Strong and Moving!

Sadly Over-hyped

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

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 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", can'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 performance of Steiger is flawless. 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 can be deranged and unfair. As you see, there is no complete justice. And that's the best meaning this movie could say. It showed brilliantly that justice is, and always will be, as imperfect as the human being is and will always be, no matter what degree of honesty he could reach. Which leads us to that script. It's one memorable victory. Not for achieving all of the above smartly, but 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) was a delicious eye candy, oh my god she was SO SEXY!, and – surprisingly – a good actress as well, who 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 retarded, 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 is! 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 "size does not matter", cinematically speaking of course ! 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!

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.

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