This politically loaded action-thriller casts the epitome of awesomeness that is Charles Bronson in the role of professional killer Holland, who's hired to do in a sadistic "doctor", Clement Molloch (Joseph Maher), who's an expert in the fine art of torture. Molloch has left a long line of victims, and distraught friends / family of victims, in his wake. Holland is the kind of guy who, while his conscience ultimately convinces him to take the gig for decency's sake, is still able to maintain a detached sense of efficiency in his work. This is compromised when Rhiana Hidalgo (beautiful Theresa Saldana), widow of a recently murdered journalist victim of The Doctor, absolutely refuses to leave well enough alone and wants to see the mans' demise with her own eyes.
Bronson is fun to watch as usual, even if his role isn't exactly fleshed out, in this adaptation of a novel by R. Lance Hill. Admittedly, this could have been even better given the nature of the material. As it is, it's pretty straightforward, manipulative, routine (but slick) entertainment teaming Bronson with frequent 1980s collaborator, the legendary director J. Lee Thompson. It's also the only 80s film they DIDN'T do for the Cannon Group that churned out such classics as "10 to Midnight", "Murphy's Law", and "Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects".
The location shooting in Mexico is effective, as is the often harsh and upsetting violence. The opening torture scene is appropriately uncomfortable to watch. This is all we need to see to know that whatever punishment The Doctor may receive is richly deserved. Mahers' villain is at least moderately complex, having an Achilles' Heel in the form of his relationship with his sister Claire (Antoinette Bower). One very amusing scene has Holland realizing he's witnessing Claire partake in a lesbian rendezvous while he hides in order to capture her later.
A number of highly capable actors appear in the supporting roles, including the fiery Saldana, John Glover as a crooked Embassy official, Raymond St. Jacques as one of the villains' associates, Rene Enriquez of 'Hill Street Blues' as the helpful Max, Joe Seneca as a friend of Hollands', and the great Jose Ferrer, who's not given much to do as a professor who implores our protagonist to do the right thing.
Fans of Bronson and undemanding action fare - such as myself - may find it decent entertainment, although those looking for more substance may well need to look elsewhere.
Seven out of 10.
Bronson is fun to watch as usual, even if his role isn't exactly fleshed out, in this adaptation of a novel by R. Lance Hill. Admittedly, this could have been even better given the nature of the material. As it is, it's pretty straightforward, manipulative, routine (but slick) entertainment teaming Bronson with frequent 1980s collaborator, the legendary director J. Lee Thompson. It's also the only 80s film they DIDN'T do for the Cannon Group that churned out such classics as "10 to Midnight", "Murphy's Law", and "Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects".
The location shooting in Mexico is effective, as is the often harsh and upsetting violence. The opening torture scene is appropriately uncomfortable to watch. This is all we need to see to know that whatever punishment The Doctor may receive is richly deserved. Mahers' villain is at least moderately complex, having an Achilles' Heel in the form of his relationship with his sister Claire (Antoinette Bower). One very amusing scene has Holland realizing he's witnessing Claire partake in a lesbian rendezvous while he hides in order to capture her later.
A number of highly capable actors appear in the supporting roles, including the fiery Saldana, John Glover as a crooked Embassy official, Raymond St. Jacques as one of the villains' associates, Rene Enriquez of 'Hill Street Blues' as the helpful Max, Joe Seneca as a friend of Hollands', and the great Jose Ferrer, who's not given much to do as a professor who implores our protagonist to do the right thing.
Fans of Bronson and undemanding action fare - such as myself - may find it decent entertainment, although those looking for more substance may well need to look elsewhere.
Seven out of 10.