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| Vigilante
Year: 1983
Classification: Action/Adventure
Directed:
- William Lustig
Actors/Actresses:
- Fred Williamson
- Robert Forster
Robert Forester on a "Death Wish"
In the early 80's, there was a sprout of revenge/vigilante films released in America and Italy. I mean we had Death Wish 2, The Exterminator, Rolling Thunder and much much more. Vigilante actually comes out being one of the better of the group. We get the same basic story. A man gets his son murdered and his wife cut up by thugs so he sets out for a "Death Wish" to take them down. Like all the other revenge epics at the time, this is pretty good trashy entertainment. We get extreme violence and some great action, plus a great cheesy performance by Fred Williamson (should we expect anything different?). If you like Death Wish style films, then you must own this piece of low-budget american entertainment. The DVD release of Vigilante is also great. First of all we get the unrated/uncut version of the classic. On top of that we get a superb commentary with the director and almost the entire cast. Also thrown on is every trailer for the film throughout the world, even trailers that portray this film under different titles. Real Awsome! A great DVD package!
An Action Flick that become a Cult Classic.
When a Man (Robert Forster) nearly lost his Wife (Rutanya Alda) by a group of Degenerate Punks but they murder their Only Son. When the law Cannot do nothing about it. He`s forces to Join a Vigilante-Gang Controlled by his friend (Fred Williamson) to Clean Up the Streets of New York City. To Help, the People are Victims or Were Victims by Any Kind, Especially his Revenge for the Death of his Son.Directed by William Lustig (Maniac, Maniac Cop Trilogy, Relentless) made a Strong Action-Film that is Truly Distasteful for Some Viewers. Lustig`s direction is Surprisingly Good, despite it takes time to the film to get really going. Forster`s Performance is Terrific. Supporting Cast are Good, there`s a Cameo by Cult-Star Legend:Joe Spinell (From the Claustrophobic-Maniac Fame) & Woody Strode as a Prisoner adds life in a Small Role. DVD`s has an good non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer & an digitally remastered-Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. DVD has an Commentary Track by Lustig & actors:Forster, Williamson & Frank Pesce. DVD also has Trailers & Production Stills. It`s worth seeing for the Performances of Forster, Williamson is Quite Good also & Especially-Strode`s brief role. Good Music Score by Jay Chattaway (Missing in Action, Silver Bullet, T.V.`s Enterprise). Written by Richard Vetere (The Third Miracle, Which it`s also Based on his Novel). Panavision. Grade:B .
Exploitation classic heightened by quality performances
Let's get one thing straight. VIGILANTE is not the type of movie that will satisfy those who dislike violent genre films.
It is, however, the kind of picture that will thrill any fan of DEATH WISH, ROLLING THUNDER, THE EXTERMINATOR or any other '70s / early '80s revenge flick that has vigilantism as its main theme.
The acting in VIGILANTE is of a high quality, superb even for an exploitation film. In particular, Robert Forster shines as an everyday working Joe driven to the brink by grief and circumstance. Fred Williamson was never better (and is unlikely to be), while Joe Spinnell steals your attention in his two scenes.
Anchor Bay's DVD release of the film is nothing short of miraculous. The movie has been lovingly restored via George Lucas' THX process and the widescreen presentation looks superb. But the jewel in the crown is the audio commentary. Director William Lustig and the three actors have a whale of a time recounting the film's shoot, and so does the listener.
Buy Vigilante at Amazon.com
Buy posters at Allposters.com
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