The source of "No Way Out" is the 1947 "The Big Clock." "The Big Clock" has no computers, no chases, no final twist, but is so much better than the remake based on it. What it has is an understandable plot, excellent acting by Ray Milland and Charles Laughton, and an unforgettable humorous cameo by Elsa Lancaster. Don't miss "The Big Clock" if it comes your way, but "No Way Out" is worth watching on a rainy Saturday afternoon.

As I watched No Way Out I realised that I had distant memories of having watched and enjoyed this before at some point in my youth. I hoped as it progressed it would hold up and still be as enjoyable - it was. As a thriller it is very satisfying. There are some excellent performances all around. Costner and Young were both great - although almost over the top cheesy at times. Patton and Hackman were exceptional in their sinister performances. They really made this work as at times the story line verged a little on the ridiculous side and you couldn't help but wonder at the credibility of some of the characters decisions. There are some extremely fast paced and tense action scenes such as the chase scene and the building search scene that really are edge of your seat stuff. As the film continues the pace grows and grows until it explodes into a frenetic and frenzied outcome. Just when you think it's all done and dusted the final scene reveals the biggest shock of all. Personally I did like the twist - but think that it could have been done more subtly and effectively. Overall verdict: solid 80's corruption thriller with some excellent acting that gave the story weight and made it work.

This is how me and my wife felt while watching this movie. As if the nerdiest kid have got with the cover up plot, and they have decided to follow it. Actually if the whole setup was switched to the kinder garden instead of the Pentagon, whole thing would be looking much better. Only, instead of the murder, they should have to come up with something like a disappearance of a chewing gum, by the most popular kid. And to cover up, his nerdy friend had devised a master plan. Something like that. I think it would be much funnier and credible that way.Other than that, the production values are good. Actors are good as well, maybe except of Gene Hackman from whom I expected more.Ah, well, a disappointment.

Kevin Costner hit's a home run with this, excellent performance maybe of his career, next to Field of Dreams.. Gene Hackman is at his usual best in this. Will Patton plays his role perfectly,, and for me Sean Young just stole the show,, not only is she very sexy,, but she can act as well,, love the line in the movie where she tells the short guy that's trying to look down her dress,, to grow a few inches if you wanna look down my dress,, that just brought me so much laughter. A Military Officer is brought in to be a liason to the Defense Secretary to the NSA , and other various government branches.. When the Secretary accidentally kills his mistress. the cover up is on,, they invent a ghost terrorist, who has dropped off the map for years,, to take the blame,, not going to say a lot more, but you do get a good look inside the massive pentagon,, and the beginning of the movie has a great tracking shot of the downtown D.C. area.. great movie,, all star cast,, great actioneer.