Director William Lustig followed up his classic "Maniac" with this equally potent thriller. Robert Forster offers an interesting, low key portrayal of Eddie Marino, a blue collar guy whose wife and son are savagely attacked by loathsome punks. When Eddie realizes that he cannot rely on the "justice" system - including a crooked defense attorney ("Maniac" star Joe Spinell, in an amusing cameo) and an incompetent judge (Vincent Beck), he finally takes a friend, Nick (Fred "The Hammer" Williamson), up on his offer to help clean up the streets. The tone is set up very well right away, as The Hammer addresses us all and delivers a monologue bemoaning the level of crime and violence in the modern world. One can indeed see that he and his associates, Ramon (Joseph Carberry) and Burke (Richard Bright), himself a former cop, don't necessarily ENJOY what they do, but see it as being necessary, stressing the basic human right to not have to live in fear. And Lustig and company pull no punches when it comes to the depravity of our antagonists' crimes, not being afraid to cross the line of what might constitute good taste. At the very least, the movie is decent, reasonably gripping entertainment that explores that oft visited theme of what the average person is capable of doing once they've finally been pushed too far. As in "Maniac", the use of the various NYC locations is excellent, and there are some great chase sequences and scenes of strong violence. The widescreen photography (it's cool that this movie was shot in the Panavision aspect ratio) is impressive; the haunting and catchy main theme by composer Jay Chattaway may very well stick in the viewer's head a while after the movie has ended. The good supporting cast is also a big help, featuring such performers as Rutanya Alda as Eddie's wife Vickie, Don Blakely as despicable lowlife Prago, salsa music legend Willie Colon as gang leader Rico, Carol Lynley as the ineffective district attorney, the awesome Woody Strode as imposing convict Rake, Frank Pesce as drug dealing scum "Blueboy", Peter Savage (to whom the movie is dedicated) as big shot gangster Mr. Stokes, and busy 80's action movie regular Steve James as Patrolman Gibbons. (Keep an eye out for the walk on by Lustig as he exits an elevator.) The Hammer is especially fun to watch in one of his best ever roles; overall, "Vigilante" is good of its kind and packs a pretty mean punch. Seven out of 10.
67 Reviews
The midnight A-team
danielcereto11 April 2020
Just watched this and I think this is an underrated movie. The cast is pretty good and the usual revenge story turns into a pretty well execution.
On the other hand some plot holes or weird decisions of some characters. But overall a good revenge flick.
Low budget revenge thriller with a gritty street vibe
Leofwine_draca27 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A typically brutal and hard-edged thriller from William Lustig, the man mainly known for his video nasty epic MANIAC. This follows the same path as DEATH WISH and THE EXTERMINATOR in its depiction of a man pushed over the edge by street gangs, who goes out on to the street himself to enact a hideous revenge on those responsible for the death of his loved ones. Although this is a film very rough around the edges (sometimes dialogue is muffled when background noise comes through), the pacing and well-staged chase sequences are spot on and the film has a vibe of realism which makes it more than viewable. It also concentrates less on the violence towards the innocent than other films of the genre which makes it a little bit less tasteless than most, and indeed more enjoyable.
Although the plot will be largely familiar to anybody who has ever seen a 'vigilante' movie, the story keeps on moving and is careful to stick with characterisation at the expense of action, turning it into something more than another blood-and-bullets high-octane thriller. Saying that, the action keeps on coming and is well-portrayed, my favourite scene being the chase between Williamson and the drug dealer. Although the ending of the film can never be in doubt, Lustig makes some ponderous comments about justice and the handling of crime along the way.
Robert Forster takes the lead role of Eddie Marino, forced to become a killer to get revenge for his family. Although not a brilliant actor, Forster is nonetheless likable AND understandable (that's the key) in his portrayal of the man, and doesn't go over the top - instead his subdued performance adds to the realistic feel of the film as a whole. In comparison, Fred Williamson gets to bag another hard-as-nails tough guy role for his screen career, and plays one of the coolest, iciest and just plain strongest roles of his career. Familiar faces appear lower down in the cast list, such as the British Carol Lynley as a district attorney, old-timer Woody Strodes tough as ever as a prison friend, MANIAC himself, Joe Spinell, as a corrupt lawyer and Steve James as an investigating cop. Ultimately, however, it's the unknowns who do well, particularly the guys playing the street gang members who create some of the most hateful and believable thugs you'll ever see on screen.
Although the plot will be largely familiar to anybody who has ever seen a 'vigilante' movie, the story keeps on moving and is careful to stick with characterisation at the expense of action, turning it into something more than another blood-and-bullets high-octane thriller. Saying that, the action keeps on coming and is well-portrayed, my favourite scene being the chase between Williamson and the drug dealer. Although the ending of the film can never be in doubt, Lustig makes some ponderous comments about justice and the handling of crime along the way.
Robert Forster takes the lead role of Eddie Marino, forced to become a killer to get revenge for his family. Although not a brilliant actor, Forster is nonetheless likable AND understandable (that's the key) in his portrayal of the man, and doesn't go over the top - instead his subdued performance adds to the realistic feel of the film as a whole. In comparison, Fred Williamson gets to bag another hard-as-nails tough guy role for his screen career, and plays one of the coolest, iciest and just plain strongest roles of his career. Familiar faces appear lower down in the cast list, such as the British Carol Lynley as a district attorney, old-timer Woody Strodes tough as ever as a prison friend, MANIAC himself, Joe Spinell, as a corrupt lawyer and Steve James as an investigating cop. Ultimately, however, it's the unknowns who do well, particularly the guys playing the street gang members who create some of the most hateful and believable thugs you'll ever see on screen.
Lean, mean and nasty revenge thriller.
Infofreak19 May 2002
First off, yes, 'Vigilante' does bear some superficial resemblances to 'Death Wish'. But in other ways it is a different kind of animal, tougher, more realistic and believable. Directed by William Lustig in between his trash classic 'Maniac' and 'Maniac Cop', the movie greatly benefits from the strong performances of Robert Forster ('Medium Cool', 'Jackie Brown') and Fred Williamson ('Black Caesar'), two actors who unfortunately have generally been wasted in dull action movies and awful straight to video dreck. Forster displays dignity and depth of character as a working class Joe pushed to his limit, and Fred Williamson gives possibly his most impressive performance ever, as his buddy who shows him a way to get closure. Both Forster and Williamson are supported by an above average cast of character actors including Richard Bright and Joe Spinell (both of 'The Godfather' as well as countless other roles), and veteran Woody Strode. This is a lean, mean and nasty revenge thriller worth tracking down.
Vigilante rules!
tarbosh2200024 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Eddie Marino (Forster) is a blue-collar guy who goes to his factory job, then goes to the local dive bar with his friends (Nick, Burke, and Ramon - Williamson, Bright and Carberry, respectively), then comes home to his loving wife (Alda) and son. His simple life is interrupted when a vicious street gang led by the evil Rico (Colon) and Prago (Blakely) invade his home and assault his wife and son. Feeling defenseless against everyone from small-time drug pushers on up, Nick forms a vigilante group because the court system is a corrupt failure and isn't protecting its citizens. Now crime is running wild so everyday citizens must stand up and fight. Eddie is initially resistant to the idea, but after seeing shyster lawyers like Eisenberg (Spinell) pull the rug out from under good-faith lawyers like his own, Mary Fletcher (Lynley), Eddie snaps and is sent to jail for contempt. It's while he's inside that he meets Rake (Strode)...but when he gets out, he decides to join Nick's group after all and it's then that the truth that he initially denied comes out: if you want justice, you have to do it yourself.
Why, oh why aren't there more movies like Vigilante? We will never stop pining for them. Just about everything about Vigilante is awesome. From the second you see the font the opening credits are in, you know the movie is going to be good. The cast is amazing: it's one of Fred Williamson's best - he puts a lot of energy into it and gets all the best lines. Plus he's just so cool. There are moments when he breaks through the top of the coolness thermometer. Joe Spinell is perfectly cast as the sleazy lawyer. He has a small but integral role, as does Steve James. Come to think of it, same for Woody Strode. Robert Forster is always worth watching. Jay Chattaway's music is superb and ties it all together.
Revenge movies are one of our favorite things to watch, and the gritty NYC locations of the 80's are simply mesmerizing. The post-Death Wish (1974) cycle of The Exterminator (1980), Vigilante, and The Protector (1985), and, to a certain extent, Exterminator 2 (1984) give an excellent picture of the New York City of the day. It's simply fascinating, not to mention addictive to watch - if you know any other movies like these, please write in a comment to suggest them! The Anchor Bay DVD is excellent, with a beautiful widescreen transfer that looks great, and some nice extras. There's not much more to say, really...for a great movie from a never-to-be-duplicated time period, with a top-notch cast that's fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish, with a great message...Vigilante rules! What more could you want? If you haven't already, just buy the DVD today! For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
Why, oh why aren't there more movies like Vigilante? We will never stop pining for them. Just about everything about Vigilante is awesome. From the second you see the font the opening credits are in, you know the movie is going to be good. The cast is amazing: it's one of Fred Williamson's best - he puts a lot of energy into it and gets all the best lines. Plus he's just so cool. There are moments when he breaks through the top of the coolness thermometer. Joe Spinell is perfectly cast as the sleazy lawyer. He has a small but integral role, as does Steve James. Come to think of it, same for Woody Strode. Robert Forster is always worth watching. Jay Chattaway's music is superb and ties it all together.
Revenge movies are one of our favorite things to watch, and the gritty NYC locations of the 80's are simply mesmerizing. The post-Death Wish (1974) cycle of The Exterminator (1980), Vigilante, and The Protector (1985), and, to a certain extent, Exterminator 2 (1984) give an excellent picture of the New York City of the day. It's simply fascinating, not to mention addictive to watch - if you know any other movies like these, please write in a comment to suggest them! The Anchor Bay DVD is excellent, with a beautiful widescreen transfer that looks great, and some nice extras. There's not much more to say, really...for a great movie from a never-to-be-duplicated time period, with a top-notch cast that's fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish, with a great message...Vigilante rules! What more could you want? If you haven't already, just buy the DVD today! For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
The law plays second fiddle.
lost-in-limbo26 December 2008
Director William Lustig's stirring low-cost vigilante picture is something a little more than your exploitative gung-ho revenge story, as while the material is lank and far-fetched its still implodes with some minor goods. Honestly the first time I came across it, I was left under whelmed and this can be attributed to the direction it went. The story has two sub-plots running, which would eventually come together, but the focus on one over the other really destroyed what could have a lasting impression. On one side of the coin has a small group of local vigilante's led by Nick (an inspired Fred Williamson) cleaning up punks that the law doesn't seem to want to touch and on the other side of the coin follows that of Eddie Marino (Robert Forster), a working class New Yorker coming home to find his wife has been brutally beaten and toddler killed. He's approached by Nick to join their cause, but refuses to let the justice system hand out the law, but after those who were responsible for the attack is left off with nothing but a slap on the wrists. It sees Eddie take it upon himself to hand out the punishment.
The constant shifts in the story seemed to get in the way of cooking any real sort of emotional hold. The cult actors do the best with what they got. Robert Forster's streamlined, if cold approach works and Fred Williamson's full-blooded bad-ass portrayal is nothing that's unexpected. Don Blakely and Willie Colon make for great, nasty pair of thugs. Also in the line-up are Richard Bright, Rutanya Alda, Joseph Carberry, Steve James and Carol Lynley. In brief, but welcoming inclusions are Woody Strode and Joe Spinell as a scummy lawyer.
The material is quite heavy-handed in what it's got to say on a flawed justice system, as Williamson spits out speeches about not living in fear and eventually the line between right and wrong is blurred. In the end don't read too much in to it. Lustig's pacing is on the spot and direction suitably controlled, as while not overly explicit it manages to have a brutal and gritty pulse. There are some intense interplays, and a disturbing moment or two, but in the end it's not particularly gripping like I would have hoped. It's quite underplayed in that department. Jay Chattaway's thumping score has a blaring sting and harrowing cloud that effectively balances the moods.
The constant shifts in the story seemed to get in the way of cooking any real sort of emotional hold. The cult actors do the best with what they got. Robert Forster's streamlined, if cold approach works and Fred Williamson's full-blooded bad-ass portrayal is nothing that's unexpected. Don Blakely and Willie Colon make for great, nasty pair of thugs. Also in the line-up are Richard Bright, Rutanya Alda, Joseph Carberry, Steve James and Carol Lynley. In brief, but welcoming inclusions are Woody Strode and Joe Spinell as a scummy lawyer.
The material is quite heavy-handed in what it's got to say on a flawed justice system, as Williamson spits out speeches about not living in fear and eventually the line between right and wrong is blurred. In the end don't read too much in to it. Lustig's pacing is on the spot and direction suitably controlled, as while not overly explicit it manages to have a brutal and gritty pulse. There are some intense interplays, and a disturbing moment or two, but in the end it's not particularly gripping like I would have hoped. It's quite underplayed in that department. Jay Chattaway's thumping score has a blaring sting and harrowing cloud that effectively balances the moods.
Vigilante
phubbs18 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
First and foremost I am still shocked this is an 80's movie, I genuinely thought this was a trashy 70's flick at first. OK in all honesty I kinda thought it was a blaxploitation movie because Fred Williamson was in it and the whole thing looks so grungy and cheap. Just look at the movie poster...it looks like an old video game advert. Kinda like a third rate advertisement for a Double Dragon clone or any other scrolling beat em up involving punks on the streets when the sun goes down.
This is your standard revenge thriller, the type of movie that most probably influenced the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and led to the various slick revenge action thrillers today ('The Equalizer' and 'John Wick'). Eddie Marino (Forster) is a happily married man with a young son in New York. In a brief encounter with a violent gang, Marino's wife slaps a Che Guevara looking gang member across the face. Later that day the gang turns up at her door, breaks in, trashes the place, kills the young boy and stabs her badly. Unfortunately for Marino the law is corrupt, the system doesn't work and the gang member gets off, you know what happens next.
This movie could only have been made in this era really, New York in the late 70's and early 80's was a dirty crime ridden place. You only have to look at the cities suburbs/locations whilst watching the film to see how different it was. Its quite interesting actually, seeing all these beat up cars running around, street trash, dilapidated buildings and stores on every corner, movies like 'Taxi Driver' and 'Serpico' back this up, its not movie magic. Noo Yawk was a hard dangerous place and the law enforcement was known to be...dodgy, this movie uses all of that to good effect.
Yeah sure it seems a bit tame in places these days, the street gang looks ridiculous in their punk attire. God knows what some of them are wearing, the main bad guy seems to have some kind of native American thing going on with a headband and feathers...I think it was. All the other guys are decked out in typical biker duds and covered in shiny studs, badges and spikes. Most of them are black dudes and Latinos (Mexicans?) with big thick sideburns or tashes (naturally), and they have one blonde female in their ranks, basically your stereotypical street gang from the 80's.
The violence is actually quite shocking and graphic, some stuff you see and some is implied yet still pretty horrific. The only sequence where you do see a lot of blood was the street gang shooting up a police car in a hail of silenced gunfire. The scene where Nick (Williamson) shoots an armed (baddie) female inside one gang members abode is pretty shocking to be honest, I knew he was gonna do it but the way she is flung back into the bath tub was quite unexpected to say the least. The most shocking scene by far is of course the murder of Marino's young son, you don't see it but you know exactly what happens. Again this did surprise me greatly as I did not expect it at tall, didn't think the punk would be so evil! The rest of the fisticuffs is pretty tame and quite amusing at times, especially seeing Forster naked in prison trying to fight off two other horny inmates.
Yep that's right, Forster's character winds up in jail for thirty days because he tried to assault the judge after the gang member got let off the charges. The police, judges and lawyers are all dirty in this movie. If it wasn't for action man Woody Strode then Forster's character would have been the meat in an inmate sandwich. Actually most of the prison scenes are slightly amusing really, its all so clichéd as I'm sure you can guess and seeing old man Strode beat up this gigantic inmate is both awesome and hilarious.
The one thing I don't get is these vigilantes that clean the streets of scum and eventually end up killing off some people including a corrupt member of the mayor's office, don't get caught. How on earth they manage to get away with killing these people is beyond me, I realise the theme of the movie is corruption with everyone looking out for themselves but it seems unrealistic. On the other hand we never actually find out what happens to every character so who knows. We don't even see what happens to the whole gang as only the two leaders are dealt with so...
Nothing overly special these days but obviously back in the day this was pretty hardcore stuff. Its still entertaining, clearly a tad similar to a certain Bronson movie and its fun to see Williamson swing into action with his kung-fu. This most definitely still packs a punch.
7/10
This is your standard revenge thriller, the type of movie that most probably influenced the likes of Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez and led to the various slick revenge action thrillers today ('The Equalizer' and 'John Wick'). Eddie Marino (Forster) is a happily married man with a young son in New York. In a brief encounter with a violent gang, Marino's wife slaps a Che Guevara looking gang member across the face. Later that day the gang turns up at her door, breaks in, trashes the place, kills the young boy and stabs her badly. Unfortunately for Marino the law is corrupt, the system doesn't work and the gang member gets off, you know what happens next.
This movie could only have been made in this era really, New York in the late 70's and early 80's was a dirty crime ridden place. You only have to look at the cities suburbs/locations whilst watching the film to see how different it was. Its quite interesting actually, seeing all these beat up cars running around, street trash, dilapidated buildings and stores on every corner, movies like 'Taxi Driver' and 'Serpico' back this up, its not movie magic. Noo Yawk was a hard dangerous place and the law enforcement was known to be...dodgy, this movie uses all of that to good effect.
Yeah sure it seems a bit tame in places these days, the street gang looks ridiculous in their punk attire. God knows what some of them are wearing, the main bad guy seems to have some kind of native American thing going on with a headband and feathers...I think it was. All the other guys are decked out in typical biker duds and covered in shiny studs, badges and spikes. Most of them are black dudes and Latinos (Mexicans?) with big thick sideburns or tashes (naturally), and they have one blonde female in their ranks, basically your stereotypical street gang from the 80's.
The violence is actually quite shocking and graphic, some stuff you see and some is implied yet still pretty horrific. The only sequence where you do see a lot of blood was the street gang shooting up a police car in a hail of silenced gunfire. The scene where Nick (Williamson) shoots an armed (baddie) female inside one gang members abode is pretty shocking to be honest, I knew he was gonna do it but the way she is flung back into the bath tub was quite unexpected to say the least. The most shocking scene by far is of course the murder of Marino's young son, you don't see it but you know exactly what happens. Again this did surprise me greatly as I did not expect it at tall, didn't think the punk would be so evil! The rest of the fisticuffs is pretty tame and quite amusing at times, especially seeing Forster naked in prison trying to fight off two other horny inmates.
Yep that's right, Forster's character winds up in jail for thirty days because he tried to assault the judge after the gang member got let off the charges. The police, judges and lawyers are all dirty in this movie. If it wasn't for action man Woody Strode then Forster's character would have been the meat in an inmate sandwich. Actually most of the prison scenes are slightly amusing really, its all so clichéd as I'm sure you can guess and seeing old man Strode beat up this gigantic inmate is both awesome and hilarious.
The one thing I don't get is these vigilantes that clean the streets of scum and eventually end up killing off some people including a corrupt member of the mayor's office, don't get caught. How on earth they manage to get away with killing these people is beyond me, I realise the theme of the movie is corruption with everyone looking out for themselves but it seems unrealistic. On the other hand we never actually find out what happens to every character so who knows. We don't even see what happens to the whole gang as only the two leaders are dealt with so...
Nothing overly special these days but obviously back in the day this was pretty hardcore stuff. Its still entertaining, clearly a tad similar to a certain Bronson movie and its fun to see Williamson swing into action with his kung-fu. This most definitely still packs a punch.
7/10
A Vile Piece Of Trash That Glorifies Vigilantism - I Loved It!
Witchfinder-General-66611 May 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Mean-spirited vigilante exploitation cinema from the early 80s - you gotta love it. William Lustig, the director most famous for the gritty serial killer shocker "Maniac" (1980) and his "Maniac Cop" films, created a cult flick with this "Vigilante" (1983), a film that easily surpasses all the "Death Wish" sequels in political incorrectness and shamelessly legitimizes self administered-justice as the only possible way. The film is outrageous in its promotion of vigilantism - and this is exactly what makes it such great fun to watch! WARNING! BIG SPOILERS! When his co-workers found a vigilante group lead by his buddy Nick (blaxploitation icon Fred Williamson), Eddie Marino (Robert Foster) does not approve at first. His views change, however, when his wife is brutally assaulted and his child son killed by a ruthless gang. When the gang-leader Rico Melendez (Willie Colón) gets away with a suspended sentence, Eddie flips out in court, and is therefore sentenced to a month in the can. Coming out of jail, Eddie wants revenge, and his buddies are very willing to help... As said above, does not only legitimize vigilantism, it shamelessly promotes it. But it is exactly this film's vile premise that makes it so much fun to watch! After coming out of prison, Eddie Marino does not only take revenge on those who murdered his family. In the end he even blows up the judge (!), who gave the gang-leader a suspended sentence, in his car. The performances are above average for a film of the kind. Robert Foster is a great actor, and he fits very well in the lead here. I am a huge fan of blaxploitation badass Fred Williamson, whose mere presence makes any film worth watching as far as I am concerned, and Williamson once again rules supreme in his typical role of the tough and super-badass hero. The unbelievably ugly Joe Spinell, who impressed as the psychotic serial killer in "Maniac" has the role of a sleazy lawyer. The great Woody Strode also has a small role as a super-tough but kind-hearted prisoner who literally saves Eddie's ass in prison. The film wasn't quite as extreme in its depiction of violence as I expected, but it surpassed my expectations in its political incorrectness. As I mentioned before, the shameless promotion of vigilantism quite vile and at times hard to digest - but it is also so much fun to watch. Not a film to be taken seriously, but definitely highly recommended to my fellow exploitation enthusiasts!
Pretty entertaining with bloody shootouts and a pre parkour era foot chase.
Fella_shibby30 December 2020
I saw this for the first time recently n was pleasantly surprised.
It is a good entertaining movie with a solid director n solid star cast.
The film has bloody shootouts, a chase sequence much before the parkour craze, a car chase sequence, prison rape threats and a courtroom scene portraying the decay of the legal system.
Law Abiding Citizen borrowed a lil bit from this movie too, the other one being Max Sydow's Night Visitor.
When the system fails enter the Vigilante with a gun which are his Judge and his Jury!!
elo-equipamentos31 July 2023
If the readers may permit a small intro over this topic, so sorry humanists, civil rights defenders, those believers that just the justice should made through the slowest and corrupt judiciary system, although the majority of mankind is really good, the evil still rules, why it continues happen nowadays? Because lenient laws settle to enrich the lawyers, those criminals that supposedly to be victims of the society.
Thus many filmmakers dared bring those vendetta movies like Death Wish franchise, Coffy, Punisher, Foxy Brown, Vengeance, Mr. Majestyk, Mad Max, The Exterminator, The Exterminator 2, Originals Gangsters, Vigilante and so on and the audience thrilled on those magnificent pictures.
The Vigilante came out of far off 1982, bringing the rising star Robert Forster, Fred Williamson as the black leader, Carol Lynley as Attorney Defense also the veteran black actor Woody Strode at prison in a small still meaningful role, it has too many black guys in both sides so this feature has a small accent of blaxploitation mainly by the robust attending of Fred Williamson an exponent figure in that genre.
The plot is the same, a hard work man Eddie Marino (Robert Forster) has a wife and a little boy living the American dream at New York, a foolish quarrel between his wife and a Latin gang leader when he was battering the owner at gas station triggered a sad events whereof his kid was murdered without a pity and she was sharply stabbed even called the police previously, still believing in the justice Eddie looking for aid of Attorney Defense Mary Fletcher (Carol Lynley).
However in courthouse a corrupt lawyer and a lousy Judge who demands a raw deal on behalf the assassin, when Eddie complains the judge suspends the sentence, enraged Eddie tries attack the judge and was sentenced 30 days at jail, there a black guy tries rape him, just stop by the old inmate Rake (Woody Strode) release aftermaths Eddie seeks Nick (Fred Williamson) to enter in the group of Vigilantes, the revenge is near upon a gun which is his Judge and his Jury as well.
I know that it's wrong upon standpoint of civilization and so for, which we already know didn't work out properly, nonetheless in some special cases likewise expose in the picture our inner animal does not stand so cruelty in some crimes, it arises in us ours deeply animalistic inskintcs from the pastime years at stone-age.
Resume:
First watch: 2023 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.
Thus many filmmakers dared bring those vendetta movies like Death Wish franchise, Coffy, Punisher, Foxy Brown, Vengeance, Mr. Majestyk, Mad Max, The Exterminator, The Exterminator 2, Originals Gangsters, Vigilante and so on and the audience thrilled on those magnificent pictures.
The Vigilante came out of far off 1982, bringing the rising star Robert Forster, Fred Williamson as the black leader, Carol Lynley as Attorney Defense also the veteran black actor Woody Strode at prison in a small still meaningful role, it has too many black guys in both sides so this feature has a small accent of blaxploitation mainly by the robust attending of Fred Williamson an exponent figure in that genre.
The plot is the same, a hard work man Eddie Marino (Robert Forster) has a wife and a little boy living the American dream at New York, a foolish quarrel between his wife and a Latin gang leader when he was battering the owner at gas station triggered a sad events whereof his kid was murdered without a pity and she was sharply stabbed even called the police previously, still believing in the justice Eddie looking for aid of Attorney Defense Mary Fletcher (Carol Lynley).
However in courthouse a corrupt lawyer and a lousy Judge who demands a raw deal on behalf the assassin, when Eddie complains the judge suspends the sentence, enraged Eddie tries attack the judge and was sentenced 30 days at jail, there a black guy tries rape him, just stop by the old inmate Rake (Woody Strode) release aftermaths Eddie seeks Nick (Fred Williamson) to enter in the group of Vigilantes, the revenge is near upon a gun which is his Judge and his Jury as well.
I know that it's wrong upon standpoint of civilization and so for, which we already know didn't work out properly, nonetheless in some special cases likewise expose in the picture our inner animal does not stand so cruelty in some crimes, it arises in us ours deeply animalistic inskintcs from the pastime years at stone-age.
Resume:
First watch: 2023 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.
Enjoyable fascist dreck
JohnSeal4 September 1999
Call me irresponsible, but I love movies like this. William Lustig delivers the goods again (I love the Maniac Cop movies, too) and Fred Williamson delivers The Hammer to the bad guys and the creeps who have taken over Our Neighbourhoods! The late 70s and early 80s were the Golden Age of the 'take back the streets' films, and this is a solid entry in the 'Death Wish' genre...not as outrageous perhaps as The Exterminator, but still thoroughly entertaining.
Sleazy Lover!
shawhore14 November 2013
If like me you are an avid fan of sleazy and grubby looking flicks packed with sleazy and grubby looking characters, filmed in sleazy and grubby looking locations then this is the film for you. The film is essentially a revenge thriller, which tips an over sized Barbisio hat to the Italian Euro-Crime flicks of the 1970s: A bitter protagonist; middle-aged hoodlums(who should know better at their age); corrupt judges; a car chase(or three); clichéd dialogue; mindless- slaughter, and Fred "That Man Bolt" Williamson. The film stars Robert Forster playing an unremarkable factory worker whose life is suddenly beset by an inconceivable tragedy and (without giving too much of the plot away) he finds himself requiring little encouragement in joining a group of vigilantes led by his co-workers Williamson and two other colleagues. The film certainly doesn't pull any punches with the protagonists dispensing some reasonable savagery on any wrongdoers along the way. Some class acting from Forster and Williamson keeps the viewer interested throughout and the climactic fight scene at towards the end of the film, wouldn't look out of place in an Enzo Castellari or Umberto Lenzi flick. This is a well paced, well acted and thoroughly engrossing '80s exploitation film, with a compelling soundtrack and a nice little cameo from Italian director's favourite Woody Strode.
Watch at (almost) all costs!
Watch at (almost) all costs!
When injustice becomes reality, resistance is your duty
aleksandarsarkic22 December 2017
I always loved movies about revenge and taking justice into your hands. Vigilante is one of these movie, and it is a lovely one. In the beginning of 80s we have seen many movies with similliar themes, especially set in New York. I suppose that hard reality of living in New York city at end of the 70s and beginning of 80s had big influence, but the message from Vigilante is still active. Corrupted Police and Justice, bad health care, Criminals who say for themselves in the media that they are fair businessmans, it is like i am watching the daily life situation in my homecountry. The main charachter Eddie Marino (Played by Robert Forster) was ordinary citizen, who believed in justice and never had touch wih police and crime through his whole life till the moment when the local gang kill his son and injured his wife, and than he sees that for ordinary citizen the system is not functioning, and that he must take justice in his hands, with the help from his work mates who are doing that kind of things for long time. The main leader of Vigilantes is Nick (Fred Williamson). Fred Williamson is definetely the main star in this movie, this role for him is perfect, i really loved Fred in some Italian B-Movies and other exploitation stuff but in this one he takes the show, he is just fighting for the rights of ordinary people, i would really like to have one Fred in my neighboorhood to clean the streets of scum. Other cast is also solid, and yes how not to mention great synth driven music in the background, how i love that 80s synths. I really recommend this one to all lovers of revenge flicks and 80s cinema, you will enjoy for sure.
My grade: 7.5/10
My grade: 7.5/10
A weird mix of gritty urban drama and tepid dramatic mismanagement
rzajac7 July 2012
Kinda sad to see Forster's roots in a flick like this.
The script is terribly heavy handed and the direction may have tried to compensate, but failed. You might demur that it is, after all, a little action flick snack, but the film won't let you get away with that: You can't have it both ways.
It obviously attempts to cop some fire from the "hard" reality of urban crime. You can't make a feint toward that end, then trivialize it with lousy scenario work, acting, and direction, and then expect to hide behind a defensive claim that the viewer made the mistake of taking it too seriously.
It's a fine example of a flick that fails to manage its "tone" correctly. It feels like a movie made by grown-up teenaged boys.
Interesting comparison: Check out Forester in Jackie Brown. Thank the Good Load Aboff, Forster got to work out in a flick that set its sights on a story and stealthily took great strides of scenario, acting, and direction to make that story blossom like a fine and beautiful flower in our minds.
Anyway... who is going to watch Vigilante now? I would highly recommend it for a film class, for subsequent group analysis to try to nail down the contours of its failure to deliver something artistically meritorious.
The script is terribly heavy handed and the direction may have tried to compensate, but failed. You might demur that it is, after all, a little action flick snack, but the film won't let you get away with that: You can't have it both ways.
It obviously attempts to cop some fire from the "hard" reality of urban crime. You can't make a feint toward that end, then trivialize it with lousy scenario work, acting, and direction, and then expect to hide behind a defensive claim that the viewer made the mistake of taking it too seriously.
It's a fine example of a flick that fails to manage its "tone" correctly. It feels like a movie made by grown-up teenaged boys.
Interesting comparison: Check out Forester in Jackie Brown. Thank the Good Load Aboff, Forster got to work out in a flick that set its sights on a story and stealthily took great strides of scenario, acting, and direction to make that story blossom like a fine and beautiful flower in our minds.
Anyway... who is going to watch Vigilante now? I would highly recommend it for a film class, for subsequent group analysis to try to nail down the contours of its failure to deliver something artistically meritorious.
Forster goes off!!!
ManBehindTheMask639 September 2008
Vigilante is a gritty, violent, and controversial revenge flick. Vigilante gets compared to Death Wish often, but vigilante is the more fulfilling and entertaining film. Robert Forster stars as a father and husband who gets driven to the point of vigilantism after his son is killed and his wife deformed. Forster performance is deep and fascinating. Director William Lustig (who also directed the trashy and gory Maniac) adds a sense of realism and desperation to the film and the violence seems very authentic. Fred Williamson is GREAT as the leader of the nieghborhood vigilante group. The son's death is quite disturbing and the ending is satisfying (unlike the death wish ending). You really hate the criminal scumbags and cheer on their demise. There are some great one-liners too. Vigilante is the ultimate revenge exploitation flick.
"He has a rap sheet a mile long"
hwg1957-102-26570421 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
From the director of 'Maniac' (1980) and 'Maniac Cop' (1988) (both worth viewing) this is another interesting genre film by William Lustig. The story may be coventional but the telling is very effective. Partly helped by the grimy city locations. Partly helped by the thrilling music score by Jay Chattaway. Partly helped by the excellent acting including Robert Forster as Eddie Marion who reluctantly becomes a vigilante and a solid Fred Williamson as his friend who is a vigilante. Their scenes together are well written and affecting. In smaller but telling roles are Woody Strode, Joe Spinell, Steve James and Carol Lynley.
Does the film encourage vigilantism? Not really, looking at both sides of the question. There is no joy or satisfaction in revenge. It is a tough film but worth a gander.
Does the film encourage vigilantism? Not really, looking at both sides of the question. There is no joy or satisfaction in revenge. It is a tough film but worth a gander.
Surprisingly solid early 80's exploitation
Coventry8 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Even though the original "Death Wish" dates from 1974 already, the popularity of "vigilante" movies only truly skyrocketed during the late 70's and especially during the early 1980's. This shouldn't come too much as a surprise because the early 80's were a glorious period for all kinds of cheap and gritty exploitation cinema. Vigilantes and neighborhood watches are themes that all too easily lend themselves for gratuitous violence, sleaze, controversy and provocative footage. Some movies nevertheless still attempted to narrate a more intelligent and engaging story, like for example Lewis Teague's "Fighting Back", but most contemporary vigilante flicks are simply an excuse to show as much extreme violence as humanly possible, like parts II and III of the "Death Wish" series, "Tenement: Game of Survival" and "The Exterminator". This particular vigilante movie – with the most basic yet straightforward title imaginable – situates itself somewhat between the two categories. "Vigilante" contains several sequences that depict harsh and exploitative violence, yet surprisingly enough it also attempts to bring a proper story and detailed character drawings. I deliberately use the words "surprisingly enough", because the director – William Lustig – isn't exactly known for subtlety or adequate storytelling. The man became infamous thanks to "Maniac" a few years earlier and that film is now, 30 years later, still one of the most prototypic examples of cruel and disturbing exploitation cinema. Therefore I must admit being impressed with the plot and the atmosphere of despair William Lustig tries to generate.
Eddie Marino is an earnest factory worker and lives with his wife and young son in one of New York City's grittiest and gang-infested neighborhoods. His friend and co-worker Nick often insists for Eddie to join the neighborhood vigilante squad, because the Puerto Rican gang is becoming more and more powerful while the police appears less and less in the streets, but he refuses because he truly believes in the country's juridical system. Even when Eddie's wife is found stabbed and his little boy murdered, he still has faith that he US court and the honorable judge will righteously punish the culprit. But the honorable judge is corrupt and the whole system is rotten, as the guilty gang members are acquitted and Eddie himself has to go to jail for 30 days for assaulting the judge. Whilst in jail, the idea of joining Nick's vigilante squad suddenly becomes all the more appealing. This may perhaps disappoint some die-hard exploitation fanatics, but admittedly "Vigilante" is a lot less graphic or sickening than – say – the "Death Wish" sequels for example. The assault on Marino's household is rather nasty and so are a handful of other scenes, but clearly the emphasis of the film remains on Eddie's emotional and mental journey. Lustig does a terrific job in depicting New York's suburbs as menacing ghettos where danger lurks behind every corner and literally nobody can be trusted. He should know, of course, as Lustig himself grew up in The Bronx. Robert Foster is excellent is his lead role as the tormented Eddie Romero, but the most memorable roles can be found in the supportive cast. Fred Williamson, as the founder and commander of the vigilante squad, is deliciously deranged and actually a lot more dangerous and fanatic than most of the gang members. Veteran actor Woody Strode briefly appears as a fatigue but inspiring inmate, Vincent Beck is terrific as the corrupt judge and my absolute favorite supportive character is Joe "Maniac" Spinell's sleazy and loathsome attorney Eisenberg. He shamelessly defends the assailants and knows exactly how to manipulate a court and obtain minimum punishments for heavy criminals.
Eddie Marino is an earnest factory worker and lives with his wife and young son in one of New York City's grittiest and gang-infested neighborhoods. His friend and co-worker Nick often insists for Eddie to join the neighborhood vigilante squad, because the Puerto Rican gang is becoming more and more powerful while the police appears less and less in the streets, but he refuses because he truly believes in the country's juridical system. Even when Eddie's wife is found stabbed and his little boy murdered, he still has faith that he US court and the honorable judge will righteously punish the culprit. But the honorable judge is corrupt and the whole system is rotten, as the guilty gang members are acquitted and Eddie himself has to go to jail for 30 days for assaulting the judge. Whilst in jail, the idea of joining Nick's vigilante squad suddenly becomes all the more appealing. This may perhaps disappoint some die-hard exploitation fanatics, but admittedly "Vigilante" is a lot less graphic or sickening than – say – the "Death Wish" sequels for example. The assault on Marino's household is rather nasty and so are a handful of other scenes, but clearly the emphasis of the film remains on Eddie's emotional and mental journey. Lustig does a terrific job in depicting New York's suburbs as menacing ghettos where danger lurks behind every corner and literally nobody can be trusted. He should know, of course, as Lustig himself grew up in The Bronx. Robert Foster is excellent is his lead role as the tormented Eddie Romero, but the most memorable roles can be found in the supportive cast. Fred Williamson, as the founder and commander of the vigilante squad, is deliciously deranged and actually a lot more dangerous and fanatic than most of the gang members. Veteran actor Woody Strode briefly appears as a fatigue but inspiring inmate, Vincent Beck is terrific as the corrupt judge and my absolute favorite supportive character is Joe "Maniac" Spinell's sleazy and loathsome attorney Eisenberg. He shamelessly defends the assailants and knows exactly how to manipulate a court and obtain minimum punishments for heavy criminals.
Oppression meets pure compulsion!
samxxxul6 September 2020
Vigilante tells the grim and hard-boiled revenge story of Eddie Marino (Robert Froster) and Nick (Fred Williamson), a series of events brings these two together in a crime-riddled street of New York to eradicate the vermin from the city. William Lustig must be appreciated for meticulously planning the scenes to best utilize his limited funds supported by amazing cinematography James Lemmo. When watching the film there is no denying its minuscule budget. You see it in numerous places. But the sheer quality of the suspense trumps nearly every budget limitation. Lustig demonstrates some of same bubbling tension that would later make "Maniac Cop" so effective.
The actors deliver quite fine performances, with Robert Froster obviously very prominent in his role as Eddie... Fred Williamson is also good and convincing as Nick, where he in a quite convincing way plays a guy who is hellbent to avenge the street gang.I thought only if this had Charles Bronson, it would probably be the best Death Wish sequel.
Overall, Vigilante precisely, combines the nastiness of Blaxploitation movies as well as the urban aesthetics to create a nocturnal and claustrophobic action supported with pulsating soundtrack. The dialogue is trashy, but this fits the slight b-movie feel the film has and feels like practically perfect midnight movie with chips and beer.
A 2020 review
damianphelps26 December 2020
This was a really enjoyable movie. Pretty basic in its delivery and story but has all the elements it needs to create an entertaining movie.
If I had watched this in 1982 I would have been hit (more) by the violence but in 2020 its pretty tame, although it is aggressive. Actually the violence is really necessary to sell the story and develop the credibility of the character's responses.
It fits very much in the era it was made.
Highlights for me...a couple of classic Fred Williamson karate action poses....pure GOLD :)
If I had watched this in 1982 I would have been hit (more) by the violence but in 2020 its pretty tame, although it is aggressive. Actually the violence is really necessary to sell the story and develop the credibility of the character's responses.
It fits very much in the era it was made.
Highlights for me...a couple of classic Fred Williamson karate action poses....pure GOLD :)
Lustig's Homage to the Italian Revenge Flicks
Captain_Couth7 October 2003
Vigilante (1983) is a revenge flick in the style of 70's Italian Crime films (He even shot it in Scope). Robert Forester plays Marino, an average working joe who's family is attacked by an inner city street gang. When the justice system fails him, Marino can't take it anymore and with the help of his co-workers takes revenge on the street scum. Sophisticated trash from William Lustig (It looks and feels sleazy). The film has an all star cult film line up. Featuring Fred "The Hammer" Williamson, Joe Spinell, Woody Strode, Carol Lynley, Frank Pesce and Rutyana Alda.
Highly Recommended.
Old school ultra violence, Lustig style.
Highly Recommended.
Old school ultra violence, Lustig style.
FRED WILLIAMSON? COUNT ME IN
seanhmoss61 January 2022
This movie has a pretty good story, a lousy script and at best B movie direction. And then there's The Hammer. He was not featured as much as I would have liked. Damn, I have always loved the way he delivered his lines. His cadence and intonation are singularly unique. It was nice seeing a young Robert Forster. If you're scared, get a dog. Otherwise, WATCH THIS MOVIE!!
Watchable low-budget
LeRoyMarko29 January 2002
This is no great film. It's dark, poorly filmed, but I have to admit the actors are good. Fred Williamson is excellent in the role of the Vigilante's leader. So is Robert Forster, playing an ordinary working man.
At the base, this is a good story: Guys who want to take back the neighborhood from pimps, punks and all sorts of criminals. And it forces us to think about the issue of crime. OK, the bad guys get what they deserve. But who become the bad guys? Is there any good guys left? This is an eye for an eye. We live in a society where violence is an integrated part of our lives. Guns are everywhere, making it simple for some to gain power, to do whatever they want.
A movie like this should encourage the government to reinforce the laws concerning gun control. A suggestion: today, we have individuals, parents of smokers who died. They're suing big tobacco companies. Could we not see the same for gun related crimes. Why is it that the companies that build the guns, the bullets, they don't assume a part of the blame for the crimes. They're the one who are making money, they won't stop production. If they can have everybody buying a gun for their protection or whatever, it's going to be very profitable. Imagine, a society where everybody got a gun. Ouch!
Out of 100, I gave it 66. That's good for *½ out of **** stars.
Seen at home, in Welland, on January 29th, 2002.
At the base, this is a good story: Guys who want to take back the neighborhood from pimps, punks and all sorts of criminals. And it forces us to think about the issue of crime. OK, the bad guys get what they deserve. But who become the bad guys? Is there any good guys left? This is an eye for an eye. We live in a society where violence is an integrated part of our lives. Guns are everywhere, making it simple for some to gain power, to do whatever they want.
A movie like this should encourage the government to reinforce the laws concerning gun control. A suggestion: today, we have individuals, parents of smokers who died. They're suing big tobacco companies. Could we not see the same for gun related crimes. Why is it that the companies that build the guns, the bullets, they don't assume a part of the blame for the crimes. They're the one who are making money, they won't stop production. If they can have everybody buying a gun for their protection or whatever, it's going to be very profitable. Imagine, a society where everybody got a gun. Ouch!
Out of 100, I gave it 66. That's good for *½ out of **** stars.
Seen at home, in Welland, on January 29th, 2002.
Vicious revenge movie from director William Lustig
dworldeater13 December 2012
Vigilante is a grim and hard hitting revenge themed action flick in the vein of Deathwish. Robert Foster is father and husband who 's wife and son were victims in a home invasion . He looks to friend Fred Williamson for help in seeking revenge. Directed by William Lustig of Maniac fame. Vigilante is real nasty and ultraviolent. It also looks great and sound great with a score that is like a spaghetti western from hell. Acting performances are excellent across the board. Fred Williamson 's acting is the best I've seen from him .He is absolutely menacing and brutal here. Robert Foster is great also and shows a great range of emotions in this piece .Vigilante in tone is a very bleak film that is very well done and played serious . Expect little humor and watch Fred and company to take out the trash. Great cameo from Joe Spinell as sleazy, scumbag lawyer.Excellent.
Death Vigilante Wish
kosmasp11 November 2019
Meets the Warriors? Or something along those lines. But you know you're watching a low budget 70s or 80s movie when you can tell they didn't have any permits to shoot whereever they put a camera and some actors. If you've seen a few you'll know what I mean, if not just listen to the audio commentaries of some of those movies.
And don't get me wrong, while this obviously is (was) against the law, it makes the movie endearing (not to mention that some will cherish the rebellious nature of it all). Having said all that, the story is not really serving us anything new. But the actors involved really give it their all - and you have quite some heavyweights in here. I watched this a couple of days after Robert Foster passed away (right after El Camino too sort of). His screen presence is quite something to behold. Add to that all the other actors (including the "Maniac" himself and Fred Williamson) ... a raw gem with a lot flaws then. Enjoy it for what it is
And don't get me wrong, while this obviously is (was) against the law, it makes the movie endearing (not to mention that some will cherish the rebellious nature of it all). Having said all that, the story is not really serving us anything new. But the actors involved really give it their all - and you have quite some heavyweights in here. I watched this a couple of days after Robert Foster passed away (right after El Camino too sort of). His screen presence is quite something to behold. Add to that all the other actors (including the "Maniac" himself and Fred Williamson) ... a raw gem with a lot flaws then. Enjoy it for what it is
Waste of two great leads
mhorg201828 December 2020
For a revenge movie, this is boring and slow. Robert Forester ends up in jail for most of simply for freaking out in court. Fred Williamson doesn't kick nearly enough butts and the violence, other than when the gang assaults Robert Foresters family - is tame. How this got so many great reviews is beyond me. Death Wish or Death Wish 2 - it isn't.
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