A Simple Plan **** (1998, Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton, Bridget Fonda, Brent Briscoe) – Classic Movie Review 2152

Director Sam Raimi’s 1998 real-life thriller deservedly earned good reviews but alas didn’t do that well at the box office.

Two brothers and a redneck buddy find a bag with a load of Mob money in a plane that has come down near where they live. They hatch a simple plan, but…

Bill Paxton, Billy Bob Thornton and Brent Briscoe are ideal in the star parts, and so is Bridget Fonda as Paxton’s wife who is the voice of decision.

Taut, tense, exciting and atmospheric, it has everything a little thriller like this needs. The smashing acting combines with a fired-up director to create a little gem.

The screenplay by Scott B Smith is based on his novel, a fictionalised version of a true story. As ever, Danny Elfman’s score is an asset.

By 2015, there have been no movies from Bridget Fonda since 2001.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2152

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