One Man Force

Does exactly what it says on the tin. Former American footballer John Matuszak is a one man force to reckon with... be it through psychical altercations or ham fisted dialogue delivery. And there isn't a shortage of it, since Matuazak knows no other with his bull in a China shop tenacity. And this go for broke tenacity doesn't cop out when it came to the stunt work either. It won't disappoint.

While you can call this star vehicle clunky, and daft. Namely due to Matuszak. Still it's a highly entertaining action fare of a hot-headed renegade cop seeking vengeance for the death of his detective partner but in the process uncovering something much more bigger, and dangerous. Adding to the fun is a solid support cast to boot; Ronny Cox, Richard Lynch, Charles Napier, Sharon Farrell, Robert Tessier. Also amusingly showing up towards the end is a creative, yet fitting Pepsi product placement.

I was working at a video store when I found this tape on sale for $1. I couldn't resist: the title, the graphics, and even the tag line ("Jake Swan vs. the LAPD: Now the sides are even!").

On one hand, the movie has everything you might want: a highly original plot (tough cop's good partner killed, starting an out-of-control revenge thing), crappy synthesizer music with the standard 80s electric guitar riffs, witty one-liners, vaguely memorable action scenes, and even some well-intentioned messages about smoking dope. On the other hand, even I couldn't bear the whole thing. But it's definitely worth it for certain moments, like when John Matuszak "goes wild" and wrecks his boss' desk after being told he's out of control. And who could forget the searing innuendo when he tells a woman who comments on how big and tall he is that "everything is in proportion." That's the sort of thing that stays with you for a while, although apparently not that long, because I'm already having trouble remembering a lot of this movie.

What it comes down to is that you really must just see this movie for yourself. Get a pack of Schlitz, a couple Slim Jims, and pretend it's still 1989, if only for an hour and a half. But bear in mind that if you pay more than a couple dollars for it, you'll probably hate yourself.

John Matuszak plays Jake Swan, a rogue cop whose partner was killed. Eventually he seeks revenge on a nice assortment of bad guys. If you close your eyes as "One Man Force" begins, the music sounds very Ennio Morricone like, and you might think you had stumbled on a spaghetti western. Instead, what you get is a not too subtle search and destroy mission. Along the way Matuszak dispenses with colorful villains Charles Napier, Robert Tessier, and Richard Lynch. Part of the fun is seeing these three creatively disposed of, deaths like being crushed by a Pepsi machine, or barbecued on a rope. A number of amusing moments make "One Man Force" almost watchable. - MERK

One of the best types of films are the "cop on the edge" ones. You know the ones I'm talking about: The cop gets thrown off the case by his chief and he goes renegade to bring a criminal to justice. The are so many like "Cobra", "Cop", or most recently "Narc". "One Man Force" is one the best. Every line is a cliché like ("Get off my back chief!") John Matuszak plays Jake Swan, a no-nonsense cop who doesn't play by the rules, but when his partner is killed, he becomes a "One Man Force" to stop the bad guys. Matuszak puts in a fun performance as Jake. He is supported by excellent character actors Charles Napier, Ronny Cox, and fan favorite Richard Lynch. If you can find a copy, it's definitely one for your collection.

One other thing: The tagline For OMF is as follows: "Jake Swan: Narcotics Detective: 6'8-280 lbs-21" biceps, 55" chest. No One enforces the law like he does!" There's no reason to show off his 55" chest...? For more insanity, please visit: comeuppancereviews.com

My review was written in July 1989 after watching the film on Academy video cassette.

An okay action pic, "One Man Force" is notable as a rare starring role for the late John Matuszak, who does well as a sensitive, tough guy detective.

Film was briefly test-released theatrically in June but more logically will find its niche in video stores.

Matuszak plays an L. A. cop who goes on the rampage when his partner (Sam Jones) is killed by drug dealers. His boss is a police lieutenant essayed by Ronny Cox, identical to his "Beverly Hills Cop" film roles but with a twist at pic's end.

Main plot has him hired (after being suspended from the force) to solve the kidnapping of a rock star (played by Stacey Q), which Matuszak ultimately links to a money-laundering ring.

Pic is buoyed by an excellent supporting cast of familiar talent including Sharon Farrell as a diner owner and Charles Napier as a villain. Matuszak handles the physical action with aplomb and also is effective in several dramatic scenes.

Tech credits are above average, including an energetic musical score by David Michael Frank.