Synopsis
Geena Davis stars as Samantha Caine, a small-town schoolteacher who can't remember anything about her life prior to eight years ago, and who hires a private investigator to help her uncover the truth. As memories start to surface, she realizes she was once a lethal, top-secret agent and her past has come back to haunt her. The film also stars Samuel L. Jackson and is directed by Renny Harlin.
Why Watch It
Gelatine Schwarzenegger meets noir amnesia with sharper dialogue than the premise deserves—Harlin orchestrates a kinetic action film that balances genuine character vulnerability against explosive set pieces. Samantha Jackson's transformation from PTA president to lethal operative crackles with dark humor and physical commitment, while the script finds unexpected warmth between her and a sardonic private investigator. A '90s action thriller that refuses to apologize for its pulp DNA while actually earning its emotional stakes.
Did You Know?
- Renny Harlin, the director, was married to the lead, Geena Davis.
- The film's screenplay was sold for a record-breaking $4 million.
- Geena Davis performed many of her own stunts in the movie.
- The film's initial concept came from a dream of Shane Black's.
- Samuel L. Jackson's character's name, Mitch, was inspired by Mickey Spillane.
Iconic Quotes
- "Chef's do that."
- "Life is pain. Get used to it."
- "I never did one thing right in my life, you know that? Not one. That takes skill."
- "I'm always frank and earnest with women. Uh, in New York I'm Frank, and Chicago I'm Ernest."
- "Uh, yeah, I'd like to report a truck driver that's been endangering my life."
