THE THREE FUGITIVES (1989)
FRANCIS VEBER
Plot
Nick Nolte is a seasoned con, a bank robber of no little ability whose just been paroled and is contemplating the straight and narrow when he's caught up in the bungled heist of nerdy first timer Martin Short. With the guilty presumed hostage, and hostage presumed robber Nolte's character has no choice but to go on the run with the man whose ruined his hopes of a life within the law. To this volatile mix is added Short's preposterously cute, but mercifully un-precocious six year old daughter, and as animosity gives way to friendship and ultimately a curious family dynamic the three make a chaotic dash for the Canadian border. The Three Fugitives is a hugely enjoyable comedy caper, and though it spends a lot of its running time teetering dangerously close to the abyss of schmaltz, the sheer energy, and performances of Nolte and Short, keep things balanced on the right side of a good laugh'.