Plot

In the 1997 neo-noir thriller "U-Turn", Bobby (Sean Penn) is a fugitive on the run from a group of ruthless bookmakers who have been terrorizing him. After his car breaks down in the middle of the desert, Bobby is forced to seek refuge in the nearby town of Sagebrush, Arizona. As he navigates the desolate streets and seedy bars of this small town, Bobby discovers that the residents are just as troubled and morally ambiguous as himself. The locals seem to be hiding secrets, and Bobby finds himself drawn into a web of deceit and violence. The enigmatic townspeople include Casey (Jennifer Lopez), a mysterious woman who may or may not be involved in the local underworld; Jake (Christian Slater), a smooth-talking con artist with a hidden agenda; and a cast of quirky characters that seem to be hiding something. As Bobby tries to fix his car and escape the town, he becomes embroiled in a complex game of cat and mouse with the bookies, who will stop at nothing to collect their debts. Meanwhile, the townspeople's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a dark underbelly of crime and corruption that threatens to consume them all. Throughout the film, Bobby's desperation to survive drives him to make increasingly reckless decisions, which in turn put those around him in harm's way. As the stakes escalate, "U-Turn" builds towards a tense and violent climax that challenges the moral compass of its protagonist and the audience alike. With its gritty atmosphere, complex characters, and non-stop action, "U-Turn" is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Reviews