Maximum Force (1992) Poster

(1992)

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4/10
**out of ***** Trashy and cheesy but watchable
Welshfilmfan13 January 2009
I wasn't really aware of the Movies of the PM Entertainment Group all produced and nearly all directed by Richard Pepin & Joseph Merhi, having seen a few now I realise that they're similar in vein to the 'Cannon Group' or 'The Asylum' releases....Cheesy Trash, but Enjoyable all the same.

Maxmimum Force 'stars' B Movie regular Sam Jones along with Sherrie Rose (as eye candy) & Jason Lively as three renegade cops who are recruited by their Captain (John Saxon) to team up to bring down a big time gangster Max Tanabe (Richard Lynch) who pretty much runs the city and has the Police Dept, including Chief of Police (Mickey Rooney clearly slumming it) in his pocket with bribes.

It's not great and it's not even a good movie within it's genre, but for a low budget STV release, full of plot holes you could drive a truck through but it's cheesy fun which is full of action and explosions, the acting isn't the best, but that's neither here nor there in these types of movies

** out of *****
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5/10
Maximum (C.movie) star power...
fmarkland3211 September 2006
Sam "Remember Flash Gordon?" Jones stars as a martial arts expert/cop who is brought in by a mysterious cop (John Saxon) who gets the three toughest cops (Jones, Sherrie Rose and Jason Lively) to take down mobster Richard Lynch who has corrupted the town in his deals with prostitution, drugs and all that jazz. Lots of shootouts occur. You have to love PM and their consistent goal to provide action movies of such stupid magnitude yet ultimately diverting. In Maximum Force we get what could be a blue print in making a low budget guilty pleasure obscurity. With any C.movie you have to have talent across the board to keep it interesting. You have Sam Jones as your token stardom eluding leading man (He was Flash Gordon for goodness sake!) and you also have the washed up old fogies who have seen better days. In this case this category extends to Mickey Rooney, John Saxon and Richard Lynch as all of them act only for the paycheck involved. Then of course you have the never was actors such as Sherrie Rose and Jason Lively who basically never went on to do anything big or ever hit it big. You combine this list of talent and then plug in some high energy action set-pieces and you have Maximum Force, quite possibly the greatest C.movie ever made. Also add in a shot of the admittedly sexy Sherrie Rose in a thong and you have the textbook of how to make a movie that people enjoy at 2 am.

* * Out of 4-(Fair)
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5/10
"I was having a good day until you blew up my stuff!"
The_Phantom_Projectionist19 June 2015
At first glance, MAXIMUM FORCE is a standard action B-movie, but while it probably never aspired to be more than a direct-to-video adrenaline package, what we have here is actually a missed opportunity at a potentially great action outing. With a fantastic cast to its name and action filmmaker extraordinaire Joseph Merhi directing, this should have amounted to a higher rating than I'm giving it now. The film has its moments, but loses out due to misuse of its performers and a mediocre plot.

The story: In a last-ditch effort to apprehend an untouchable crime lord (Richard Lynch), a secret strike force of dedicated cops (played by Sam Jones, Sherrie Rose, and Jason Lively) is assembled to take the fight directly to him.

I like seeing Sherrie Rose in action roles and Jason Lively is fun enough to watch, but Sam Jones' staid role stifles his usual charisma and likability. Richard Lynch can play an evil character with the slightest of effort, but he hardly does anything here besides hold ominous meetings with other bad guys. Other members of the dramatic cast include John Saxon, Mickey Rooney, Sonny Landham, Ken Davitian, and Michael DeLano, and while they do well enough with the screen time they have, they are all relegated to fairly limited roles with little to no action. This is all the more disappointing when considering that this is one of PM Entertainment's "serious" action films – one that tries to convey moments of genuine drama and some semblance of a social message. Why have all these cool actors if most of them are only in one or two scenes?

I had not expected this to be a martial arts movie, so imagine my surprise when the number of full-length karate fights neared a dozen. The extended martial cast includes Ken McLeod, Steven Ho, Dino Homsey, Dennis Keiffer, Zak Lee, Satch Williams, and Roger and Ron Yuan: a genuinely good hand for martial arts enthusiasts. The fights scenes end up being hit-and-miss, partially due to the fact that not all of the above-mentioned performers get to fight. Sam Jones and Sherrie Rose look surprising adept at martial arts and both get at least one decent match; Jones' showdown with Jeff Langton probably constitutes the best brawl of the film. Nevertheless, a bit more flair in general would have helped make more of the matches memorable. The non-kickboxing action portions are even blander and consist mainly of explosions.

What eventually keeps the movie from a higher rating is its limited energy. Merhi and PM tend to be great at delivering rollicking adventure flicks, but this one feels particularly restrained and suffers for it (perhaps they had to put up a serious front to get some of the more famous actors to sign?). The storyline tries to make its points about police corruption stick and make some of its deaths meaningful, but the film simply lacks both the finesse and the legitimacy for that. Treat this one strictly as a digital rental.
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This movie is a well oiled machine! Period.
t_reznor6917 March 2002
This may be the best B Grade action movie ever, simply because it takes Flash Gordon, Roeper from Enter The Dragon, Rusty from National Lampoon's European Vacation and Golan/Globus's best bad guy, Richard Lynch!! Throw in the "greatest actor in the world, the WORLD!!!" Mickey Rooney, and get the movie directed by b-movie star Jalal Merhi's brother Joseph Merhi, and you have MAXIMUM FORCE, the well oiled machine of a movie that delivers with 2nd rate action, 3rd rate nudity, and a cameo from former porn star Sonny Landham (as a pimp), who's taken on Carl Weathers, Eddie Murphy, Chuck Norris, Sylvester Stallone, AND Arnold himself. Seriously, this movie is something you're bound to see late night on tv, but that is good since it will help you fall asleep.
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2/10
I felt my brain cells dying as I watched.
planktonrules4 January 2024
I'll cut to the chase...."Maximum Force" is a third-rate action picture at best. But I decided to watch it for one reason...I've seen most of Mickey Rooney's movies and he, sadly, is in this one. This isn't a huge surprise, as later in his career, Rooney would appear in pretty much anything...a far cry from a time in 1938-1940 when he was the #1 actor in the world!

In many ways, this PM Entertainment film looks like a Steven Seagal production of the 90s...but with even less quality. It's all action, big on explosions and low on common sense and believability. It's not intended to be an art film, that's for sure!

Three tough but frustrated screw-up cops are recruited by police Captain Fuller (John Saxon) to take down Max Tenabe (Richard Lynch)...the leader of a criminal empire dealing in, well, pretty much anything illegal. This will mean TEAMWORK instead of their usual methods...which are to go in alone and kick butt. Can they manage to stop Tenabe AND can they somehow avoid prison for all the laws they break to do this?

The best thing this movie has going for it is Richard Lynch. He's always scary and very effective in villain roles and he manages to infuse some quality into this movie. As for the rest of the movie, well, it's pretty bad. It's full of mindless action, bad montages and goofball scenes. It' looks as if the filmmakers didn't even try to make it believable.

But despite this, if you do still decide to watch the film, note the a few of the ridiculous scenes. One of the heroes is shot at very close range by what appears to be a .357 handgun. He's just fine....no complaints, no broken sternum...nothing!! Or, handcuffing a guy to a van and then driving all over town...dragging him. He's even driven INTO a phone booth as a cop in a patrol car watches...and does nothing to stop them. Or, the scene where the hero shoots a guy hanging from a helicopter...about 100 yards away...with a handgun!
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1/10
Minimum farce
mattratt-4242713 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
With so many b movie greats how could this not be good/bad. I dont know but it some how figured out how to be. Sam Jones gives his usual disappointing performance. Lynch is the bad guy. Again. Sherrie Rose isnt bad but only a short shot of hooters. A few good moments. Rose talking to her dying partner. The dying partner does the usual last words and head drop. I kid you not she looks at him for 20 secs. Checks his pulse and then proclaims hes dead. Thanks for the info. The police captain(Nightmare on Elm Street dad) comes around a column in mid shoot out. Hands bound all bloody. Her reaction oh hey captain. Takes a lot to startle her apparently. Or Jones telling the dying captain with a grin Dont worry Cap will get him. Plus a homeless person was riddled with bullets at the beginning. Nice touch. This is bad/bad. Move on from it.
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7/10
Really Cool B-movie Action Cop Thriller
lukem-5276027 April 2021
Awesome film is what came to mind whilst watching this Pm entertainment Masterpiece!!!

A group of renegade cops are teamed up by the great John Saxon (A B-movie & Horror Genre Legend R. I. P) as tough Captain named Fuller, this guy has been trying to bring down a crime lord (played greatly by Richard Lynch) & he's been on that case his whole career & it's time to finally end it before he retires & so he gets a team together of tough cops who each have been trying to bring down the same crime lord for their own reasons.

The team are, Sam Jones (Flash Gordon, Silent Assassins) who is a "Punisher" type of renegade cop, he's hard-as-nails & really would make a great "Punisher" or would've back in the day.

Sherrie Rose (King of the Kickboxers 2) is a tough chick, she's super sexy & super deadly & is great here & is a very good underrated actor.

The final member of this vigilante cop team is the excellent Jason Lively (Night of the Creeps) who is a tech-wizard & has some great moments with his remote-controlled cars armed with explosives & he's a funny dude.

I loved this team of cool characters & the Noir style story & the beautiful cinematography that really shines throughout the film, just look at the beauty of the warehouse scenes where our cops are training!!!

"Maximum Force" is an excellent film, the low-budget doesn't matter as you can't judge a film by it's budget because some cheap flicks are way better than some mega budget films such as "Force" this is a super entertaining & perfect late-night Thriller that's got Awesome action scenes & bloody shootouts & a cast of actors who are really enjoying their roles.

Other parts are filled out with the veteran actor Mickey Rooney as a corrupted politician type who clashes with Saxon's Captain Fuller & the crime lords deadly bodyguard played by Jeff Langton.

From the Awesome music, stunning cinematography, great characters, cool action scenes & great performances make MAXIMUM FORCE a great movie.
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6/10
Solid B-movie thrills
Leofwine_draca2 July 2015
MAXIMUM FORCE is a solid B-movie action thriller from the early 1990s, directed by the prolific Joseph Merhi. It takes a predictable storyline - in which a trio of renegade cops must team up to take down a corrupt businessman whom each has a vendetta against - and executes it with solid efficiency. It's the sort of film that's always going to pale in comparison to bigger budgeted fare, but one which remains enjoyable enough as a diversion.

The cast is headlined by Sam Jones (FLASH GORDON), who's wooden but imposing as a tough, kickboxing cop. Think Dolph Lundgren in THE PUNISHER and you'll be close. Sherrie Rose is the trademark blonde sidekick, although she does get the chance to hold her own in a couple of fight scenes. Finally, the weapons/technology expert is played by Jason Lively, of NIGHT OF THE CREEPS/NATIONAL LAMPOON'S European VACATION fame. He brings the comedy.

MAXIMUM FORCE has plenty of action going for it so it remains entertaining through, and I'll forever be a fan of those '90s-era martial arts fights in which every kick and punch is accompanied by a ridiculously loud 'thud' sound effect. Plus there are cameos for Mickey Rooney (of all people!) and PREDATOR's Sonny Landham, a supporting turn from John Saxon as a cop, and cult favourite Richard Lynch (CUT AND RUN) playing the villain. What's not to love?
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6/10
Maximum Force!
tarbosh2200013 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"Trouble and me are old friends..." "Maximum Force" is an enjoyable 90s direct to video blow 'em up from PM entertainment.

Max Tanabe (as portrayed by the non-Japanese Lynch) is an unscrupulous crime lord who operates out of a high rise office building in downtown L.A. He claims it is like a fortress and he never leaves the boardroom. This is unfortunate for his multiracial gang of baddies who have to suffer through all night meetings.

Captain Fuller (Saxon) has been trying to catch Tanabe for years but he is too evil to get caught. Fuller is close to retirement and wants to end his career with a bang by nabbing Tanabe. Towards this end he assembles a crack team of three cops who each dispense their own brand of justice.

Crews (Sam J. Jones): is the unshaven, unwashed, cigarette smoking, leather jacket wearing badass who spends his days trying to break up an underground (is there any other kind...) kick\punch\shootfighting ring.

Randal (Sherrie Rose): is a tough-talking' dame who goes undercover as a prostitute and has no problem kicking, shooting and punching with the best of them.

Carver (Jason Lively): is a techie nerd and is a sassy jokester that provides the comic relief such as it is.

Separately they all have their own cases....but once they are assembled by Fuller, they become a Maximum Force to be reckoned with! They are holed up in an underlit studio apartment/hideout where they work on becoming "One mind body and soul". They are many scenes developing their camaraderie, including many training sequences. The standout being the one with Crews smoking a cigarette while jumping rope. Naturally, there is a romantic triangle between the cops. Crews wins out because the other guy's pickup line involves shooting him in the chest while he tries out an experimental bulletproof vest. Also he is a nerd. The final phase of their training involves a surprise ninja attack. They pass with flying colors. Tanabe better watch his back...

Mickey Rooney is in this crud as the corrupt chief of police who is on the take from Tanabe. He wants Fuller to stop pursuing him. Rooney never leaves his limo.

The final confrontation between Tanabe's minions and the Maxiumum Forcers involves many of the minions (who you know are bad because they all have rat tails and mullets.) being blown to kingdom come on Carver's explosive remote control cars. In the last minutes of the movie they introduce a great new character: BEAR (Asbjorn "Bear" Riis)! A hulking superdude who picks people up and throws them. Crews randomly states "this is my friend....BEAR!" and he briefly becomes part of the team. Somehow BEAR ends up in a science lab. Because brawn not brains are BEAR's specialty he looks confused and says "HUH?" in true Charles Barkley fashion. Sadly, mere seconds after meeting him, he passes away. This was a sad moment for us all.

A moment of silence please...

This is an entertaining actioner but it needed more BEAR!
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6/10
Living with the fast forward button is mandatory .......
merklekranz22 January 2021
"Maximum Force" is a perfect example of where less would have been best. There are several scenes that are simply unbearably long. The endless training session in the warehouse should be skipped entirely as it is beyond boring. A close second on the tedious scale would be the repetitive exploding remote control cars scene, which goes on and on. The acting by Sam Jones , Sherrie Rose, and Jason Lively is not even close to average. The welcome appearance of Richard Lynch, John Saxon, and Mickey Rooney, elevates the acting grade somewhat. If you are a fan of Lynch, I would seek this one out. Even though he plays his usual "slimeball" villain, he is so good at it. Overall the film is extremely uneven, mostly because of the previously mentioned long dead spots. Nevertheless it is watchable as long as you have the remote in hand. MERK
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