| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Denzel Washington | ... | ||
| John Lithgow | ... | ||
| Ice-T | ... |
Odessa
(as Ice T)
|
|
| Kevin Pollak | ... | ||
| Lindsay Wagner | ... |
DA Priscilla Brimleigh
|
|
| Mary Ellen Trainor | ... | ||
|
|
Josh Evans | ... |
Kim
|
| Victoria Dillard | ... |
Alice
|
|
| John Amos | ... |
Reverend Styles
|
|
| John Cothran | ... |
Councilman Farris
(as John Cothran Jr.)
|
|
| Linda Dona | ... |
Wanda
(as Linda Doná)
|
|
| Matt Landers | ... |
Chief Floyd
|
|
|
|
Lydell M. Cheshier | ... |
R.C.
|
| Starletta DuPois | ... |
Mrs. Styles
|
|
| Sherman Howard | ... |
Kiley
|
|
In this action thriller, Denzel Washington plays Nick Styles, the assistant district attorney of L.A. The film opens in his early days as a cop on the L.A.P.D. During a carnival, master criminal Earl Talbot Blake creates a scene after a botched drug deal. Styles and Blake confront each other, during which Blake is wounded by Styles and later sent to prison. Seven years later, Blake escapes from prison during a parole board hearing to carry out his revenge against Styles, and what follows is a violent series of events that destroys Styles' career. This sets the stage for one last bloody duel between Styles and Blake. Written by Stephen Currence <billyc@erols.com>
Rookie Cop (Two Time Oscar-Winner:Denzel Washington) has come a long way from the tough streets of L.A., Nick's life changed forever when he becomes a celebrity. When he stopped a ruthless psychotic killer by the name of Blake (John Lithgow). Nick becomes a media sensation, when it was captured on video by a bystander. Nick's career takes off as a lawyer, while the criminal is behind bars. Seven years has passed... Nick never realize that Blake is being planning the perfect plan of intimidation, public humiliation and murder. Nick has no choice to ask for help, when he ask his old friend (Ice T). Which his old friend has become a Street Hustler while dealing drugs and stealing cars at the same time. Together with the help of another friend (Kevin Pollak) to set a trap for Blake.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy (Highlander, Resurrection, The Shadow) made an entertaining, lurid, action/thriller. This film is also campy at times, especially for this interesting premise. Lithgow offers a scene stealing performance as the villain, which he is entertaining. Mulcahy even manages to give a Highlander homage in a scene. Victoria Dollard (T.V.'s Spin City) also co-star in the film as Nick's wife.
DVD has an sharp non-anamorphic Widescreen (2.35:1) transfer and an terrific-Dolby 2.0 Surround Sound. This film has never been a box office hit but it did become a cult hit on video and a television favorite. The film's only flaw is the silly conclusion but Mulcahy keeps things moving in the film. Do not miss this far-fetched but strong Action/Thriller. Screenplay by Steven E. de Souza (Beverly Hills Cop 3, Commando, Street Fighter). From a Story by Fred Dekker (Night of the Creeps) and Menno Meyjes (Max). Panavision. (****/*****).