Striking Range (2006) User Reviews

Bang!

[univac1000 · 5/10 · 1 December 2006]

STRIKING RANGE delivers what it promises, a shoot 'em up action flick packed with twists and exit wound gore. Lou Diamond Phillips gives a committed performance as a cash strapped gun for hire with a moral code that includes never challenging the US Government and never taking a bullet for a client (which is a good thing since most of his assignments appear to be protecting shady businessmen).

In STRIKING RANGE, Phillips and his three-person crew are charged with bodyguarding a "next generation" weapons maker who turns out to be an unscrupulous dealer who has no compunction against selling to the highest bidder. Naturally, squinty-eyed rogues, led by martial artist/actor Jeff Speakman, demand the latest weapons gizmo with a five-finger discount. This is where Team Phillips steps up to the challenge. However, a mysterious third party throws a hat into the ring putting the executive protection crew in a circle of crosshairs and ballistic mayhem.

The movie is a lot of fun, but by no means perfect. The opening sequence is a head scratcher as Phillips and his crew (including an excellent Tom Wright) casually banter about video games as they go on a search and destroy mission in an office building. The scene feels contrived and woefully unrealistic as we're asked to believe these guys need to alleviate boredom in the midst of a hostage rescue. And I'm still wondering what happened to Sharon, the poor executive they intentionally shoot to get the Bad Guy standing behind her. Quibbles aside, the low budget film looks great, shot in 35MM with fluid Steadicam moves, we also get nifty pyrotechnics, and a NRA member's wet dream in a variety of firearms. Thespians are first rate, giving us raw emotion in a scene where Phillips and Wright nearly come to blows as they argue about their failing executive protection business. Music cues nostalgically evoke 80's TV show "Miami Vice" at its highlight.

STRIKING RANGE doesn't offer anything new, but it gets its job done and it certainly gets a lot of bang for the buck.

lou why?

[wrlang · 5/10 · 15 January 2007]

Striking Range is a class C shoot em up film about a business man who creates a destructive ray gun that can revolutionize military combat. He needs more money than his backers are willing to give him and that sets off a fight to save the crooked business man from his angry backers as they try and steal the technology and kill the business man. A special force is called in to protect the business man but someone from the inside is helping the bad guys out. The business man's whacked out son adds some interesting twists, but is not carried off well in th acting department. This intrigue is readable from square one and leaves little to the imagination. The action is OK, but everything else is low quality. The relationship between the two stars is carried off in a pitiful manner by the directing. The actors are pretty experienced, so I don't feel comfortable assigning blame to them.

mess

[winner55 · 4/10 · 8 December 2007]

When his career began, Lou Diamond Phillips promised so much as an actor, that I have continued to see his films hoping that this promise would be fulfilled. But, while Phillips' acting is as good as ever, he has just made one bad film after another, so, until he or his agent learn what to look for in a script, I'm afraid "Striking Range" is the last time I'll be seeing Phillips for a while.

This is an action film, and the actions scenes are OK. But the script really reeks. line by line the dialog is OK, but the story is a real mess. The idea of tossing a psycho-killer into the mix of a conflict between two mercenary groups might have seemed good on paper, but it's a bad strategy: psycho-killers have to be explained at some point in a film, because otherwise their motivations come off as silly. I know that sounds bizarre, but what I mean is that the explanation helps the audience suspend their disbelief in why anybody would want to kill people simply because they work at some office or attend some school or stopped at the wrong restaurant for dinner. This disbelief is essential to our sense of morality - it is why the violence of real psycho-killers, like the Columbine boys, is so horrifying and why we take such strong measures to counter it: we simply cannot believe anyone could be that vile.

Since the writer of this film has left himself little time to develop the psycho-killer aspect of the plot, he has to resort to cheap tricks, stereotypes, and cliché to make the whole thing work somehow. The psycho-killer comes across as a parody.

Meanwhile a plot twist seems to resolve the mercenary conflict - except that it doesn't, it's so wholly unprepared and obviously artificial. We want clues to this sort of thing, so we can look back on the film to say "I should have seen that coming," but we can't do this here, no one could have seen it coming, it doesn't make sense.

And what is the thematic connection between the mercenary conflicts and the psycho-killer's? Even Sigmund Freud couldn't tell you; I don't think there is any.

the writer here needs psychoanalysis for coming up with this hodgepodge, and Phillips needs it to try to figure out how he could throw away his mature career on such hooey.

Four stars for the action scenes, the rest gets - blah!

Give credit where its due...and it is.

[jnor · 10 December 2006]

"Striking Range" has been a film I have been following for quite sometime- This usually works as a disadvantage because after so long I get let down with the end result. When the first seven minutes of the film was released on youtube I became very skeptical of the film. From the shaky camera work to the dialog I was like -"WTF"? It isn't surprising many people shared my opinion.

However the movie came out and I went ahead and rented it. sat through those seven minutes again and Im very glad I did because what follows is a very good film. The acting improved vastly as did the action and suspense. It was all quite interesting.

There are flaws of course- but knowing the budget and work that went into this ( via Internet and Indie Slate.) they are very easy to over look. My main issue was the purpose of one central character and while it does lend to one of the morals of the film ,it does kinda throw the viewer a bit off focus.

There's a lot good though- The moral of the story for one- ideals , agendas and power- what that can do to someone even if its not your own. The acting was Super. Honestly I have never really paid attention to Lou other than a brief TV series he did a while back...which was so-so. But he is very good as Vash. Another stand out is Glen Moreshower from 24-very good and Of course Yancy Butler great as always.

But seriously this film was low budget and you can't even really tell especially when you compare it with fims with a trillion dollar budget (you would be surprised.) that look very shoe string. this is high quality. and while it isn't the best thing ever it is waaaayyyy better than its current ranking.

Cheap movie full of bad imitations and clichés

[movie-hotline1994 · 1/10 · 10 July 2007]

A cheap movie full of bad imitation of great movies and clichés. The writer/director desperately and clumsily tries to catch your attention using great ideas from other movies IE the first part trying to use the "Pulp Fiction formula" by Tarantino. Since this is a valid approach (the use of references from other movies) when done with quality and class, in this movie the director/writer comes with a a very unfortunate solution. Inconsistent plot: is a mixture of action movie, with a little of horror, a little of suspense a little of love and hate story, a little of friendship… . The characters are poorly defined, uses the ambiguous character formula in order to create a "obvious surprise" at the end. The acting is weak. A cheap movie, with awful story and direction. An insulto to the public.

Indie or Not, Worst Dialog of All Time

[jeffronthi · 2/10 · 23 August 2008]

This is, without a doubt, one of Lou's worst film. "Red Water" was better than this. Just horrendous. Even Lou's acting was bad...and it is usually decent.

I love Lou like the next guy, but I could not tolerate more than 40 minutes of this film - and that was the most tedious experience I have ever felt while dealing with a shoot 'em up flick. Ever.

I can not in good faith recommend this film to anyone. I am sorry if the director reads this, or anyone involved with the project, but this movie was just bad.

The worst, most inane, dialog of all time. Shifty and lame script that is all over the place. Bad acting, as well.

Not a pleasant experience.

Beware of violent crossfire.

[michaelRokeefe · 4/10 · 31 December 2006]

Jaw-dropping action with plenty of firepower. A cocky "Vash" Vasher(Lou Diamond Phillips)and his team take on a job guarding a wealthy businessman Ted Billings(Glen Morshower), who is in danger caused by a weapons deal gone very bad. "Vash" must work closely with his former lover Emily(Yancy Butler), who is Billings' head of security. Emily is one tough customer herself and proves not be too faithful to anyone. Billings' new weapon comes into play as his unhappy customers unleash head-on assaults and the firepower is relentless. Billings' son(Troy Baker)is the center of plot twists turning deadly. Also in the cast: Steve Krieger, Tom Wright and Scarlett McAlister.

A good Lou Diamond Phillips movie!

[mike-higgins-1 · 8/10 · 4 December 2006]

Though this movie is a little on the bloody side for me, it held my attention. Even though it's a low budget indie movie, the FX were pretty good and believable. The story line is easy to follow and suspenseful. All of the actors do a really good job of becoming their character. I have seen co-star Tom Wright in several movies over the years (including "World Trade Center")and he is becoming a staple to the industry. The fight scenes made me groan in pain. Ouch!!This is a better movie than some of the high dollar movies being made now and the quality and editing are really pretty good. It looks like the director, Daniel Millican, is working his way up the movie business ladder and hopefully on to bigger projects. I hope he does a variety of movies in the future. I loved Vash's car!

response to question in commentary

[michael0859 · 7/10 · 23 March 2010]

The beginning of this movie was fashioned after a popular online video game. I don't play it so can't comment but the dialog does a good job with introducing the characters and how they view their jobs. And I like that final shot of the opening sequence where he shoots the bad guy in the heart but has to shoot through his bosses shoulder to get at it. I think it reveals another side of his character that would not have been evident in the movie otherwise.

And in response to whether or not Tom Wrights ad lib should have been cut out? I liked it and thought it was a good addition.

As for the rest of the movie? It would be my life's dream just to produce something half this good.

Loved the First Seven Minutes, Loved the action

[eldiez4ever · 10/10 · 23 June 2007]

Being an action film, Striking Range kept the mood going throughout with its brilliant sound effects and editing. The music and the start of the film was awesome. Music was great and the film had its action going throughout.

The first seven minutes was the best in the film. It set the mood which is what its supposed to do. The action scene with Lou Diamond Phillips and Tom Wright with a matter-of-fact discussion while facing San Banarje (the hot mafia guy) was amazing. I wish we had seen more of Banarje who brought so much energy and color to the scene.

Overall it was a great film and for action slick lovers this is a must see movie. Great work by Daniel Millican. And all you Lou Diamond Phillips fans out there, this is a comeback for him. He has his million dollar smile going and he is hotter than ever.

Non-Stop Action

[tarbosh22000 · 6/10 · 12 May 2010]

"Striking Range" is a entertaining action-filled movie. The plot: "Vash" (Phillips) is a mercenary, who is asked to guard Ted Billings (Glenn Morshower) because he has a hi-tech WMD. "Vash" doesn't like the guy, but then he gets his money's worth because criminals from all sides are after him.

What's interesting about this movie is that it takes the time to flesh out some character development. Phillips is very good in the role. Yancy Butler plays his ex-girlfriend. She gets her time to shine. Jeff Speakman plays one of the villains and gets to utilize his martial arts ability. Speakman is a big guy and he moves fast. The whole movie is one big action sequence. The beginning is little lame, but once that gets out of the way, It's B-movie fun till the end.

In the end: If you like L.D.P., you'll enjoy this. Non-fans will also like the non-stop action.

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Good Movie Except For One Item

[hackraytex · 9/10 · 6 August 2021]

Striking Range does deliver and if you are an action fan like me, you will not be disappointed. I have been binge watching action movies and this one ranks top notch. I gave it a 9 except for one thing; I felt some of the music was distracting and it seemed to me to not fit with the movie. All and all, good job everyone.

all the surprises are old surprises...

[grandpamarty-47863 · 7/10 · 3 August 2021]

And PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD... putting an explosive INSIDE a MICROWAVE does not mean that it "happens" to go off WHEN THE TIMER PINGS....

1. Any metal or foil would f' up the microwave and it would spark erratically 2. What if the timer was set to 1 hour? Would the explosive just sit there until it pinged.

Great Dallas made movie. Support independent filmmakers!

[terrihh · 10/10 · 15 December 2006]

This movie is a great use of Dallas talent (crew and actors). This movie proves that Dallas is a contender in film-making. Scarlet McAlister gives one of her best performances! The camera work is great, the effects are realistic and the story is interesting. Plus there's a great twist. This movie proves that if you have a good story and a great crew and actors, you don't need a huge Hollywood budget. This movie is fast paced, exciting and fun to watch! For a low budget movie this is remarkable. Great Job! I'll be watching for your next film! Support your independent filmmakers - Rent Striking Range! You won't be sorry.

so close to being something good

[Cadhorn · 7/10 · 26 November 2006]

great actors (Lou Diamond Philips, Glenn Morshower) and good actors (Yancy Butler), mixed with good action, a stolid if mediocre and predictable plot, and an obviously low budget = something kind of sad. While there are no major disappointments in this flick, and there are several glimmers of something beyond the typical B movie actioner... it just doesn't quite manage to make it over the fence from B movie to A movie. Halfway through it you feel like you don't need to see the rest 'cuz you know exactly what's going to happen, though the cast does a great job with the thin material they've been given. Lou Diamond Philips seems to be one of those great actors that's terminally unable to distinguish good projects from bad, he just keeps cropping up in these roles (and movies) that are far below his talents.

Excellent action thriller with a great cast

[dex_sf · 8/10 · 4 December 2006]

What's the point of having a movie on DVD? It has to be entertaining enough to let you want to watch it more than just two or three times. Thanks to the amazing creativity and enthusiasm of Director Daniel Millican and the whole cast and crew Striking Range definitely has all the necessary ingredients: outstanding performances of Troy Baker, Glenn Morshower and Yancy Butler, Lou Diamond Phillips and Tom Wright managing it perfectly to pull the audience on their sides, an intriguing plot with surprising twists, long, thrilling sequences, fast-paced action, hard, fast and straight fight scenes, dry jokes, great video and soundtrack, a brilliant sound design and what I call "some ideas" aka something unusual, like in this case for instance all the cool high-quality F/X goodies, which I had never seen in a low-budget independent production before.

When you start watching Striking Range, it will capture you within a few minutes and won't let you go until the closing credits start rolling. Striking Range is an excellent action thriller to enjoy together with friends, thankfully the DVD finally hit the stores ... and my player.