Bound (1996) ***

In this neo-noir, the first film from the Wachowski brothers (of Matrix fame), Jennifer Tilly plays a gangster's moll, while Nina Gershon plays a handywoman doing renovations on the apartment next door. The two women fall for each other, have some hot, lesbian sex, then hatch a plot to steal the gangster's money.

It's a simple story that manages to transcend the miserable acting of its 2 female leads. These ladies look great naked and sweaty, but they can't act their way out of a wet paper bag. Their delivery is so bad that their clothed scenes are unintentionally funny. “Bound” is known for having realistic lesbian sex, not so much for having realistic dialogue between its 2 stars. Fortunately, Joe Pantoliano, in his first lead role, makes his gangster character funny, menacing, and smart. He basically saves the movie, along with the able direction of the Wachowskis. The film is perfectly paced, and you can't help rooting for these low-lifes as they go through various machinations of deceit and betrayal.

I liked the plot of “Bound” enough that I feel like this movie is ripe for a remake. It's a standard, noir setup, with the twist being that Nina Gershon's interloper is female. With a couple of better actresses, this story is timeless enough to make a great film. Until then, “Bound” is free on Amazon Prime, and it's worth a watch. Come for the sex scenes, and stay for the noir!

3 stars out of 5