Full Moon in Blue Water

A low-budget comedy-drama, slow to start, in which Masterson's uncinematic direction, and first-time screenwriter Bill Bozzone's reliance on characterisation, reveal their shared theatrical backgrounds. Hackman helps no end with a strong performance as the self-pitying, cynical owner of a poky bar on the Texas Gulf Coast. Mounting debts, combined with the disappearance of his wife, lead him to the verge of selling out to unscrupulous land-grabbers. But that same day he also has to contend with the muddled kidnapping of his wheelchair-bound father-in-law (Meredith), a hold-up, and a bust-up with his casual girlfriend (Garr). Low-key stuff with an assortment of eccentric rednecks, probably better suited to the small screen.