The Squeeze: DVD Review
Arriving on DVD this week is “The Squeeze”, written and directed by Terry Jastrow. It is also based on a true story about a young golf phenom who got himself in too deep after making a deal with some dangerous people.
Augie Baccus (Jeremy Sumpter) loves his family, his girlfriend Natalie (Jillian Murray), and the game of golf. When Augie catches the attention of a professional gambler named Riverboat (Christopher McDonald), he is offered the chance to make some good money. Augie refuses at first, but the growing financial and personal troubles at home causes him to reconsider.
After making a nice chunk of change locally, Riverboat tells Augie that he will earn a hundred-thousand dollars guaranteed if he comes out to Las Vegas and plays. What Riverboad doesn’t tell Augie is that the person that they are betting against is a ruthless gangster named Jimmy Diamonds (Michael Nouri). Jimmy threatens to kill Augie if he doesn’t lose and Riverboat threatens to kill Augie and his family if he doesn’t win. Now the young golfer is caught in the squeeze and he must figure out a way out.
“The Squeeze” is entertaining, but its biggest problem is that it never feels like Augie is in any real danger. The threats, especially from Riverboat feel hollow. Because of this, the game in the final act has absolutely no tension. I like the cast and its always great to see McDonald aka Shooter McGavin on a golf course. I just wish a better movie was made out of what is actually an interesting story.
By: Marc Ferman