A very violent Thriller where paid assassin James Woods doesn't just kill the target he's been hired to eliminate. He pumps extra bullets into them after they're dead. In fact, he seems to have a severe problem with the pleasure of killing, and if it weren't for the fact that he needed police officer / novelist Brian Dennehy, he'd probably take great pleasure in knocking him off too. That being said, this is a gripping action film where Dennehy finds himself victimized by Woods who wants him to write his life story, then finds himself involved in a plot by former colleagues of Woods who want the manuscript.
This does keep you engaged, but there's a lot of pointless ugly violence, and a scene involving Dennehy's agent, Victoria Tennant, who was also victimized by Woods and must lay on her bed in a negligee simply so Woods can tell her off for her privilege as he destroys her wardrobe while the camera all goals for body. Dennehy's daughter is also victimized by this plotline, another unnecessary subplot. There is a sudden revelation about Woods and his previous relationship to Dennehy that comes out of the blue and adds one of the best plot points to the film, so you get to view a love/hate relationship between these two characters. Woods isn't sympathetic at all, but his performance is chilling. Dennehy as usual, delivers a strong, commanding performance where you can help but like him. But overall, this is just your average 80's thriller, hardly any different done the hundreds of others from this time. Good enough though for an afternoon or evening popcorn filled cinematic thrills.
This does keep you engaged, but there's a lot of pointless ugly violence, and a scene involving Dennehy's agent, Victoria Tennant, who was also victimized by Woods and must lay on her bed in a negligee simply so Woods can tell her off for her privilege as he destroys her wardrobe while the camera all goals for body. Dennehy's daughter is also victimized by this plotline, another unnecessary subplot. There is a sudden revelation about Woods and his previous relationship to Dennehy that comes out of the blue and adds one of the best plot points to the film, so you get to view a love/hate relationship between these two characters. Woods isn't sympathetic at all, but his performance is chilling. Dennehy as usual, delivers a strong, commanding performance where you can help but like him. But overall, this is just your average 80's thriller, hardly any different done the hundreds of others from this time. Good enough though for an afternoon or evening popcorn filled cinematic thrills.