Woodyanders Review of Tough Guys

Tough Guys (1974)

A likable, if rather lightweight 70's blaxploitation romp

[8/10 · 19 September 2008]

Tough, two-fisted Italian Catholic priest Father Charlie (well played with steely conviction by Lino Ventura) and rugged ex-cop Lee Stevens (a solid and charismatic performance by Isaac Hayes) join forces to find out who's responsible for a recent bank robbery in which one million dollars got stolen. Naturally, these guys find themselves neck deep in all kinds of trouble. Director Duccio Tessari relates the fun story at a constant snappy pace, makes fine use out of the gritty urban Chicago locations, adds a few amusingly quirky touches (for example, Father Charlie performs last rites on recently killed criminals!), and sprinkles plenty of rousing shoot-outs and rough'n'ready fisticuffs throughout. Fred Williamson has a welcome change-of-pace bad guy role as the nasty Joe Snake, plus there are sound supporting turns by Paula Kelly as scared hooker Fay, Vittorio Sanipoli as smooth businessman Mike Petralia, William Berger as the hard-nosed Captain Ryan, and Luciano Salce as a disapproving bishop. Hayes' funky, throbbing, soul-deep score hits the groovy spot. Aldo Tonti's slick cinematography likewise does the trick. While this movie is pretty tame and inoffensive compared to most 70's blaxploitation grindhouse fare (there's no nudity, only mild profanity, and the violence isn't that graphic), the breezy tone and engaging chemistry between the well-matched leads make this picture an enjoyable enough diversion.