No Man's Land - Tatort 911

Despite starring Charlie Sheen, who has been hot for the past several years from starring in a top-rated sitcom, "No Man's Land" seems to have been all but forgotten. In fact, I have NEVER seen this movie broadcast on television - I had to rent this over the Internet to see it.

Before seeing it, I thought that maybe since the movie was rated "R", that's why I had never seen it on television. But to my surprise, the "R" rating for this movie seems a bit harsh. There's no nudity, no (onscreen) sex, there are only a few utterances of the harshest swear words (which could easily be overdubbed), and the limited violence on display could easily be shown on a television drama. The movie feels more like a PG-13.

The above is a big clue as to why I felt this movie didn't work. It's lacking grit - it feels bland and without passion. At times it feels like it was made for television. It's not only with the direction, but with the performances as well - none of the actors here seem to be very enthusiastic, and the only thing colorful about them is Randy Quaid's weird hairstyle.

One positive thing I can say about the movie is that unlike other '80s movies, this one hasn't dated that much. But that is not enough to save the movie.

P.S. - MGM's DVD of the movie is pretty bad. Not only is the movie presented full-frame, and using what seems to be an older print not made especially for this DVD, the colors frequently seem off somewhat.

D. B. Sweeney plays a rookie cop and hobby mechanic who is persuaded by his boss (Randy Quaid) to go undercover in order to infiltrate and take down a luxury car theft operation ostensibly led by the flashy Ted Varrick (Charlie Sheen). Although not garnering the ravest reviews back when it was released, this film written by Dick Wolf has more aspirations for itself than it has been given credit for. As a look at the subculture of mechanics and garages, it is worthy and knowledgeable. And despite being far more predictable as a procedural, arguably lacking in suspense and nerve, you do ultimately care a little bit for Sweeney's character - and perhaps even Sheen's. The former brings the right level of blue-eyedness to his part, and the latter demonstrates that his talent was arguably underrated. The love interest is played by model Lara Harris. Also with R. D. Call as Sheen's rival.

Yes its from the 80s, half of the movies were just as bad during the decade, especially cheesy teen flicks and horror but this movie's not so bad to look at. If the plot happens to be a bomb then I guess the hot Porsches make up for it, they are definitely not to be missed. Some of the chase scenes are downright silly, I mean be real, an old 70's American iron (unless a muscle car) would not keep up with a Porsche, no sir! Anyways, pretty okay 80s flick, slow at times but got to love them Porsches. 6 out 10.

I will preface this by saying I am an '88 Porsche 930 Turbo owner here. That's the silver car in the chase scene with the Camaro. Biased opinion I'll admit. I think this movie pretty much holds it's own as far as the story line goes. I love it, being a Porsche fanatic.

D.B. Sweeney is perfect in this role. Outside of Platoon, I think this is the best Charlie Sheen.

But, let's face it. The star of this movie is the drop dead sexy Porsche 911!

"The Fast And The Furious" completely stole from this movie. They substituted hopped up Hondas and Mazdas for the Porsches.

If you are looking for my opinion, watch this movie. If you want a good story line, great driving scenes, this is your movie.

If you are a Porsche fan, you probably have already watched this 100 times like me!

Randy Quaid in a rare dramatic role, and M. Emmett Walsh in a really minor role are of interest. Charlie Sheen is the bad guy for a change. The movie itself is very lethargic, with occasional car action waking things up. There is no nudity and a low body count. I can't see this as much more than a television movie of the week. The love interest is simply like an add on. The Porches are fine and everything, but as fast as the cars are, the plot seems to crawl, especially in the beginning. None of the characters are likable, and some are severely underdeveloped. Honestly, you want car chases, there are better choices. The best way I can describe "No Man's Land" would be underwhelming. It's watchable, but just barely. .................................. MERK