a young Angelina Jolie in her launching function.

Plot Overview
"Lookin' to Get Out" features Jerry (played by Voigt) and his best friend Alex Kovac (Burt Young) as 2 disheveled bettors from New York City getting away to Las Vegas to leave the wrath of 2 loan sharks to whom they owe $10,000. In Vegas, Jerry and Alex plan to win sufficient money to settle their financial obligation. Jerry's charming behavior and luck draw the attention of Patti Warner, a previous lover and the estranged wife of the casino's manager. Patti sets up Jerry and Alex with a high-end suite and front money for betting. From here, their wild, negligent and humorous journey unwinds on the casino flooring.

Character Development and Performances
Voight's Jerry and Young's Alex Kovac are crucial characters whose sociability constructs the film's plot. Their characters represent the destructive yet entertaining components of Las Vegas's gambling world. Voight's flamboyancy and Young's dry humor complement each other well, producing a balance between their respective roles. The performance of young Angelina Jolie, who played Voight's on-screen daughter Tosh, was impressive, showing her future as a successful Hollywood actress.

Important Reception and Interpretation
"Lookin' to Get Out" received modest honor at the time of its release for its amusing representation of the betting frenzy in Las Vegas. However, it was slammed for its unfocused storyline and abrupt ending. The lovely performances of Voight and Young were praised while the editing and screenplay were panned. Ann-Margret, as Jerry's previous girlfriend, showcased a detaining performance and proved to be a scene-stealer.

Conclusion: The Director's Cut and Legacy
Years after the initial release, a director's cut variation of "Lookin' to Get Out" was discovered and launched in 2009. With this version, Ashby, often regarded as a premier 'New Hollywood' director, restored scenes to create a more concentrated story and a clearer character research study. In spite of the improved variation, the film stays fairly underappreciated in Ashby's filmography.

In retrospection, "Lookin' to Get Out" stands as a historical artifact of 1980s Vegas, showcasing the dynamic, gaudy, thrill-inducing way of life. In Addition, Angelina Jolie's debut function in this movie adds to its historic significance in Hollywood's story.

Top Cast

  • Jon Voight (small)
    Jon Voight
    Alex Kovac
  • Ann-Margret (small)
    Ann-Margret
    Patti Warner
  • Burt Young (small)
    Burt Young
    Jerry Feldman
  • Bert Remsen (small)
    Bert Remsen
    Smitty
  • Jude Farese
    Harry
  • Allen Keller
    Joey
  • Richard Bradford (small)
    Richard Bradford
    Bernie Gold
  • Stacey Pickren (small)
    Stacey Pickren
    Rusty - The Red-Headed Hooker
  • Samantha Harper
    Lillian - Jerry's Ex-Wife
  • Fox Harris
    Harvey - The Elevator Operator
  • Marcheline Bertrand
    Girl in Jeep