À contre-courant

This movie is obviously a B movie, but as far as B movies go, I will give it that. It's got plenty of action. A really good storyline. My one complaint is that William Forsythe doesn't pass off as a german very well. I thought Scott Glenn did a fairly good job. Sure some people won't like this movie, but I did. It was fun to watch. It's kinda like The Cowboy Way (which I never did like) although I may be stretching it a bit there. Either way, 7 out of 10 for me.

I rented this movie because I had a coupon for a free rental. I am glad that I did not have to pay because it is not worth paying for. The acting was very stiff and the editing was bad. The story could have been handled much better and when I read the back of the box I expected a sort of Miami Vice like movie but as it turned out Miami Vice had much better acting and much better dialog. If the four letter words were removed from the script this would have been a silent movie!

B-movies should be treated as B-movie. If you watch the previous condemning comments, well, I can agree to them at some extent but it should be noted that this movie offer a good characterization of the Marshal. A rough, tough, macho, reckless lawman whose approach to handle crime is out of date but proves to be effective, just like Dirty Harry's approach. However, he's also thoughtful, he feels uneasy for getting caught by a lady for uttering swear words. But Scott Glenn truly portrays this character convincingly, a man who's bold enough to assert himself as he is (of course by wiping out his enemies with style). Action scenes are mediocre, but what else do you expect? I think it's still not that bad.

Although cliches abound, this is an interesting film.

The acting of Randall Batinkoff, was quite subtle and appealing. Scott Glenn was focused and consistent with his characterisation. The direction by Mike Kirton, his first effort, was quite acceptable and his extensive stunt background was apparent. The score, editing and enthusiastic performances by the rest of the cast, many of whom obviously studied their roles, were noteworthy. Glenn's softening was blessedly unconvincing. There was enough torture and violence to warrant a "gratuitous" rating.

As noted above this film borrows from every action film of the last 25 years. It's part Dirty Harry, part Death Wish, part Lonewolf McQuaid and part Terminator 2 (sans robots). The plot is just ridiculous and has so many flaws, but that is what makes the film.

Cole McClary is brilliantly racist homophobic US Marshall. The dialogue throughout the film is just farcical. The scene where he arrives in Miami and meets his new partner (who introduces himself as Don Johnson) is pure comedy gold.

This film taught me lots I didn't know about the US Marshalls and the DEA. For example, DEA agents must have training in the art of ninjitsu. It's acceptable when rading a house to snap the neck of a guard. Speedboats can catch motorbikes. US Marshalls can commit extra-judicial executions. When your drug deal/party is busted, gun down all of your guests. If you're a Marshall, you needn't worry about not reporting the people you kill. That's OK.

A quality film. A definite must for fans of classics such as Death Wish 3.