A boring leading man, a better supporting cast. I found myself enjoying the supporting characters far more than the lead character. Lacking any significant vocal inflection, Kristofferson may have just as well mumbled all his lines. During the entire film I couldn't help but be astonished how characterless Kristofferson was, he was like a man-child still carrying babyfat; I now understand why he chose to grow a beard, heck, he didn't even have any chest hair. Between the constant sweeping back of his hair, and his awkward posturing and walk, this is a man uncomfortable in his own skin. Unlike Gene Hackman who seems to have been born with character, Kristofferson is nearly expressionless and other than his eye color, lacks any interesting facial features. His just isn't a face that's able to convey anything beyond his now cliché wry smile.
As for the premise of the movie, it's quite ridiculous. Unless I missed it from zoning out, it's never clearly explained why his must sell the product within the timeframe...was it going to turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight?! I suppose it's because the cop would be fired in a couple of days, so he wouldn't be able to drop the criminal charges against the dealer anymore; but surely the cop knew for quite a while that his health issue would result in his discharge. It's also unrealistic for the cop to explain his retirement problem to a drug dealer to what...absolve his guilt, gain empathy, lay the blame elsewhere...a cop isn't going to explain his actions to a criminal. Then there's the ending where a corrupt, streetwise cop of 19 years of service panicked over what he thought was a frame-up...sure. Then to first shoot at an approaching ambulance (because SWAT obviously hides in them) rather than the guy beside you whom you think framed you, so now you have to chase him down the beach. This is just a lame movie that exploits counterculture for what is essentially a failed attempt at an action drama.
As for the premise of the movie, it's quite ridiculous. Unless I missed it from zoning out, it's never clearly explained why his must sell the product within the timeframe...was it going to turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight?! I suppose it's because the cop would be fired in a couple of days, so he wouldn't be able to drop the criminal charges against the dealer anymore; but surely the cop knew for quite a while that his health issue would result in his discharge. It's also unrealistic for the cop to explain his retirement problem to a drug dealer to what...absolve his guilt, gain empathy, lay the blame elsewhere...a cop isn't going to explain his actions to a criminal. Then there's the ending where a corrupt, streetwise cop of 19 years of service panicked over what he thought was a frame-up...sure. Then to first shoot at an approaching ambulance (because SWAT obviously hides in them) rather than the guy beside you whom you think framed you, so now you have to chase him down the beach. This is just a lame movie that exploits counterculture for what is essentially a failed attempt at an action drama.