It's one of the best crime dramas you've never heard of.

Perfection! Incredible screenplay, tremendous performances, so many memorable scenes.

This was a great movie. Just heard about it. Always love Billy B. 4.5*

A seedy caper to be sure. It has some good bits, but takes it a bit over the top with the boys. The local vs out of town cops adds a bit to this, but I don't consider it a typical noir. I liked the Arkansas star city stuff. Saw on TCM.

I thoroughly enjoy early Billy Bob Thornton movies. When he takes a character he is all in. It is 2024, and this is the 1st time I ever heard of, let alone watched. Nice seeing Bill Paxton again, another great actor gone too soon.

Last night, I watched the Criterion 4k Blu-ray edition of "One False Move" (1992), an indie crime drama starring Billy Bob Thorton, Cynda Williams, and Michael Beach. Right from the beginning, these 3 commit horribly brutal murders in LA that shocked even the most jaded of viewers. Michael Beach, as the super intelligent but sadistic character "Pluto" will scare the hell out of you. In fact, in a discussion between director Carl Franklin and Billy Bob Thorton (who also co-wrote the screenplay), they noted that Beach had trouble finding non-criminal roles for a while because he was so effectively scary as a murderer! After the murders, the story will eventually shift to a small town in Arkansas, where the late, great Bil Paxton will take center stage as a small-town police chief. There will be some moments of humor and pathos in this part of the movie. I can't say more without ruining the plot. All I can say, is that this movie is very well done by all, and if you haven't seen it before, please watch it! If you have seen it before, it is still worth watching again. Finally, as I indicated, the violence may be too much for some viewers, so as they say, "viewer discretion is advised". 8/10. For collectors like me, I loved the movie so much I bought it on 4k Blu-ray.

Though I wish there was a more complete ending to the story, this is an awesome and super violent crime flick!

The big-time debut for Billy Bob Thornton (and frequent collaborator Tom Epperson), who has quietly garnered as much acclaim for his writing as he has for his character acting, and for director Carl Franklin, One False Move is notable in part for its brutal violence but even more so for its character-driven story. Two groups are introduced from the beginning to inevitably clash - a trio of criminals on their way to Houston to sell stolen cocaine after a bloody rampage, and an unlikely team of LA cops plus the local law lying in wait at one of their likely stops. However, as the film plays out, breadcrumbs gradually filter through that begin to change how that final confrontation will play out, as you learn more not only about the characters' backstories but their respective personalities. Current needs, base desires, and past connections all play against one another in a way that ensures the frequent violence isn't just a thick coat of paint hiding script problems; Paxton's character in particular gets quite a few facets to his story with a role that is constantly rotating to show a different side to the audience. For Thornton, definitely among his biggest accomplishments in the writing room. This film really brought to mind the Sam Raimi amateur crime drama, A Simple Plan - both feature small-town crime in the context of family and duelling loyalties, both are critically well-regarded, and both star Bob Paxton and Billy Bob Thornton. However, One False Move feels much smarter in how it uses character dynamics, and features a much more nuanced screenplay. (3.5/5)

Overall, packed with many characters who differ from one another, One False Move is a dark thriller that is quite violent, suspenseful, and even sometimes a little unsettling.  Performances are great, with Bill Paxton delivering a confident performance and creating a witty and energetic character.  The film's villains, including Billy Bob Thornton, are creepy and highly disturbing.  The film builds tension right from the start delivering a surprising showdown that left me on a high.  There are twists and turns, which was a nice surprise.  By the end of this film, I just wanted to see more as the credits rolled, which is always a positive feeling.

The movie is a decently plotted noir/road movie. Where early Billy Bob shows why he's made the big league, and Paxton always added to a movie, the majority of the cast is dreadful. The one that steals every scene is the little five year old boy. A movie that would benefit from a pair of scissors. Worth a watch.

Sometimes the difference between living and dying is one false move Billy Bob Thornton stars and writes the screenplay about three criminals -- Fantasia (Cynda Williams), Ray Malcolm (Billy Bob Thornton) and Pluto (Michael Beach) -- travel from Los Angeles to Houston, finally arriving in a small Arkansas town to go into hiding Two detectives from the LAPD, who are already on the case, contact the town's sheriff, Dale Dixon (the late Bill Paxton), to alert him of the fugitives' presence in the area Underestimating Dixon, the criminals have no idea what they are about to face Sorry to say that this movie is so boring even if it's filled with good actors This needed better trimming too

The acting was poor. The dialogue was awkward. The dynamic between most characters felt forced. Poorly written. Poor overall.

This is a GREAT film from 1991 and co-written by Billy Bob Thornton. Bill Paxton puts in one of his finest acting performances of his very memorable career. Carl Franklin...man! why did this guy only make a few movies? He is a really good director. This movie starts off very violent and kept me enthralled the whole time. Check this one out if you are looking for something a little different.

One False Move is a great film about three criminals wanted for murder. They leave Los Angeles en route to a small Arkansas town. The police chief (Bill Paxton) and two LAPD detectives are waiting for their arrival. Billy Bob Thornton (who co-wrote the script) and Bill Paxton are great here, but Cynda Williams gives a stand out performance as the young woman mixed up in murder.

Good movie even after 28 years. Do recommend

The best thrilling movie ever made!

Beside the racial connotations, that unfortunately are still very present nowadays, the time was not too kind with this work. Still nice, but the 90s feeling is there. and for me is not a good thing.

Brilliant and gripping.

25 years later I have finally got around to see this film. One false move is a great little thriller excellent performances, a great story, and great dialogue. It's a great crime thriller. It's a bit slow burn in places but overall it's a movie I should've seen the way before this.

Underrated indie crime flick! I know Carl Franklin has gone on to directing a lot of television but I'm still interested to see what he'd do with a modern, gritty feature film. Great acting from everyone, including the much-missed Bill Paxton. Worth seeking out!