Review of Touch and Go

Bobby (Michael Keaton), "the Hornet", is an extremely good hockey player. He has a rough edge and never walks away from a fight, for he grew up in a tough neighborhood in South Chicago. Now, however, he drives a jag and has a revolving door for women at his posh apartment. Denise (Maria Conchita Alonso) is a single mother with a tweenage son named Louis. Although she has a good business head on her shoulders and big aspirations, she still lives on the poor side of town. One day, Bobby leaves the downtown hockey arena late, as he likes to avoid the press when possible. As he is getting into his car, he is approached by Louis, who begs for money. But, it is a trap. Soon, thugs surround Bobby and start pummeling him. Yet, they have chosen the wrong target, as Bobby soon knocks THEM out and captures Louis. Threatening the young boy with a call to the police, Louis tells him where he lives and Bobby takes him home. Denise is upset but, even in her anger, she has eyes for the attractive Bobby and he looks her up and down, too. Is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship? Romcom fans, beware. The film's box cover makes the movie appear to be a comedic love tale, but, it is far from that, although there is some sporadic humor. It is really a story of an unlikely love between a newly rich local celebrity and not-so-rich but lovely lady, with a violent, inner city undertone and a hockey theme thrown in for good measure. Regretfully, it attempts too much and falls flat on its face. The script is uneven and far from cohesive, making it a mundane watch at best. Keaton and Alonso are good and attractive actors and they make a valiant attempt to save the film but can not overcome the deficiencies in the storyline and the direction. If you like hockey, or either one of the main stars, you might wish to watch the film some night when entertainment choices are few and far between. But, for most viewers, don't touch this one, as it is very disappointing fare.