Review of Wild Card

The first hint that this is a low budget affair occurs in the first five minutes, when a helicopter crashes out of sight beyond some hills. This crash sets into motion an investigation in a small New Mexico town by Boothe, as his friend was the pilot who was killed in the helicopter. Any film with Powers Boothe and M. Emmet Walsh is worth checking out, and I was pleasantly surprised by "Wild Card." In addition to the rather complex plot, the desert photography is another plus. The ending is especially interesting, as it does tie together a lot of loose ends, with a totally unexpected conclusion. Although the screenplay may initially feel too familiar, the surprise ending essentially redeems what has preceded it. .................. MERK