Snake Eater III: His Law

Solider Kelly is back. First he took on backwoods hillbillies and then it was drug pushers, but now its punk bikers he's waging war against. You know what else is there to do, when you constantly get put on suspension. The third entry was a vast improvement over the stupidly poor original, although I've to yet to watch the first sequel. That's not saying that this one isn't any less silly, because it has its bases cover. However it tends to be better-made, merciless and playing up its tongue-in-cheek vibe. Lorenzo Lamas in the title role is looking even more comfortable, balancing the martial arts and with rapid-fire wisecracks. Like the hilariously bad-ass opening café robbery sequence, which sees Solider being suspended for the methods he used to do his job. It wasn't by the book, but justice was served… his way "It's up to them if they wanna die". Because of this he gets the attention of some parents, who offer him a job to take revenge on a gang of outlaw bikers called Hell's Furies that kidnapped their daughter months ago where they treated her like a piece of meat. She was constantly raped and drugged, which left her in a vegetable state. So without the law on his side, he seeks help from a Private investigator / former biker friend Cowboy in tracking down this biker gang.

Low-crack, but enjoyably macho, pumped-up and over-the-top exploitative b-grade action joint that's economically directed. Where I found it hard not to like. There's a reckless formula to it all, as it has snake eater written all over it. Bar room brawls, smart-ass jibs, profane dialogues, beer sculling, low-brow sleaze, pulpy violence, unfathomable actions, exaggerated villains and you got it… elaborate booby traps. Everything about has a sense of humour to it. The funny thing is, after ridding the earth of these bikers. The girl is magically cured. No more scars and giving herself to any nearby male ("don't you wanna f**k me?")… She's sane. Only if things could be that easy. The performances are spot on. Minor Mustain stolidly wry turn suited his Cowboy character and made for good chemistry. Tracy Cook plays soldier's love interest. Then for the bikers is man-made-mountain wrestler Scott "Bam Bam" Bigelow and a mean Chris Benson as the leader of the pack. Also appearing is Walker Boone as Soldier's police Ltd.

"Who the hell is Hulk Hogan?"

Snake Eater III (1992) was the third in the film series featuring former heart throb Lorenzo Lamas. In this third installment, The Snake Eater is trying to find a missing woman. Along with his sidekick, The Snake Eater stumbles across a mean and nasty biker (pro-wrestler Scott "Bam-Bam" Bigelow). For a novice, Bam-Bam is quite good in his role (he seems to be a ease playing the evil biker). As usual you get to see The Snake Eater in action, busting heads and taking names. The best of the bunch (that's not saying much however). A fun film that the actors don't take very seriously.

Recommended for a casual view or two, not a keeper.

C

B (for wrestling fans)

xx

This review was written in 1992, when this movie was a new release on home video, and was published in a Canadian daily newspaper. And yes, I consciously copied Joe Bob Briggs in my final paragraph back in those days.

SNAKEEATER III: HIS LAW (Rated R) - Cineglobe Video: Bikers, broads, breasts, and blown-up buildings - what B-movies are all about!

While I can't compare this killer sequel to its predecessors since I never saw them, I can say that is one of the best B action comedies of the year.

Lorenzo Lamas returns as Jack "Soldier" Kelly, an irreverent crimefighter with a twisted modus operandi. After getting suspended from the police force for "unethically" blowing the brains out of a would-be robber, Kelly is hired "under the table" by a wealthy couple whose daughter (Tracy Hway) was kidnapped, raped and severely traumatized by the local biker gang.

The subject matter may sound serious, it it's used pretty much to give Kelly someone to rescue when he runs out of ammo. This is the kind of guy who barters with a crazed druggie for "the rights to kill the hostage" and stabs another dude's feet to the floor.

When the bikers, led by the disgustingly fun Goose (Bam Bam Bigelow) abduct the girl again, Kelly teams up with Cowboy (Minor Mustain), a pistol-packin' wiseacre who's never at a loss for profane insults. Move over Murtaugh and Riggs, it's time for some new blood with better gags.

The final score: Sixteen body count, dispatched in inventive ways; five popped tops; two supreme naughty bits; wowie fight scenes; a great opening gag in a diner (Goose and his boys are so bad, they have reserved parking at the local choke 'n puke); Mustain gets all the best lines; Holly Chester becomes hollow chested when her boyfriend (Goose) finds out where Kelly hid her.

Three-time Snakeeater director George Erschbamer could head for the big leagues after a couple more flicks like this one.

(2023: well, we know that didn't really happen, but he still made some solid DTV action pictures during this era).

Sitting here minding my business when this movie appeared in my queue. I'm not a fan of Lorenzo Lamas, I hold no ill will towards him either. 9/10 I would have searched for another movie. A small voice said go to IMBd. I see Bam Bam Bigelow has role. Let's rock. Bam Bam plays his role better than expected. I'm invested despite the uneven writing and the laughable fight scenes, which is played to almost comedic staging. When you get to the final set piece you begin to question why you wasted your time on this movie? Do not misunderstand the T&A in the movie scatter throughout. You could do better if your interest? The end of the antagonist is the payoff. I guarantee you will not see it coming and you will feel pretty good. All the actors performed their roles. I was invested in the antagonist, the female victim/heroin portrayed her role remarkably well. I had this misfortune to meet a woman who been through a similar experience. Her portrayal hit a little harder. I would not search it out, should it pop up in your queue a nice little background noise.

Well Soldier Kelly is out and back working as a detective (we have to use our imagination to figure out how)for the first 10 minutes at least. Then of course he is on suspension again and working with an ex-biker PI to bring justice to a raped college student. He gets in the most unbelievable situations but always seems to make you believe them. This time he has a real love interest and she broadens the character nicely. Like us she falls for his line every time but circumstances are beginning to make her question her ability to stay involved with him. Great martial arts scenes(one where he is out matched)and the tongue in cheek humor these movies are noted for. There is only one problem with this movie.Sadly, it was the last.