Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.5
Audio		3.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Deadly Force Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf March 20, 2019

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.

Stoney Cooper (Wings Hauser) was once a star detective for the L.A.P.D., but his distaste for procedure forced him out of the brotherhood. Now in New York City, Stoney makes a living as a gun-for-hire, taking odd jobs for crooks who need help. When pal Sam (Al Ruscio) sends word that his granddaughter has become the latest victim of a serial killer known as the X Murderer, Stoney returns to Los Angeles, ready to find the madman and collect a major reward. While in town, Stoney reconnects with his Eddie (Joyce Ingalls), his soon-to-be ex-wife, with her job as a reporter getting her in close to the investigation, which is run by Captain Hoxley (Lincoln Kilpatrick), Stoney’s former superior. Hoping to keep mob boss Mr. Ashley (Arlen Dean Snyder) out of his hair for a few weeks, Stoney begins his search for the X Murderer, reuniting the hothead with past informants and old neighborhoods, putting him on a path of investigation that places him in line of fire, marked for death by the killer, who continues his rampage around the city.

Yes, Stoney Cooper is the character’s name. It’s the perfect moniker for a supercop character, but the twist of “Deadly Force” is that Stoney isn’t employed by a law enforcement organization during the run time. The badge represents his past life, with his impatience costing him a career with the L.A.P.D., making an enemy out of Hoxley. Instead of police work, Stoney is introduced as a lost soul of sorts, trying to wrap his mind around divorce documents sent by Eddie, keeping himself medicated with cigarettes and alcohol, also enjoying a piano playing hobby, making him useful in dive bars. His one and only NYC mission finds Stoney hired to confront an unhinged man with a bomb strapped to his chest, threatening to blow up a warehouse that’s filled with illicit items the owner doesn’t want the cops to discover. Enter Stoney, who doesn’t take gruff from anybody, barking orders and waving a gun to achieve desired results. He’s no hero, but he does get the job done.

Stoney is pulled back to L.A. by Sam, who wants his granddaughter’s killer caught by a friend he trusts. Stoney takes the offer due to its large reward. Again, he’s no hero. However, Stoney is determined, wading back into the underworld to follow leads, putting him into contact with Mr. Ashley, who also wants a piece of the payout. We meet the kingpin at home, where he’s trying to enjoy a night’s sleep while his Rubenesque wife watches lesbian porno on a massive television. It’s an odd scene (Stoney can only offer casual homophobia when commenting on such a sight -- did I mention he’s no hero?), but it’s diverting nonsense, which “Deadly Force” desperately needs more of. Instead of weirdness, the picture tends to obviousness, trying to keep Hauser in star mode as Stoney clashes with Hoxley, slaps around informants, and pushes himself on Eddie, who’s trying to move past her estranged husband, but can’t resist his charms(?). Eddie’s participation in the story increases as the feature unfolds, interviewing Joshua (Paul Shenar), a motivational speaker for a cult-like organization that plays a larger role in the plot in the endeavor’s second half. Sadly, Eddie isn’t turned into Stoney’s partner, with Ingalls left with little to do besides banter lightly with Hauser and participate in a mid-film sex scene, ticking off a B-movie box as the characters enjoy an implausible reconciliation.

Deadly Force Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

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.

Deadly Force Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

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.

Deadly Force Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:28, SD) is included.

Deadly Force Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

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.