Reviews (9)

No new ground covered here
In a constant effort to expand my collection of action flicks, I decided to give 'Dead-Bang' a view. While it ain't a half-bad "lone-wolf-cop-on-a-mission-and-God-help-anybody-who-gets-in-his-way" type movie, the sheer volume of the usual clichés, stereotypical supporting characters, and hackneyed situations borders on the ludicrous. For a start, you've got Don Johnson playing Beck, a divorced alcoholic cop who prefers to work alone and doesn't like to go by the rules. Sounds like a familiar character (or combo of characters) don't it?

But wait, there's more: we can't forget the usual folks the lone wolf cop who doesn't like to play by the rules will hafta deal with on his way to gettin' the job done, right? This lineup of familiar anal-retentives include:

- An annoyingly buttoned-down & arrogant FBI agent (played a bit too stiffly by William Forsythe) who goes by-the-book at all times and tries to grab all the glory for Beck's hard work.

- A ludicrously complacent small-town sheriff who thinks he can handle the situation in spite of Beck's insistence that he's overmatched. Needless to say, the yokel suddenly and almost fatally gets his comeuppance when he and several deputies get caught in the bad guys' ambush.

- A police captain who is on one hand sympathetic towards Beck's plight, but on the other hand is also concerned for the department's image and wants his underling to tone things down.

- A super-geeky & bureaucratic police shrink called in to evaluate the Beck's mental state, who is coerced by Beck into giving him a favorable evaluation.

Then there's the band of white supremacists Beck is after, which might lead one to believe the movie will actually tackle the topic of organized racism in a meaningful way... NOT! Throw in the obligatory boink scene, foot-chase scene, and a slight twist at the climax that wasn't all that twisty, and you've got the cop-cinema equivalent of acute déjà vu. Though I must admit Beck's method of puking-on-a-perp method of questioning is a fairly novel if disgusting addition to the action.

If nothing more, 'Dead-Bang' is worth a rent if you've already checked out every other semi-decent tape on your local Hollywood Video's Action/Adventure shelf...

'Late

Better Could Be
There's very good message in this film but the script is too simpel. The end isn't surprising. The actors are not so good. I wanted to stop this film many times because it was so boring.

DECENT ACTION FLICK
YOU REALLY HAVE TO SEE A MOVIE LIKE THIS TO GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT SOME 'REAL COPS' GO THROUGH. ALTHOUGH DRAMATIZED, THE BASIS FOR THIS FLICK IS THE REAL LIFE EXPLIOTS OF L.A. COUNTY SHERIFFS HOMICE INVESTIGATOR JEROME BECK.

IT IS A RIVETING CHARACTER STUDY OF WHAT THIS JOB CAN DO TO A MAN, HIS MARRIAGE, HIS KIDS AND HIS PSYCHE.

DON JOHNSON DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB OF PLAYING THE MORBID, BURNT OUT COP ON THE EDGE. HE'S DRINKING EXCESSIVELY, GOING THROUGH A BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE WITH HIS EX, LIVING IN A DUMP AND BREAKING EVERY RULE IN THE BOOK TO GET A NEO-NAZI MANIAC WHO KILLED A DISTANT POLICE CAMPADRE.

THE ONE OBVIOUS FLAW IN THE FILM IS THE TOTALLY PROCEDURALLY INCORRECT WAY THE VICTIM OFFICER APPROACHES AN ARMED ROBBERY/MURDER SUSPECT. ANY REAL COP WATCHING THE SHOW WILL BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE 'STOP' BUTTON ON THE V.C.R. THERE. BUT IF YOU CAN WADE PAST THIS NONSESICAL SCENE ITS A PRETTY DECENT FLICK.

JOHNSON SHINES IN A MEMORABLE SCENE WHERE HE IS ORDERED TO UNDERGO PSYCHOLOGICAL COUSELING DUE TO HIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR.
AS THE PENCIL NECKED ANALYST'S EGO IS STEPPED ON HE PREPARES TO END THE SESSION 'RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT' ON THE VETERAN OFFICER'S
MENTAL STATE. JOHNSON'S 'BECK' USES SOME PURSUASIVE PSYCO BABBLE OF HIS OWN TO DETER THE COUSELOR FROM ENDING HIS 'BECKS' CAREER.
IT IS A GREAT SCENE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FILM.

THE THING THAT MAKES THIS CHARACTER DIFFERENT FROM 'SONNY CROCKETT' OR 'NASH BRIDGES' IS THE REALNESS OF THE GUY. HE DOESNT SPOUT POLITICALLY CORRECT ONE LINERS. HE DOESNT WEAR FASHIONS THAT NO REAL COP COULD EVER AFFORD, AND HIS LIFE IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF GLAMOROUS.

CRITICS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE WERE QUICK TO LAMBAST THIS MOVIE WHEN IT PREMEIRED IN EARLY 1989 BECAUSE IT DOESNT HAVE A SUPER HERO MAIN CHARACTER WHO JUMPS OFF OF BUILDINGS OR DRIVES A FLASHY CAR. AND THAT IS JUST THE REASON IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRAISED. IT HAD THE GUTS TO BE DIFFERENT!

THE ACTION SCENES ARE WELL ORCHESTRATED WITH JOHNSON ACTUALLY LOOKING 'PUMPED' AS HE ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE THE SHOOTOUTS.

NO, 'DEAD BANG' IS NOT A TIMELESS CLASSIC, BUT IT WORKS WELL AS A DRAMATIC ACTION PLAY WITH A FLAWED BUT VERY INTERESTING PROTAGONIST.

A "Dead" Movie That Doesn't Go Out With A "Bang"
I first saw this film in a theater on a double bill with Alan Parker's "Mississippi Burning." John Frankenheimer's "Dead Bang" is simply another forgettable action movie.

Cop Don Johnson goes after a group of neo-Nazis.

"Dead Bang" is one of Frankenheimer's more inferior movies. As a Frankenheimer film, "Dead Bang" isn't as poor as "99 and 44/100% Dead" and "The Holcroft Covenant" but that isn't saying a whole lot; Frankenheimer hasn't made one great movie since "Black Sunday." This film came out during the last season of Don Johnson's TV show "Miami Vice" and Johnson basically just plays Sonny Crockett on the big screen. "Dead Bang" has a few good action sequences but this one element can't save the film. The film isn't particularly exciting or interesting. In one particularly crude and unnecessary sequence, a cop is shown vomiting on a suspect.

Like William Friedkin and Brian DePalma, Frankenheimer is a once great director who lost his edge. I am sad that the director of such brilliant movies as "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Birdman of Alcatraz" has fallen to making crass movies like "Dead Bang."

"Dead Bang" is nothing more than a foul-mouthed and forgettable action movie. The film is only for big Don Johnson fans and those who merely want to see violent action.

Workmanlike but hardly distinguished
The problem with this film (as well as most of John Frankenheimer's output since the late '70s) is that, while there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, there also isn't much of anything special about it. It's workmanlike, nothing more. That's especially sad when you consider how great his films used to be (see THE TRAIN, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, SECONDS, BLACK SUNDAY, FRENCH CONNECTION II, or even 52 PICK-UP).

Don Johnson gives a decent enough performance in a roll that is essentially a cardon copy of his cop from "Miami Vice" (DEAD-BANG came out toward the end of that show's run). He's not a bad actor when he gets the right role and this one doesn't tax his limited abilities.

The only real interest here comes from the quirky supporting cast, including Bob Balaban as an uptight parole officer, William Forsythe as a spit-and-polish FBI goon, and Michael Jeter as a psychiatrist who's a dead ringer for Woody Allen. The rest of the actors are pretty much wasted in nothing roles (Penelope Ann Miller shows up for a pointless walk-on role in a sub-plot that goes nowhere).

If made today, this one probably would have been a USA Network made-for-TV movie. It's passable and inoffensive but not much else. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

9-30-55
This is a story of the impact James Dean's death had a group of college kids. It was filmed in Conway, Arkansas, where, I believe the director and Arkansas native, James Bridges, went to college. It's a pretty good movie and an opportunity to see well known actors Tom Hulce, Lisa Blount, and Dennis Quaid early in their careers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

MENNO'S MINDLESS
This is another one of those future societies where man's quest for self satisfaction is the major motivator of daily living. Too bad director Jon Kroll didn't enliven it with some good acting or great action scenes. As it is, we get Bruce Campbell for a few minutes as an underground rebel leader who when fatally shot downloads his brain into a computer. Nerdy computer geek Bill Campbell is then forced by the tough Stephanie Romanov to download Bruce's brain into his own so he can find out what it is that Brucie knew about an impending computer disaster. Corbin Bernsen (gleefully vile as usual) is an evil guy who is running for President and has decided to use the Resort to influence votes.
The acting is negligible to say the least and the pace is snail-like at best.
Could have been better, but no cigar this time!

Too much Bill, not enough Bruce...
I got this movie for two reasons: 1. It's being sold in Russia on the black market as "The Matrix 2." 2. It has Bruce Campbell in it. Unfortunately, Bruce isn't in the movie for long, as he is killed off early in the picture. The rest of the film is pretty bad, being your typical DTV picture, but there are some good qualities to it. Michael Dorn is good as Menno's best friend, and there is some good humor. But most of the movie is very silly with terrible acting and pretty subpar action. I guess if you like "Johnny Mnemonic," you'll like this one.

good story and solid actors, but it is kinda low budget
there are some good qualities to this movie, it fits the genre of a futuristic sci-fi where a powerful G-man is vying for the presidency in a fascist/democratic America. But it does fail in many areas, like action and budget. The language and acting is really good though, and Corbin Bernsen made a great bad guy. The real reason to watch this movie though is Stephanie Romanov, no bouncing action, but what a fox.

Menno's Mind
I finally feel as though there are people out there making films for the sake of making a films and not trying to recreate film making history. Everyone seems to think that for a movie to be entertaining and good, it has to be a big-budget blockbuster type film. Fortunately, the maker's of Menno's Mind decided to make a film for the sake of making a film. I first rented this film and have since purchased it. It's fun to watch and enjoyable to watch again. Bravo to it's writer, director and all it's cast. Thanks for the entertainment!

disapointing
I got this video and was excited by the possible plot, and bruce cambell is usually good. To cut to the chase this is dissapointing. It has a relative good idea, but the script is one-dimensional at best. The acting it sub par, the director never even gave bruce a chance to be bruce. Not to say this was a horrible film, it was ok, for a late night showtime film, or something. I wouldn't recommend it unless it's on television, or a movie channel, and there's nothing else on. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Fairly solid suspense for cable movie
This made-for-cable movie is a cut above most suspense stories of its genre, i.e. it's nothing particularly special, but it is better than most things you'd tune in during the afternoon. Miss Dunaway plays a wealthy traveler whose Mercedes breaks down in a small town, so she must stay a few days at the local motel. There, she witnesses what could be a murder in the window of a nearby building. Miss Dunaway gets involved, and then the killer goes after her. It's fairly routine, but nonetheless exciting and suspenseful at times. It does not drag or have unbelievable plot twists. I wouldn't recommend you go out of your way to see it, but if it comes on T.V. or you see it at the video store, give it a try. For fans of Miss Dunaway, it's a cut above some of the other material she made during this time. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

No new ground covered here
In a constant effort to expand my collection of action flicks, I decided to give 'Dead-Bang' a view. While it ain't a half-bad "lone-wolf-cop-on-a-mission-and-God-help-anybody-who-gets-in-his-way" type movie, the sheer volume of the usual clichés, stereotypical supporting characters, and hackneyed situations borders on the ludicrous. For a start, you've got Don Johnson playing Beck, a divorced alcoholic cop who prefers to work alone and doesn't like to go by the rules. Sounds like a familiar character (or combo of characters) don't it?

But wait, there's more: we can't forget the usual folks the lone wolf cop who doesn't like to play by the rules will hafta deal with on his way to gettin' the job done, right? This lineup of familiar anal-retentives include:

- An annoyingly buttoned-down & arrogant FBI agent (played a bit too stiffly by William Forsythe) who goes by-the-book at all times and tries to grab all the glory for Beck's hard work.

- A ludicrously complacent small-town sheriff who thinks he can handle the situation in spite of Beck's insistence that he's overmatched. Needless to say, the yokel suddenly and almost fatally gets his comeuppance when he and several deputies get caught in the bad guys' ambush.

- A police captain who is on one hand sympathetic towards Beck's plight, but on the other hand is also concerned for the department's image and wants his underling to tone things down.

- A super-geeky & bureaucratic police shrink called in to evaluate the Beck's mental state, who is coerced by Beck into giving him a favorable evaluation.

Then there's the band of white supremacists Beck is after, which might lead one to believe the movie will actually tackle the topic of organized racism in a meaningful way... NOT! Throw in the obligatory boink scene, foot-chase scene, and a slight twist at the climax that wasn't all that twisty, and you've got the cop-cinema equivalent of acute déjà vu. Though I must admit Beck's method of puking-on-a-perp method of questioning is a fairly novel if disgusting addition to the action.

If nothing more, 'Dead-Bang' is worth a rent if you've already checked out every other semi-decent tape on your local Hollywood Video's Action/Adventure shelf...

'Late

Better Could Be
There's very good message in this film but the script is too simpel. The end isn't surprising. The actors are not so good. I wanted to stop this film many times because it was so boring.

DECENT ACTION FLICK
YOU REALLY HAVE TO SEE A MOVIE LIKE THIS TO GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT SOME 'REAL COPS' GO THROUGH. ALTHOUGH DRAMATIZED, THE BASIS FOR THIS FLICK IS THE REAL LIFE EXPLIOTS OF L.A. COUNTY SHERIFFS HOMICE INVESTIGATOR JEROME BECK.

IT IS A RIVETING CHARACTER STUDY OF WHAT THIS JOB CAN DO TO A MAN, HIS MARRIAGE, HIS KIDS AND HIS PSYCHE.

DON JOHNSON DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB OF PLAYING THE MORBID, BURNT OUT COP ON THE EDGE. HE'S DRINKING EXCESSIVELY, GOING THROUGH A BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE WITH HIS EX, LIVING IN A DUMP AND BREAKING EVERY RULE IN THE BOOK TO GET A NEO-NAZI MANIAC WHO KILLED A DISTANT POLICE CAMPADRE.

THE ONE OBVIOUS FLAW IN THE FILM IS THE TOTALLY PROCEDURALLY INCORRECT WAY THE VICTIM OFFICER APPROACHES AN ARMED ROBBERY/MURDER SUSPECT. ANY REAL COP WATCHING THE SHOW WILL BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE 'STOP' BUTTON ON THE V.C.R. THERE. BUT IF YOU CAN WADE PAST THIS NONSESICAL SCENE ITS A PRETTY DECENT FLICK.

JOHNSON SHINES IN A MEMORABLE SCENE WHERE HE IS ORDERED TO UNDERGO PSYCHOLOGICAL COUSELING DUE TO HIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR.
AS THE PENCIL NECKED ANALYST'S EGO IS STEPPED ON HE PREPARES TO END THE SESSION 'RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT' ON THE VETERAN OFFICER'S
MENTAL STATE. JOHNSON'S 'BECK' USES SOME PURSUASIVE PSYCO BABBLE OF HIS OWN TO DETER THE COUSELOR FROM ENDING HIS 'BECKS' CAREER.
IT IS A GREAT SCENE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FILM.

THE THING THAT MAKES THIS CHARACTER DIFFERENT FROM 'SONNY CROCKETT' OR 'NASH BRIDGES' IS THE REALNESS OF THE GUY. HE DOESNT SPOUT POLITICALLY CORRECT ONE LINERS. HE DOESNT WEAR FASHIONS THAT NO REAL COP COULD EVER AFFORD, AND HIS LIFE IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF GLAMOROUS.

CRITICS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE WERE QUICK TO LAMBAST THIS MOVIE WHEN IT PREMEIRED IN EARLY 1989 BECAUSE IT DOESNT HAVE A SUPER HERO MAIN CHARACTER WHO JUMPS OFF OF BUILDINGS OR DRIVES A FLASHY CAR. AND THAT IS JUST THE REASON IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRAISED. IT HAD THE GUTS TO BE DIFFERENT!

THE ACTION SCENES ARE WELL ORCHESTRATED WITH JOHNSON ACTUALLY LOOKING 'PUMPED' AS HE ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE THE SHOOTOUTS.

NO, 'DEAD BANG' IS NOT A TIMELESS CLASSIC, BUT IT WORKS WELL AS A DRAMATIC ACTION PLAY WITH A FLAWED BUT VERY INTERESTING PROTAGONIST.

A "Dead" Movie That Doesn't Go Out With A "Bang"
I first saw this film in a theater on a double bill with Alan Parker's "Mississippi Burning." John Frankenheimer's "Dead Bang" is simply another forgettable action movie.

Cop Don Johnson goes after a group of neo-Nazis.

"Dead Bang" is one of Frankenheimer's more inferior movies. As a Frankenheimer film, "Dead Bang" isn't as poor as "99 and 44/100% Dead" and "The Holcroft Covenant" but that isn't saying a whole lot; Frankenheimer hasn't made one great movie since "Black Sunday." This film came out during the last season of Don Johnson's TV show "Miami Vice" and Johnson basically just plays Sonny Crockett on the big screen. "Dead Bang" has a few good action sequences but this one element can't save the film. The film isn't particularly exciting or interesting. In one particularly crude and unnecessary sequence, a cop is shown vomiting on a suspect.

Like William Friedkin and Brian DePalma, Frankenheimer is a once great director who lost his edge. I am sad that the director of such brilliant movies as "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Birdman of Alcatraz" has fallen to making crass movies like "Dead Bang."

"Dead Bang" is nothing more than a foul-mouthed and forgettable action movie. The film is only for big Don Johnson fans and those who merely want to see violent action.

Workmanlike but hardly distinguished
The problem with this film (as well as most of John Frankenheimer's output since the late '70s) is that, while there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, there also isn't much of anything special about it. It's workmanlike, nothing more. That's especially sad when you consider how great his films used to be (see THE TRAIN, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, SECONDS, BLACK SUNDAY, FRENCH CONNECTION II, or even 52 PICK-UP).

Don Johnson gives a decent enough performance in a roll that is essentially a cardon copy of his cop from "Miami Vice" (DEAD-BANG came out toward the end of that show's run). He's not a bad actor when he gets the right role and this one doesn't tax his limited abilities.

The only real interest here comes from the quirky supporting cast, including Bob Balaban as an uptight parole officer, William Forsythe as a spit-and-polish FBI goon, and Michael Jeter as a psychiatrist who's a dead ringer for Woody Allen. The rest of the actors are pretty much wasted in nothing roles (Penelope Ann Miller shows up for a pointless walk-on role in a sub-plot that goes nowhere).

If made today, this one probably would have been a USA Network made-for-TV movie. It's passable and inoffensive but not much else. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

No new ground covered here
In a constant effort to expand my collection of action flicks, I decided to give 'Dead-Bang' a view. While it ain't a half-bad "lone-wolf-cop-on-a-mission-and-God-help-anybody-who-gets-in-his-way" type movie, the sheer volume of the usual clichés, stereotypical supporting characters, and hackneyed situations borders on the ludicrous. For a start, you've got Don Johnson playing Beck, a divorced alcoholic cop who prefers to work alone and doesn't like to go by the rules. Sounds like a familiar character (or combo of characters) don't it?

But wait, there's more: we can't forget the usual folks the lone wolf cop who doesn't like to play by the rules will hafta deal with on his way to gettin' the job done, right? This lineup of familiar anal-retentives include:

- An annoyingly buttoned-down & arrogant FBI agent (played a bit too stiffly by William Forsythe) who goes by-the-book at all times and tries to grab all the glory for Beck's hard work.

- A ludicrously complacent small-town sheriff who thinks he can handle the situation in spite of Beck's insistence that he's overmatched. Needless to say, the yokel suddenly and almost fatally gets his comeuppance when he and several deputies get caught in the bad guys' ambush.

- A police captain who is on one hand sympathetic towards Beck's plight, but on the other hand is also concerned for the department's image and wants his underling to tone things down.

- A super-geeky & bureaucratic police shrink called in to evaluate the Beck's mental state, who is coerced by Beck into giving him a favorable evaluation.

Then there's the band of white supremacists Beck is after, which might lead one to believe the movie will actually tackle the topic of organized racism in a meaningful way... NOT! Throw in the obligatory boink scene, foot-chase scene, and a slight twist at the climax that wasn't all that twisty, and you've got the cop-cinema equivalent of acute déjà vu. Though I must admit Beck's method of puking-on-a-perp method of questioning is a fairly novel if disgusting addition to the action.

If nothing more, 'Dead-Bang' is worth a rent if you've already checked out every other semi-decent tape on your local Hollywood Video's Action/Adventure shelf...

'Late

Better Could Be
There's very good message in this film but the script is too simpel. The end isn't surprising. The actors are not so good. I wanted to stop this film many times because it was so boring.

DECENT ACTION FLICK
YOU REALLY HAVE TO SEE A MOVIE LIKE THIS TO GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT SOME 'REAL COPS' GO THROUGH. ALTHOUGH DRAMATIZED, THE BASIS FOR THIS FLICK IS THE REAL LIFE EXPLIOTS OF L.A. COUNTY SHERIFFS HOMICE INVESTIGATOR JEROME BECK.

IT IS A RIVETING CHARACTER STUDY OF WHAT THIS JOB CAN DO TO A MAN, HIS MARRIAGE, HIS KIDS AND HIS PSYCHE.

DON JOHNSON DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB OF PLAYING THE MORBID, BURNT OUT COP ON THE EDGE. HE'S DRINKING EXCESSIVELY, GOING THROUGH A BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE WITH HIS EX, LIVING IN A DUMP AND BREAKING EVERY RULE IN THE BOOK TO GET A NEO-NAZI MANIAC WHO KILLED A DISTANT POLICE CAMPADRE.

THE ONE OBVIOUS FLAW IN THE FILM IS THE TOTALLY PROCEDURALLY INCORRECT WAY THE VICTIM OFFICER APPROACHES AN ARMED ROBBERY/MURDER SUSPECT. ANY REAL COP WATCHING THE SHOW WILL BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE 'STOP' BUTTON ON THE V.C.R. THERE. BUT IF YOU CAN WADE PAST THIS NONSESICAL SCENE ITS A PRETTY DECENT FLICK.

JOHNSON SHINES IN A MEMORABLE SCENE WHERE HE IS ORDERED TO UNDERGO PSYCHOLOGICAL COUSELING DUE TO HIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR.
AS THE PENCIL NECKED ANALYST'S EGO IS STEPPED ON HE PREPARES TO END THE SESSION 'RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT' ON THE VETERAN OFFICER'S
MENTAL STATE. JOHNSON'S 'BECK' USES SOME PURSUASIVE PSYCO BABBLE OF HIS OWN TO DETER THE COUSELOR FROM ENDING HIS 'BECKS' CAREER.
IT IS A GREAT SCENE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FILM.

THE THING THAT MAKES THIS CHARACTER DIFFERENT FROM 'SONNY CROCKETT' OR 'NASH BRIDGES' IS THE REALNESS OF THE GUY. HE DOESNT SPOUT POLITICALLY CORRECT ONE LINERS. HE DOESNT WEAR FASHIONS THAT NO REAL COP COULD EVER AFFORD, AND HIS LIFE IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF GLAMOROUS.

CRITICS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE WERE QUICK TO LAMBAST THIS MOVIE WHEN IT PREMEIRED IN EARLY 1989 BECAUSE IT DOESNT HAVE A SUPER HERO MAIN CHARACTER WHO JUMPS OFF OF BUILDINGS OR DRIVES A FLASHY CAR. AND THAT IS JUST THE REASON IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRAISED. IT HAD THE GUTS TO BE DIFFERENT!

THE ACTION SCENES ARE WELL ORCHESTRATED WITH JOHNSON ACTUALLY LOOKING 'PUMPED' AS HE ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE THE SHOOTOUTS.

NO, 'DEAD BANG' IS NOT A TIMELESS CLASSIC, BUT IT WORKS WELL AS A DRAMATIC ACTION PLAY WITH A FLAWED BUT VERY INTERESTING PROTAGONIST.

A "Dead" Movie That Doesn't Go Out With A "Bang"
I first saw this film in a theater on a double bill with Alan Parker's "Mississippi Burning." John Frankenheimer's "Dead Bang" is simply another forgettable action movie.

Cop Don Johnson goes after a group of neo-Nazis.

"Dead Bang" is one of Frankenheimer's more inferior movies. As a Frankenheimer film, "Dead Bang" isn't as poor as "99 and 44/100% Dead" and "The Holcroft Covenant" but that isn't saying a whole lot; Frankenheimer hasn't made one great movie since "Black Sunday." This film came out during the last season of Don Johnson's TV show "Miami Vice" and Johnson basically just plays Sonny Crockett on the big screen. "Dead Bang" has a few good action sequences but this one element can't save the film. The film isn't particularly exciting or interesting. In one particularly crude and unnecessary sequence, a cop is shown vomiting on a suspect.

Like William Friedkin and Brian DePalma, Frankenheimer is a once great director who lost his edge. I am sad that the director of such brilliant movies as "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Birdman of Alcatraz" has fallen to making crass movies like "Dead Bang."

"Dead Bang" is nothing more than a foul-mouthed and forgettable action movie. The film is only for big Don Johnson fans and those who merely want to see violent action.

Workmanlike but hardly distinguished
The problem with this film (as well as most of John Frankenheimer's output since the late '70s) is that, while there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, there also isn't much of anything special about it. It's workmanlike, nothing more. That's especially sad when you consider how great his films used to be (see THE TRAIN, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, SECONDS, BLACK SUNDAY, FRENCH CONNECTION II, or even 52 PICK-UP).

Don Johnson gives a decent enough performance in a roll that is essentially a cardon copy of his cop from "Miami Vice" (DEAD-BANG came out toward the end of that show's run). He's not a bad actor when he gets the right role and this one doesn't tax his limited abilities.

The only real interest here comes from the quirky supporting cast, including Bob Balaban as an uptight parole officer, William Forsythe as a spit-and-polish FBI goon, and Michael Jeter as a psychiatrist who's a dead ringer for Woody Allen. The rest of the actors are pretty much wasted in nothing roles (Penelope Ann Miller shows up for a pointless walk-on role in a sub-plot that goes nowhere).

If made today, this one probably would have been a USA Network made-for-TV movie. It's passable and inoffensive but not much else. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

The Fourth War
The best element of this movie is the vintage Porsche 356
which Scheider's colonel character drives. Stanton's general
is totally miscast, but his acting is superb. What really
irked me was the failure to set the scene to at least look
something like Germany. Other than some snow and evergreens,
it was obviously filmed in the states or maybe Canada. The roads
and building types are all wrong. Ignoring all the negatives,
this movie is still quite entertaining. Stanton's character

saved it.

Revenge of the Frogman
Seeing this movie around 2 in the morning on Bravo, it caught my interest for a little while. But, the most intresting thing, besides seeing Roy Scheider make an enemy tower combust with the aid of keresone, was his amazing ability to look like a toad. The main reason was his mouth, I guess. How could anyone take this man seriously in combat??? I would probably bust out laughing when encountered with his amphibian-like physique. It was and ok movie, but like a lot of other ones I have seen.

Irritatingly contrived.
If you are a cold war film buff then you might like this just to be a completist but for general viewing it stinks! Forget it! It is just too contrived both in terms if plot and action. The fight scene, for example. No one would be able to stand all those hits and still be able to fight and what was all that when Schneider floats under the ice and pops up ready to fight again. Some of what you show has to be at least a little believable. This isn't! It has a cold war theme but it is, just as another reviewer says, just a Rambo spin off.

No wonder I never saw it on Tv
I purchased the 'Forth War' because I am a fan of Jurgen Prochnow and I am something of a Cold War scenario romantic. Jurgen's acting is less credible in 'The Fourth War' than in his other movies such as 'Dune' and 'Das Boot' and the same could be said for Scheider. This is not a movie about acting ability. Nor it the plot overly convincing. Actually it becomes rather comical and ridiculous. As I continued to watch, it progressively degraded into a 'Red Scorpion' type war flick. You know the type: lame attempts to turn normal helicopters into helicopter gunships by slinging on gigantic rocket pods (I'll give them credit for using a Russian Mi-4 Hound Helicopter at least!), hung-ho military lingo that doesn't quite cut it, lame jokes, that annoying dubbed on machine gun bullet sound, out of sync recoil from guns etc. One thing however, no one gets killed in this movie so it doesn't stoop to the level where incompetent Russian soldiers are gunned down with relative impunity. To sum this film up - It's a cheap copy of Rambo but doesn't quite deliver the same degree of action. Watch-able if you are a demented sicko like me who actually can enjoy such crap!

A good cold war story- And it has Jurgen!
I have been a huge fan of Jurgen Prochnow and here is another great performance, and Roy Schnieder puts on a good show as well. Sometimes the movie can get a little bit silly, but everything makes up for it. ... Read more

Reviews (9)

No new ground covered here
In a constant effort to expand my collection of action flicks, I decided to give 'Dead-Bang' a view. While it ain't a half-bad "lone-wolf-cop-on-a-mission-and-God-help-anybody-who-gets-in-his-way" type movie, the sheer volume of the usual clichés, stereotypical supporting characters, and hackneyed situations borders on the ludicrous. For a start, you've got Don Johnson playing Beck, a divorced alcoholic cop who prefers to work alone and doesn't like to go by the rules. Sounds like a familiar character (or combo of characters) don't it?

But wait, there's more: we can't forget the usual folks the lone wolf cop who doesn't like to play by the rules will hafta deal with on his way to gettin' the job done, right? This lineup of familiar anal-retentives include:

- An annoyingly buttoned-down & arrogant FBI agent (played a bit too stiffly by William Forsythe) who goes by-the-book at all times and tries to grab all the glory for Beck's hard work.

- A ludicrously complacent small-town sheriff who thinks he can handle the situation in spite of Beck's insistence that he's overmatched. Needless to say, the yokel suddenly and almost fatally gets his comeuppance when he and several deputies get caught in the bad guys' ambush.

- A police captain who is on one hand sympathetic towards Beck's plight, but on the other hand is also concerned for the department's image and wants his underling to tone things down.

- A super-geeky & bureaucratic police shrink called in to evaluate the Beck's mental state, who is coerced by Beck into giving him a favorable evaluation.

Then there's the band of white supremacists Beck is after, which might lead one to believe the movie will actually tackle the topic of organized racism in a meaningful way... NOT! Throw in the obligatory boink scene, foot-chase scene, and a slight twist at the climax that wasn't all that twisty, and you've got the cop-cinema equivalent of acute déjà vu. Though I must admit Beck's method of puking-on-a-perp method of questioning is a fairly novel if disgusting addition to the action.

If nothing more, 'Dead-Bang' is worth a rent if you've already checked out every other semi-decent tape on your local Hollywood Video's Action/Adventure shelf...

'Late

Better Could Be
There's very good message in this film but the script is too simpel. The end isn't surprising. The actors are not so good. I wanted to stop this film many times because it was so boring.

DECENT ACTION FLICK
YOU REALLY HAVE TO SEE A MOVIE LIKE THIS TO GET A GLIMPSE OF WHAT SOME 'REAL COPS' GO THROUGH. ALTHOUGH DRAMATIZED, THE BASIS FOR THIS FLICK IS THE REAL LIFE EXPLIOTS OF L.A. COUNTY SHERIFFS HOMICE INVESTIGATOR JEROME BECK.

IT IS A RIVETING CHARACTER STUDY OF WHAT THIS JOB CAN DO TO A MAN, HIS MARRIAGE, HIS KIDS AND HIS PSYCHE.

DON JOHNSON DOES AN EXCELLENT JOB OF PLAYING THE MORBID, BURNT OUT COP ON THE EDGE. HE'S DRINKING EXCESSIVELY, GOING THROUGH A BITTER CUSTODY BATTLE WITH HIS EX, LIVING IN A DUMP AND BREAKING EVERY RULE IN THE BOOK TO GET A NEO-NAZI MANIAC WHO KILLED A DISTANT POLICE CAMPADRE.

THE ONE OBVIOUS FLAW IN THE FILM IS THE TOTALLY PROCEDURALLY INCORRECT WAY THE VICTIM OFFICER APPROACHES AN ARMED ROBBERY/MURDER SUSPECT. ANY REAL COP WATCHING THE SHOW WILL BE TEMPTED TO HIT THE 'STOP' BUTTON ON THE V.C.R. THERE. BUT IF YOU CAN WADE PAST THIS NONSESICAL SCENE ITS A PRETTY DECENT FLICK.

JOHNSON SHINES IN A MEMORABLE SCENE WHERE HE IS ORDERED TO UNDERGO PSYCHOLOGICAL COUSELING DUE TO HIS ERRATIC BEHAVIOUR.
AS THE PENCIL NECKED ANALYST'S EGO IS STEPPED ON HE PREPARES TO END THE SESSION 'RUSHING TO JUDGEMENT' ON THE VETERAN OFFICER'S
MENTAL STATE. JOHNSON'S 'BECK' USES SOME PURSUASIVE PSYCO BABBLE OF HIS OWN TO DETER THE COUSELOR FROM ENDING HIS 'BECKS' CAREER.
IT IS A GREAT SCENE AND THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FILM.

THE THING THAT MAKES THIS CHARACTER DIFFERENT FROM 'SONNY CROCKETT' OR 'NASH BRIDGES' IS THE REALNESS OF THE GUY. HE DOESNT SPOUT POLITICALLY CORRECT ONE LINERS. HE DOESNT WEAR FASHIONS THAT NO REAL COP COULD EVER AFFORD, AND HIS LIFE IS THE EXACT OPPOSITE OF GLAMOROUS.

CRITICS AND AUDIENCES ALIKE WERE QUICK TO LAMBAST THIS MOVIE WHEN IT PREMEIRED IN EARLY 1989 BECAUSE IT DOESNT HAVE A SUPER HERO MAIN CHARACTER WHO JUMPS OFF OF BUILDINGS OR DRIVES A FLASHY CAR. AND THAT IS JUST THE REASON IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PRAISED. IT HAD THE GUTS TO BE DIFFERENT!

THE ACTION SCENES ARE WELL ORCHESTRATED WITH JOHNSON ACTUALLY LOOKING 'PUMPED' AS HE ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE THE SHOOTOUTS.

NO, 'DEAD BANG' IS NOT A TIMELESS CLASSIC, BUT IT WORKS WELL AS A DRAMATIC ACTION PLAY WITH A FLAWED BUT VERY INTERESTING PROTAGONIST.

A "Dead" Movie That Doesn't Go Out With A "Bang"
I first saw this film in a theater on a double bill with Alan Parker's "Mississippi Burning." John Frankenheimer's "Dead Bang" is simply another forgettable action movie.

Cop Don Johnson goes after a group of neo-Nazis.

"Dead Bang" is one of Frankenheimer's more inferior movies. As a Frankenheimer film, "Dead Bang" isn't as poor as "99 and 44/100% Dead" and "The Holcroft Covenant" but that isn't saying a whole lot; Frankenheimer hasn't made one great movie since "Black Sunday." This film came out during the last season of Don Johnson's TV show "Miami Vice" and Johnson basically just plays Sonny Crockett on the big screen. "Dead Bang" has a few good action sequences but this one element can't save the film. The film isn't particularly exciting or interesting. In one particularly crude and unnecessary sequence, a cop is shown vomiting on a suspect.

Like William Friedkin and Brian DePalma, Frankenheimer is a once great director who lost his edge. I am sad that the director of such brilliant movies as "The Manchurian Candidate" and "The Birdman of Alcatraz" has fallen to making crass movies like "Dead Bang."

"Dead Bang" is nothing more than a foul-mouthed and forgettable action movie. The film is only for big Don Johnson fans and those who merely want to see violent action.

Workmanlike but hardly distinguished
The problem with this film (as well as most of John Frankenheimer's output since the late '70s) is that, while there isn't anything particularly wrong with it, there also isn't much of anything special about it. It's workmanlike, nothing more. That's especially sad when you consider how great his films used to be (see THE TRAIN, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE, SEVEN DAYS IN MAY, SECONDS, BLACK SUNDAY, FRENCH CONNECTION II, or even 52 PICK-UP).

Don Johnson gives a decent enough performance in a roll that is essentially a cardon copy of his cop from "Miami Vice" (DEAD-BANG came out toward the end of that show's run). He's not a bad actor when he gets the right role and this one doesn't tax his limited abilities.

The only real interest here comes from the quirky supporting cast, including Bob Balaban as an uptight parole officer, William Forsythe as a spit-and-polish FBI goon, and Michael Jeter as a psychiatrist who's a dead ringer for Woody Allen. The rest of the actors are pretty much wasted in nothing roles (Penelope Ann Miller shows up for a pointless walk-on role in a sub-plot that goes nowhere).

If made today, this one probably would have been a USA Network made-for-TV movie. It's passable and inoffensive but not much else. ... Read more