Rating summary

Movie		3.5
Video		3.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.0

Stand Alone Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 7, 2020

Movie productions in the 1980s were filled with crazy ideas. Someone, somewhere saw sixtysomething Charles Bronson taking on bad guys and thought, “Maybe we can get Charles Durning to do the same thing!” 1985’s “Stand Alone” doesn’t replicate the stone-faced approach of a typical Bronson endeavor, but it does have Durning in American hero mode, battling members of a Mexican cartel who’ve invaded a Californian suburb. Durning as a gun-toting man of action isn’t the easiest buy in terms of screen fantasy, but he’s a terrific actor, and that’s what really counts here. “Stand Alone” isn’t big on brawling, but it does offer plenty of opportunities for the cast to showcase their skills, with Durning doing what he can to transform himself into a semi-credible mean machine.

A World War II hero, taking out his Japanese captors with built-up fury, Louis (Charles Durning) is now a happy grandfather living in California, spending time with his grandson and eating meals at the local diner, owned by his war pal, Paddie (Bert Remsen). When the establishment is nearly destroyed during an assassination committed by a Mexican drug cartel, Louis is the only witness, giving Detective Isgrow (James Keach) hope he can nail the culprits for murder. However, lawyer Cathryn (Pam Grier) isn’t sure any sort of identification is a good idea, possibly putting Louis’s family at risk for retaliatory violence. Caught between the safe choice and the right choice, Louis experiences pressure from the villains, who are eager to silence the veteran.

Louis isn’t exactly the picture of mental health, as seen in an opening WWII sequence, which details his cry of “I am death!” and his slaughter of Japanese soldiers. Time has softened the character, but it hasn’t erased his pain, with old trauma retriggered after he witnesses a shooting inside his favorite diner, putting him in a position to help local law enforcement. It’s also the last bit of explosive violence for much of the movie, with the majority of “Stand Alone” devoted to a question of responsibility, as Louis’s participation in the investigation is challenged by Cathryn, who’s well aware the cartel will return to murder the veteran for his identification. Screenwriter Roy Carlson isn’t digging too deeply into ethical concerns and legal duty, but there’s debate on the price of being a witness, as Louis finds himself stuck between cops who only want to make an arrest and Cathryn, who’s aware of his disposability and eventual vulnerability.

Stand Alone Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "Brand new 2019 HD master," but the arrival of "Stand Alone" on Blu-ray comes with some degree of trouble. Detail is passable with facial surfaces, exploring sweaty reactions and differences in age. Durning himself is filled with all sorts of textures, creating a compelling presence. Suburban locations maintain mild depth, and interior decoration is open for study. Colors aren't remarkable, with a slightly drained appearance on costuming and skintones seem overly pinkish at times. Hues are a bit flat but not removed, as bolder reds and blues do manage to survive. Delineation is satisfactory, but a few darker moments encourage solidification, especially during the climatic evening siege. Grain is on the chunky side. Source is in reasonable shape, with some judder, speckling, and a few jumpy frame detected.

Stand Alone Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix isn't created with aural domination, trying to get by on very modest elements. Dialogue exchanges are clear, with dramatic emphasis noted throughout. Accents are understood. Scoring isn't significant, but the basics of chirpy synth come through as intended. Sound effects are also simple, but identify violent encounters.

Stand Alone Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Trailer (1:31, SD) is included.

Stand Alone Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Durning is steady in "Stand Alone," elevating his performance with PTSD shockwaves and grandfatherly confidence. When Louis goes into action mode, the aged, perpetually sweaty actor can only do so much, leaving director Alan Beattie to come up with passable suspense, and he falls short of expectations, though the "Home Alone"-esque finale is greatly entertaining. "Stand Alone" desires to be a pure American cinematic experience, respecting war heroes as they defend the land from evil. Such B-movie promise isn't kept, resulting in a slightly draggy viewing experience, but Durning is always there to provide at least some sense of emotional response, achieving a level of psychological depth that Bronson could never provide.