Sanction fatale

In my mind Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Donnie Brasco) is one of the most underrated actors in Hollywood. He has given some great performances (watch him out-act all of the talented actors in Reservoir Dogs). But he hasn't gotten as much respect as he deserves because besides some big movies (Donnie Brasco, Free Willy 1 and 2, The Getaway, Thelma and Louise) he has appeared in more low-budget, small, often direct-to-video films. Once again Madsen appears in a small film, this time debuting on HBO. The story line is similar to the much superior (though average) film The Replacement Killers. Kristy Swanson (8 Heads in a Duffel Bag, The Chase) plays a government assassin who refuses to kill a famous reporter because she sees him with his kid. Because she does this, her government agency orders Madsen and friends to kill her. This starts off some boring action scenes. Swanson though a talented actress in unconvincing as a professional assassin. The other actors are average at best. Once again, Michael Madsen saves the day. If it wasn't for Madsen's strong presence this film would be horrible not just below-average. The film would have been a lot better had Madsen received more screen time. Recommended only for Madsen's performance.

After reading the other comments, I again feel we all did not see the same movie. I liked it very much. I thought it was one of David Dukes' better movies. That is who made this movie for me. Though, I was quite impressed with Michael Madsen's performance.

A government assassin (Kirsty Swanson), disturbed by the demoralization within her operation, refuses to kill a reporter (David Dukes) and instead teams up with him to break his story of corruption in her agency, all while being hunted by her ex-trainer (Michael Madsen) and ex-boss (Ron Perlman), and protected by her good natured "gadget man" (Donald Faison).  

This is an above average TV movie that's fun to watch. A decent plot that you actually do have to give some attention to. Enjoyable performances. Not to mention that it was interesting to see half the cast of the comedy "Tinseltown" (Dukes, Perlman, Swanson) reunited in something completely different.

Worth a rent/buy used.

I love Kristy Swanson movies. She's a beautiful, compelling actress and deserves better than this; but, as always, she does a super job. I do think the director made her character a little to terse and mean, even though the plot called for it. Had he allowed Kristy some margin of sensuality and vulnerability, she would have rounded out her character and added another level to the film. Kristy is athletic and projects herself powerfully. I don't think any actress can equal her in action roles. She can do anything, but she is quite adept at handling physical, aggressive characters. She's believable, and always fun to watch.

In Supreme Sanction, Kristy plays a reluctant assassin, who rebels, and is then pursued by her top secret government employers. Michael Madsen, a super actor, is her chief antagonist. She allies herself with her intended target and her computer-genius friend, and they seek to expose the "Agency" and save the target's little daughter.

Supreme Sanction is a rather marginal action film with limited atmosphere. After some initial action it bogs down for a while, until the mildly wild climax. But Kristy, and Michael Madsen make it worthwhile. They play well off each other. The director goes a little overboard trying to let us know how mean and incorrigible Madsen's character is. I got the point well before he was satisfied. There are plenty of holes in the plot, so watch this one for the actors; and Kristy's brief disguise as a hooker.

See! Kristy Swanson's career go down the drain right before your very eyes.

Witness! Michael Madsen look tough and say tough things.

Watch! A movie eerily reminiscent of every other direct-to-video release in the last decade.

Behold! The horrible travesty that is 'Supreme Sanction'.

Give this one a pass, there's nothing of any interest here.

2/10