6.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 3.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
The X-killer is too insane to be caught. But one ex-cop is just crazy enough to try. Los Angeles is in the clutches of terror as a killer stalks the streets. Seventeen people have died and the only clue is an "X" carved in the forehead of each victim. Enter Stoney Cooper (Wings Hauser), a former police-officer-turned-private-detective. He's super-tough, rebellious, and angry and vows to bring the psychopath responsible for the "X-murders" to justice. When innocent people are at risk...when the police are powerless...when nothing else will do...your only recourse is Deadly Force.
Starring: Wings Hauser, Joyce Ingalls, Paul Shenar, Al Ruscio, Arlen Dean SnyderThriller | Insignificant |
Action | Insignificant |
Video codec: MPEG-4 AVC
Video resolution: 1080p
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0 Mono (48kHz, 24-bit)
English SDH
Blu-ray Disc
Single disc (1 BD)
Region A (locked)
Movie | 2.5 | |
Video | 3.5 | |
Audio | 3.0 | |
Extras | 1.0 | |
Overall | 3.0 |
Hollywood is always on the hunt for new action stars. The industry loves to get in on the ground floor with a fresh hero, presenting the chance to grow with the actor, making a small fortune as popularity blossoms. Such a spotlight was positioned on Wings Hauser for a little while in the 1980s, sending the actor through numerous genres to see what he’s capable of, reaching thespian limits quickly. His supercop phase included 1983’s “Deadly Force,” which puts Hauser behind the wheel of his own starring vehicle, tasked with projecting toughness as an ex-lawman chasing after a serial killer prowling the corners of Los Angeles. Hauser comes ready to play, delivering a performance that’s 100% committed to the cause, going all wild-eyed and big-nostriled for the film, which doesn’t always reward such impressive concentrated on leading man authority. “Deadly Force” doesn’t maintain steady thrills, instead pausing often to deal with a central mystery that’s not as profound as the production hopes. Hauser doesn’t necessarily deserve better, but this kind of movie is always best with its brake lines cut, and director Paul Aaron doesn’t trust the wonders of such cinematic velocity.
The AVC encoded image (1.85:1 aspect ratio) presentation for "Deadly Force" manages to pull the feature from the depths of VHS obscurity, finding a home on Blu-ray. It's far from a perfect transfer, with age-related issues detected during the viewing experience. Some source wear and tear is encountered, supplying some speckling and mild scratches. Detail reaches about as far as possible, with cinematographic intent secured, exploring a warmer palette for Los Angeles sleuthing, showcasing bolder west coast clothing and street signage. Skintones are natural. Greenery is acceptable during visits to police crime scenes, and building interiors retain a level of dimension. Detail is adequate, though some softness remains. Cityscapes are open for study, mixing NYC establishing shots with L.A. action. Costuming preserves thin, 1983-trend fabrics and more professional wear. Delineation is satisfactory.
The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix is problematic, providing a shrill listening event for "Deadly Force." The track is diminished by age, struggling with muddiness and slight high-end distortion, which flares up whenever tempers raise or action develops. Dialogue exchanges are acceptable, as intelligibility isn't a problem. The lack of fullness is the issue, hurting some performances, including Hauser, who's passion for the part is weakened by sonic limitations. Scoring is presented with bigger volume, and while definition isn't there, power is, giving suspense acceptable backing. Sound effects are exaggerated as well, with gun shots and crashing steel suitably noisy.
True action is few and far between in "Deadly Force." Car chases are common, watching as Stoney finds ways to tear up L.A. streets, avoiding danger and damaging property. There are a handful of fights as well, though Aaron makes a mistake by positioning beefy enforcers against Stoney, who's already been stopped cold by divorce proceedings, making bodily harm against weightlifters difficult to believe. The fantasy aspects of the movie aren't developed in full, with the second half of the endeavor slowing down to tend to a whodunit that's elaborate in explanation but limited in payoff. "Deadly Force" is meant to mold Hauser into a box office draw, but the feature doesn't have the spark, often winded by bad dialogue and soured by questionable taste (one X Murderer victim is offed with a crying baby in her arms). Hauser's enthusiasm isn't in question, as he works hard (sometimes in the nude) to make this picture a proper calling card for future onscreen butt-kicking. At best, the effort is a passable television pilot, but nothing more compelling than that.
2012
2019
1989
2014
1988
2014
1988
1974
2015
1984
Paura nel buio
1989
1987
Shadow Builder | Special Edition
1998
1973
2016
The Presence / The Haunted
1989
2013
2012
2012
2010