![]() ![]() Rod Steiger lights up the screen as a butcher turned preaching vigilante who captures convicted murderers and stores them in his own makeshift "death row" to await execution in a homemade electric chair in this uproarious black comedy. Rod Steiger, Isaac Hayes and Heather Graham make this film worth a look even if in the end it is a disappointment. Still, certain moments do transcend the film's problems. I don't know if you can blame the budget or the director, but it just misses. Still, it's worth a look even if it never reaches it's potential. ![]() With more texture to cover the obvious staleness of the story (ex: Tim Burton's "Batman") this could have been a remarkable film. The look of the film is that of a poor man's direct-to-video. As it is, the production values gets only a D. With better production values it would have been a very interesting movie. The story (we've been here before) is a C. The acting, however, is uneven and gets a B. The casting is eclectic with Rod Steiger, Lauren Hutton, Heather Graham, Isaac Hayes and Zelda Rubinsten and deserves an A. It is a black satire that reminds me of a cross between Roger Corman's "Black Scorpion", Wes Craven's "Swamp Thing" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot". But it's worth it to me to share my love of this film for those few who do see it and do appreciate it. Most of you will totally disagree with me on my view of this film. There are some moments of acting and clever cinematography that burn an image into your mind that is unforgettable. I showed it recently to my best friend, a fellow film enthusiast, and he loved it. If you admire Rod Steiger, if you like dark comedy with a point and a brilliantly classic twist ending, you really should do yourself a favor and check this puppy out. Isaac Hayes gives a hilarious supporting performance as does most of the main supporting cast. It was perhaps the last great performance of a long impressive career. The scene is very moving and richly played by Steiger. He has a lengthy monologue in which he describes the tragedy of his past that provoked him to take on his godly quest of bringing justice to the world. He portrays his character with passion, depth, and you totally believe this guy and his mission. Steiger's performance is amazing and it's a shame nobody saw it. It's a black comedy, at times completely wacky, at times profound when it raises moral questions, and at times it turns into somewhat of a superhero comic book story. I don't know why this film didn't get officially released, but I loved it then, and now finally revisiting it on DVD, I appreciate it even more. A rare casting choice that wouldn't likely happen anymore. Because I am a great admirer of the brilliant character actor, Rod Steiger, I was thrilled at a chance to see a movie made in recent years in which he carried the lead. I was fortunate enough to be living in Los Angeles in early 1992 when it was briefly released at one theater and played for only one week. Very few people have seen this film or are even aware of it. He somehow manages to make his character funny, sad, sweet, righteous, warped and malevolent- sometimes all in one scene. And Rod Steiger, who always committed 100% of himself to every role, no matter how small the budget or strange the screenplay, should have been nominated for some sort of award because he really gives a magnificent performance here. Ricky Dean Logan is hilarious, especially in his introductory scene. Isaac Hayes has some of the funniest moments as Steiger's demented henchman alongside Mitch Pileggi, who makes quite an impression as a snarling prisoner. Heather Graham, looking impossibly young and cute, makes for an appealing heroine.Lyman Ward excels at playing a sleazeball. That's what i loved about it: it skewers EVERYONE.It has absolutely fantastic sets and cinematography, with a distinct Dr Phibes quality to Steiger's underground lair. This film spares no one: right wing death penalty advocates, bleeding heart liberals, politicians,self-righteous religious zealots and incorrigble criminals. ![]()
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