This movie had nothing really all that exciting going for it although it is watchable. Has Rod Steiger and Heather Graham as the main stars. Has some well acted scenes but is basically nothing that you go, oh wow that was awesome. Mr. Steiger kidnaps prisoners on death row from local prisons where he has his own electric chair down in his basement. He takes matters into his own hands and puts prisoners to death. Has some dark comedy aspects as well but just nothing really tickled my fancy in this one. Slasher reviewer has mixed feeling on this one so you can make the decision on this flick but it's not going to be kept in my 2500 movies I have here at my house. Not in my collection but like I said that does not mean it's a bad movie. Just not for me.
8 Reviews
A black comedy that takes itself too seriously.
maeander5 February 2004
This is a strange film. It is a black satire that reminds me of a cross between Roger Corman's "Black Scorpion", Wes Craven's "Swamp Thing" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot". The casting is eclectic with Rod Steiger, Lauren Hutton, Heather Graham, Isaac Hayes and Zelda Rubinsten and deserves an A. The acting, however, is uneven and gets a B. The story (we've been here before) is a C. Not much of the budget is on the screen. With better production values it would have been a very interesting movie. As it is, the production values gets only a D.
The look of the film is that of a poor man's direct-to-video. That's too bad. With more texture to cover the obvious staleness of the story (ex: Tim Burton's "Batman") this could have been a remarkable film. Still, it's worth a look even if it never reaches it's potential. I don't know if you can blame the budget or the director, but it just misses. Still, certain moments do transcend the film's problems. Rod Steiger, Isaac Hayes and Heather Graham make this film worth a look even if in the end it is a disappointment.
The look of the film is that of a poor man's direct-to-video. That's too bad. With more texture to cover the obvious staleness of the story (ex: Tim Burton's "Batman") this could have been a remarkable film. Still, it's worth a look even if it never reaches it's potential. I don't know if you can blame the budget or the director, but it just misses. Still, certain moments do transcend the film's problems. Rod Steiger, Isaac Hayes and Heather Graham make this film worth a look even if in the end it is a disappointment.
High Voltage
raegan_butcher13 April 2006
This film spares no one: right wing death penalty advocates, bleeding heart liberals, politicians,self-righteous religious zealots and incorrigble criminals. That's what i loved about it: it skewers EVERYONE.It has absolutely fantastic sets and cinematography, with a distinct Dr Phibes quality to Steiger's underground lair. Heather Graham, looking impossibly young and cute, makes for an appealing heroine.Lyman Ward excels at playing a sleazeball. Isaac Hayes has some of the funniest moments as Steiger's demented henchman alongside Mitch Pileggi, who makes quite an impression as a snarling prisoner. Ricky Dean Logan is hilarious, especially in his introductory scene. And Rod Steiger, who always committed 100% of himself to every role, no matter how small the budget or strange the screenplay, should have been nominated for some sort of award because he really gives a magnificent performance here. He somehow manages to make his character funny, sad, sweet, righteous, warped and malevolent-- sometimes all in one scene.
A Great Movie Highly Underrated and Missed
Allardyce9926 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Very few people have seen this film or are even aware of it. I was fortunate enough to be living in Los Angeles in early 1992 when it was briefly released at one theater and played for only one week. Because I am a great admirer of the brilliant character actor, Rod Steiger, I was thrilled at a chance to see a movie made in recent years in which he carried the lead. A rare casting choice that wouldn't likely happen anymore. I don't know why this film didn't get officially released, but I loved it then, and now finally revisiting it on DVD, I appreciate it even more.
It's a black comedy, at times completely wacky, at times profound when it raises moral questions, and at times it turns into somewhat of a superhero comic book story. Steiger's performance is amazing and it's a shame nobody saw it. He portrays his character with passion, depth, and you totally believe this guy and his mission. He has a lengthy monologue in which he describes the tragedy of his past that provoked him to take on his godly quest of bringing justice to the world. The scene is very moving and richly played by Steiger. It was perhaps the last great performance of a long impressive career. Isaac Hayes gives a hilarious supporting performance as does most of the main supporting cast.
If you admire Rod Steiger, if you like dark comedy with a point and a brilliantly classic twist ending, you really should do yourself a favor and check this puppy out. I showed it recently to my best friend, a fellow film enthusiast, and he loved it. There are some moments of acting and clever cinematography that burn an image into your mind that is unforgettable. Most of you will totally disagree with me on my view of this film. But it's worth it to me to share my love of this film for those few who do see it and do appreciate it. Thanks for reading! DSS
It's a black comedy, at times completely wacky, at times profound when it raises moral questions, and at times it turns into somewhat of a superhero comic book story. Steiger's performance is amazing and it's a shame nobody saw it. He portrays his character with passion, depth, and you totally believe this guy and his mission. He has a lengthy monologue in which he describes the tragedy of his past that provoked him to take on his godly quest of bringing justice to the world. The scene is very moving and richly played by Steiger. It was perhaps the last great performance of a long impressive career. Isaac Hayes gives a hilarious supporting performance as does most of the main supporting cast.
If you admire Rod Steiger, if you like dark comedy with a point and a brilliantly classic twist ending, you really should do yourself a favor and check this puppy out. I showed it recently to my best friend, a fellow film enthusiast, and he loved it. There are some moments of acting and clever cinematography that burn an image into your mind that is unforgettable. Most of you will totally disagree with me on my view of this film. But it's worth it to me to share my love of this film for those few who do see it and do appreciate it. Thanks for reading! DSS
Very entertaining
oberon279 April 2003
I really enjoyed this movie. Rod Steiger and Isaac Hayes give wonderful performances. Steiger plays Ben Killan (great name) a man who kidnaps paroled murderers and executes them in a homemade electric chair. In the middle of one execution the power goes out before the prisoner is dead and Ben has to finish him off with a gun. The movie has a great surprise ending.
One of the most underrated dark comedies ever!
kclipper11 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Rod Steiger lights up the screen as a butcher turned preaching vigilante who captures convicted murderers and stores them in his own makeshift "death row" to await execution in a homemade electric chair in this uproarious black comedy. After a crooked politician, Stanford (a good role for Lyman Ward) murders an ex-lover and frames a common thief for the deed, Steiger just may execute his first innocent man, or will sweet, naive, wide-eyed Kimberly (Heather Graham) stop him in time before the sorry victim gets fried and the corrupt Stanford gets elected Governor?
This is loaded with sarcasm, puns and in-jokes that poke enormous fun at religion, politics, and the judicial system, and it never takes it self seriously enough to offend. Steiger is pure excellence as he spews out hammy dialog about the importance of justice and humanity while he cooks his hapless prisoners. Plenty of twisted logic played for laughs (the electric chair is designed for comfort, and it has giant wings to prepare for the repentants' departure for heaven.), and Issac Hayes is hilarious as Aloysius, Steiger's priest and assistant. Also, lots of good character actors join in the fun such as Lauren Hutton as a bitchy wife , Mitch Pileggi as a wisecracking prisoner, Earl Boen and Zelda Rubinstein as a maid who "plants bugs". The best is yet to come as you will be "electrified" and appreciative at the surprise twist ending thats in store. Anyone who gets offended by this little gem of a movie needs a little "shock" therapy themselves. It's a shame that such a "jolt" of a funny film has gotten a bad rep, and has been shelved and forgotten. It is definitely in need of re-discovery.
This is loaded with sarcasm, puns and in-jokes that poke enormous fun at religion, politics, and the judicial system, and it never takes it self seriously enough to offend. Steiger is pure excellence as he spews out hammy dialog about the importance of justice and humanity while he cooks his hapless prisoners. Plenty of twisted logic played for laughs (the electric chair is designed for comfort, and it has giant wings to prepare for the repentants' departure for heaven.), and Issac Hayes is hilarious as Aloysius, Steiger's priest and assistant. Also, lots of good character actors join in the fun such as Lauren Hutton as a bitchy wife , Mitch Pileggi as a wisecracking prisoner, Earl Boen and Zelda Rubinstein as a maid who "plants bugs". The best is yet to come as you will be "electrified" and appreciative at the surprise twist ending thats in store. Anyone who gets offended by this little gem of a movie needs a little "shock" therapy themselves. It's a shame that such a "jolt" of a funny film has gotten a bad rep, and has been shelved and forgotten. It is definitely in need of re-discovery.
Colors of Justice !
elshikh413 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
This one got me saying; not all the famous movies are great, and not all the great movies are famous.
At first, I thought my eyes doing me tricks when I read in the TV guide that "this is a comedy starring Rod Steiger". To the best of my knowledge at the time, the 2 words "comedy" and "Steiger" couldn't be put together anytime. But they were. And it was so right time.
You'll never remember the low budget, and the un-great performance of some of the supporting actors, because the whole thing is rich. The set of (Kallin)'s prison is so expressive. This type of (Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari - 1920) wasn't usually seen in American movies since epochs, so how about using it in a comedy. The editing kept a brisk character for the movie while not sacrificing the serious parts. The direction did a perfect job, having a crazy sense of humor, and an accurate taste to balance the work; making a kind of first "guilty superhero" movie, a wonderful black comedy, and a shrewd vision about the value of justice not in today's societies but in general.
It managed to show maybe all the colors of justice. The politicians' one; corrupted as them, executing their dirty hidden aims, needing a real one to fix things up. The businessmen's one; as the same as the politicians', a subjective tool to terminate competitors for purely materialistic aims. And the religious vigilante's one; however, it inclined to be deranged and unfair, according to its doer's mentality. As you see, there is no complete human justice. And that's the best meaning this movie says. It shows brilliantly that justice is, and will always be, as imperfect as the human being, no matter how honest can he reach.
Which leads us to that script. It's a memorable victory. Not only for achieving all of the above smartly, but also for shaping it as a catchy, fast-pacing, movie that has: new, mysteries and attractive hero, tight plot, bittersweet short lines, hot unpredictable events, rescue in the nick of time, a twist at the end, and a meaningfully sarcastic finale. That's something which by watching many movies you'll get how rare it is.
Rod Steiger was magnificent. He played his character as a mix of lunatic judge, the last righteous man on earth, a wounded husband and father, and a bizarre comic superhero all in the same time, I just hated his wig! Heather Graham wasn't the eye candy; she delivered a nice performance. Choosing Isaac Hayes was a masterstroke; he portrayed (Aloysius) as a man in the middle of being a kindhearted priest and a terrifying mentally-handicapped, his walk reminded me of Dracula's minion. Zelda Rubinstein was a fine point for the benefit of the casting; she's always funny and weird; exactly like this movie! I never liked Lauren Hutton, though the movie uses her abominable presence well. The actors who did the roles of the politician and the heroine's boyfriend were less forceful, and suffered from being lackluster amongst this celebration of charisma around them.
There are small touches that dazzled me along the way; such as the design of the electric chair, the sudden appearances - or nearly crashes - of (Kallin) totally unexpectedly, his hilarious lines being delivered so seriously: "What kind of monster you think I am?!" (talking about killing a prisoner earlier rather than putting him with another in one cell!), and overall how this movie merged every smile with a jolt.
Despite being unheard of, I'm sure it'll win the rank of classic over the years, deserving it best. Here's a movie that refutes the Hollywood term "big". Because it could defeat many of their so-called "big" blockbusters, fulfilling being deep and enjoyable in the same time. Now to all the Hollywood community, along with Hollywood die-hard fans,: low budget movie doesn't necessarily mean low movie.
It can't be prettier with that wicked satirical finale, in which all the idealistic and well-meaning minions work under the authority of a new justice-executer / the immoral businesswomen. It's more than clear what side the movie refers to, concerning who really defines the justice in America of today!
At first, I thought my eyes doing me tricks when I read in the TV guide that "this is a comedy starring Rod Steiger". To the best of my knowledge at the time, the 2 words "comedy" and "Steiger" couldn't be put together anytime. But they were. And it was so right time.
You'll never remember the low budget, and the un-great performance of some of the supporting actors, because the whole thing is rich. The set of (Kallin)'s prison is so expressive. This type of (Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari - 1920) wasn't usually seen in American movies since epochs, so how about using it in a comedy. The editing kept a brisk character for the movie while not sacrificing the serious parts. The direction did a perfect job, having a crazy sense of humor, and an accurate taste to balance the work; making a kind of first "guilty superhero" movie, a wonderful black comedy, and a shrewd vision about the value of justice not in today's societies but in general.
It managed to show maybe all the colors of justice. The politicians' one; corrupted as them, executing their dirty hidden aims, needing a real one to fix things up. The businessmen's one; as the same as the politicians', a subjective tool to terminate competitors for purely materialistic aims. And the religious vigilante's one; however, it inclined to be deranged and unfair, according to its doer's mentality. As you see, there is no complete human justice. And that's the best meaning this movie says. It shows brilliantly that justice is, and will always be, as imperfect as the human being, no matter how honest can he reach.
Which leads us to that script. It's a memorable victory. Not only for achieving all of the above smartly, but also for shaping it as a catchy, fast-pacing, movie that has: new, mysteries and attractive hero, tight plot, bittersweet short lines, hot unpredictable events, rescue in the nick of time, a twist at the end, and a meaningfully sarcastic finale. That's something which by watching many movies you'll get how rare it is.
Rod Steiger was magnificent. He played his character as a mix of lunatic judge, the last righteous man on earth, a wounded husband and father, and a bizarre comic superhero all in the same time, I just hated his wig! Heather Graham wasn't the eye candy; she delivered a nice performance. Choosing Isaac Hayes was a masterstroke; he portrayed (Aloysius) as a man in the middle of being a kindhearted priest and a terrifying mentally-handicapped, his walk reminded me of Dracula's minion. Zelda Rubinstein was a fine point for the benefit of the casting; she's always funny and weird; exactly like this movie! I never liked Lauren Hutton, though the movie uses her abominable presence well. The actors who did the roles of the politician and the heroine's boyfriend were less forceful, and suffered from being lackluster amongst this celebration of charisma around them.
There are small touches that dazzled me along the way; such as the design of the electric chair, the sudden appearances - or nearly crashes - of (Kallin) totally unexpectedly, his hilarious lines being delivered so seriously: "What kind of monster you think I am?!" (talking about killing a prisoner earlier rather than putting him with another in one cell!), and overall how this movie merged every smile with a jolt.
Despite being unheard of, I'm sure it'll win the rank of classic over the years, deserving it best. Here's a movie that refutes the Hollywood term "big". Because it could defeat many of their so-called "big" blockbusters, fulfilling being deep and enjoyable in the same time. Now to all the Hollywood community, along with Hollywood die-hard fans,: low budget movie doesn't necessarily mean low movie.
It can't be prettier with that wicked satirical finale, in which all the idealistic and well-meaning minions work under the authority of a new justice-executer / the immoral businesswomen. It's more than clear what side the movie refers to, concerning who really defines the justice in America of today!
UNDERRATED GEM!!!
bronzesrv23 September 2022
This was one of my favorite movies growing up! This movie is how justice should be dispensed! Lol it stars the late great Rod Steiger and Isaac Hayes and the lovely Laura Hamilton. Rod Steiger was so good at this it was years before I realized it was him playing a major role😂. It is a must watch, it is hard to find. I finally got the chance to download it. Amazon used to have it but the license expired so they're trying to get it back. If you can catch this movie, it is an excellent black comedy. A lot of up-and-coming actors That weren't well known at the time, but well known now are in this. Commenter raegan_butcher said it best when they said Ron Steigers character somehow managed to be funny, sad, sweet, righteous, warped and malevolent-- sometimes all in one scene.😂 That description was so accurate LOL. Whenever I'm down and sad and just need a laugh, I watch this movie.
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