Bird on a Wire

1990, Romance, 1h 50m

22 Reviews 50,000+ Ratings

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Movie Info

Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson) is put in witness protection after he helps the FBI bust drug dealer Eugene Sorenson (David Carradine). Fifteen years later, he is living with a new identity as a gas station attendant in Detroit. When an old flame named Marianne (Goldie Hawn) stops at the gas station and recognizes him, his cover gets blown. The recently released Sorenson finds out, and both Jarmin and Marianne have to flee across the country with the vengeful Sorenson in hot pursuit.
  • Rating:
    PG-13
  • Genre:
    romance
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    John Badham
  • Producer:
    Rob Cohen
  • Writer:
    David Seltzer, Louis Venosta, Eric Lerner
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $68.8M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Universal Pictures, Interscope Communications
  • Sound Mix:
    Surround

Cast & Crew

Mel Gibson
Rick Jarmin
Goldie Hawn
Marianne Graves
David Carradine
Eugene Sorenson
Bill Duke
Eugene Sorenson
Stephen Tobolowsky
Joe Weyburn
Joan Severance
Rachel Varney
Harry Caesar
Marvin
Jeff Corey
Lou Baird
Alex Bruhanski
Raun
John Pyper-Ferguson
Jamie
Clyde Kusatsu
Mr. Takawaki
John Badham
Director
Rob Cohen
Producer
David Seltzer
Screenwriter
Louis Venosta
Screenwriter
Eric Lerner
Screenwriter
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Critic Reviews for Bird on a Wire

All Critics (22) | Top Critics (3) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (15)

View All Critic Reviews (22)

Audience Reviews for Bird on a Wire

  • Aug 30, 2012
    It was a decent movie, with Mel Gibson and his glorious mullet. It was also great to see Stephen Tobolowsky in this type of role. The half star is for all the up-skirt shots of Goldie Hawn's buttocks.
    Jason R Super Reviewer
  • Aug 05, 2011
    bad team up, this film was disappointing for mel gibson
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jan 10, 2010
    Rick Jarmin is in the witness protection programme after he testified against two drug dealers (David Carradine and Bill Duke) who murdered his friend after a deal went wrong. When an old flame of his recognises him at his gas station work place, he is naturally concerned for his safety. The two then run to avoid the people after him. Cross country chase mayhem ensues. If you like Goldie Hawn or Mel Gibson, this is one not to miss; fun caper romp with charismatic stars. There are some clever touches and Gibson's wisecracks are hilarious! Funny action movies of the 80's.
    Deb S Super Reviewer
  • Feb 17, 2009
    Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn star in this action-packed romantic adventure. Rick Jarmin (Gibson) is a man who has been hiding under the FBI witness relocation program since the 1960s, when he is unexpectantly discovered by an old girlfriend (Hawn) in 1990. Together they lead a wild cross-country scramble when the man he put in jail is released. Happy-go-lucky hairdresser Rick Jarmin (Mel Gibson) did a good turn fifteen years ago when he gave the government a much-needed testimony in a court case that put a dangerous drug dealer behind bars. The Witness Protection Program kept up its side of the bargain, moving him around over the years and hiding his identity. Now they have him working in a Detroit gas station, but his cover is blown when a former girlfriend, Marianne Graves (Goldie Hawn) discovers Rick at about the same time that the now-released, and very angry, drug dealer has caught up to him. A shootout ensues and Rick and his ex barely escape with their lives. Now the former lovers must flee together; on the run, they rediscover their shared past as they desperately try to keep one step ahead of the killers. Set against thrilling backdrops and fantastical settings, director John Badham's film is a funny and heartwarming romantic adventure highlighting the bumbling antics of Goldie Hawn and the action heroics of Mel Gibson.
    Martin D Super Reviewer
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