Family of Cops III: Under Suspicion (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

The Milwaukee Jewish version of the Irish Catholic Reagans

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 6 October 2017]

Watching this last Family Of Cops film I have to wonder whether the Feins are the models for the Reagans of Blue Bloods. Certainly they are the Milwaukee Jewish version of the Irish Catholic Reagans. One also wonders if Charles Bronson would have done a future film where he became Chief of the Milwaukee PD. if bad health hadn't made this his farewell film.

Mayor Art Hindle brought that possibility up with Bronson as Bronson's eldest son Detective Joe Penny is investigating the shooting deaths of a prominent banker and Milwaukee mover and shaker and his wife in the bedroom of their home. Suspicion falls on the son, but then he's killed.

Years earlier Bronson was doing an investigation of the victim's bank for money laundering and was told to stop by the now outgoing Chief of the Milwaukee PD. When Bronson questions the chief they are attacked and the chief dies. Someone is most certainly tying up loose ends. But for the moment the whole Fein family is under a cloud.

No doubt Bronson was showing age and infirmity. Still the patriarchal role fits him well. Family Of Cops: Under Suspicion is not the greatest film to go out on, but hardly a disgrace.

And who knows if it weren't for the Feins we might not be enjoying Tom Selleck and his clan the Reagans.

Sorry Charlie...

[AzRanger · 4/10 · 15 July 2001]

The Apollo Movie Guide was right. Since I hadn't seen the first two, I was lost during this one, but Blockbuster still has that "30-Rental's, $30" special running and I saw a title I'd never heard of, saw it starred one of my favorite actors (Bronson), so I picked it up.

Within the first few minutes I realized that this was not the Charles Bronson I knew. I really hope not to insult an icon I highly respect, but all I could think of was how the same thing had happened to Rutger Hauer (in "Tactical Assault"). Where had the lean, athletic, handsome, complex, and versatile man gone? Marlon Brando also came to mind for the same reasons. I know people do get older, but Charles seemed to be struggling to get out each and every line and his movements seemed slow and cautious, like he was afraid he'd fall and break. There wasn't even the slightest bit of the fire that has burned in him in every movie he's done since 1951. It hurt me to see him this way. In the same age group is Clint Eastwood. Now, he is visibly aged, but the edge is still there as evidenced in "Space Cowboys".

What has happened, Charlie? Will this be your last movie? Can you ever be Paul Kersey again? I sincerely hope so.

An ignoble end

[Leofwine_draca · 4/10 · 31 January 2013]

FAMILY OF COPS III marks the final film of Charles Bronson's career, made just before the onset of Alzheimer's caused him to retire from acting for good. It's something of an ignoble end, not because it's particularly awful, but because it's just so unmemorable. Sadly, Bronson went out with a fizzle rather than a bang.

The story follows on from the last two movies in the trilogy, with head honcho cop Bronson now in line for the role of police chief (isn't he a little long in the tooth?) while assisting his son in hunting for a murderer. Despite a few moments of interest scattered here and there, this is strictly paint-by-numbers film-making, devoid of any real suspense, excitement or thrills.

Bronson is old and frail and barely on screen, and the supporting cast just didn't do enough to gain my interest. The murder mystery storyline is predictable and aside from a decent car stunt there's little here to enjoy. Looks like I'll be remembering Bronson for his glory days in the '70s and '80s rather than for his roles in this safe, family-friendly fare.

I'm shivering with respect.

[thedanza · 13 November 2001]

"Wahat did you just say, man? A flick, with BOTH Joe Penny and Charley Bronson starring in it?" This was my reaction when a friend one day noticed this picture in our local videostore. A gift from above, indeedy! This story's got no plot what so ever, but the characters strikes me as pure brilliance- thank you, Sheldon, for bringing us such an actionpacked story in such a delicate wrapping! It is pure delight to watch Pennys 'iwanttobeBruceWillis' facts and questionable gesticulations, especially in the touching scene were he shares his mistakes in the force with the viewers. And his family of cops, of course... Watching Bronson, in what might be one of his last movies, makes me shiver with respect and nostalgia. This man, this symbol of action and mistaken manhood, has been working hard since the 50's, and that's not hard to tell. the man is tired, no doubt about it. But a big actor? Indeed!

The family is getting tired...

[paul_haakonsen · 4/10 · 11 April 2024]

I have never watched this 1999 TV movie titled "Family of Cops III: Under Suspicion" before now in 2024, as I happened to sit down to watch it as part of a Charles Bronson movie marathon.

The storyline in "Family of Cops III: Under Suspicion" was semi-adequate. Writer Noah Jubelirer put together a script and storyline that was fair enough for a single viewing. However, the narrative in the movie was rather slow paced, and that made sitting through 91 minutes of it somewhat of a struggle. Watchable, yes, but hardly an outstanding or memorable movie from writer Noah Jubelirer.

It was as if the script fell into a slump from early on in the movie and never recovered or got up in pacing. And without a whole lot of anything interesting actually going on, it was somewhat of a bland experience sitting through the movie.

The acting performances in the movie were fair enough. And you do know what you get with Charles Bronson in the lead. It was nice to see some returning performers from the previous movie in this movie.

Watchable for what it was, "Family of Cops III: Under Suspicion" was nothing much to write home about. And while I did manage to sit through the entire movie, it is definitely not something that will grace my screen a second time.

My rating of director Sheldon Larry's 1999 movie "Family of Cops III: Under Suspicion" lands on a generous four out of ten stars.

A solid final film for a LEGEND!

[bcrain-02434 · 7/10 · 4 December 2021]

The Family of Cops series was given a solid final chapter and screen icon Charles Bronson ended his career on a respectable note in Family of Cops III. If you're reading this you know that the story revolves around the Fein family as they solve crimes and do life together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. My main interest in this series is of course Bronson, but I also thought that Joe Penny excelled in his role as the oldest son. Age has certainly caught up to Bronson, but he still commands the screen even if he doesn't move, look or sound like he did at the pinnacle of his career. This was my personal favorite of the Family of Cops series and I recommend it to anyone who loves Charles Bronson!

Whats happening to your voice and face, Charlie?

[psoreasis · 7/10 · 13 November 2001]

As an admirer of Bronson and his work, I sat down to watch this third and probably last of the Family Cops-films. Its all where it last ended; the family Fein with their high morale and ethics, is yet again fighting crime in an almost perfect world. The crook-characters are shown as an one-dimentional piece of paper, in other terms quite psychologically unrealistic. As the story develops we begin to see what we all have feared for a long time; Charles Bronson, the action-king, the one and only actor in both political thrillers and spaghetti-western, is beginning to loose his voice, his face, and, as can be seen throughout this movie, his ability to act. He trembles as he talks, trying desperately to gain control, but yet again just sacrificing his voice to the grim destiny of age. To be honest and partially cruel, its rather amusing to watch these verbal accidents where his voice is reaching a peak, which I sincerely doubt is attended (notice the kitchen-scene, when Bronson totally unexpected yells out "Good morning" after a sentimental scene). Funny!!

But dont misunderstand me! My respect for the man and his work is beyond what I myself can understand... Damn the aging-process!!

Swan Song

[jéwé · 8/10 · 27 June 2006]

Charles Bronson returned once more in the role op Fein in this last episode of Family of Cops. And although it certainly wasn't the best in the series, it meant an improvement on the second installment. And when you watch this, you'll notice something : Bronson is the lead-character and has got so much screen-presence that you will accept that, even when he plays a police-officer, whilst being a 78-years-old actor ! When you watch carefully though you'll notice all other actors are really covering for him, a good sign in a police-flick of course. Bronson hasn't got a lot of script to go through, there's a remarkable absence of action for a cop (he's standing in the kitchen, sitting at a desk, in a car, lying on the couch) in a movie of this kind. But it doesn't matter. The story is good, Joe Penny is excellent. And Charlie constantly gives us this sad smile. He must have known there wouldn't be any more filming after this one.

Great way, to end a great career

[loulou1992 · 10/10 · 20 April 2003]

Right why is people saying "Bronson can't move like he used to, Clint can and he's the same age". Well first of all he's 78 when doing this, and Clint Eastwood whom i'm a big fan of also is 69 or 70 at the time this was made. I'm saying this because someone said he can't move like Clint and they are in the same age group. Well 9 years is a big difference when you get in your 70's. I mean look at Bronson in Kinjite, Death Wish 5. He's knocking on and he still moves great and fast for he's age, the same as Clint. So i hope i've made my point on that one. As for this film, it's is great to see Bronson ending a great career with some good acting. I mean come on he's acting great there, what wrong with it. Nothing... But this is only a film for the Bronson fans to watch, But they might be some millions of people who will like too. And it's also horrible knowing it's he's last film. But still he's made a lot of films to watch the keep us happy. I hoped that he'd apear in a film with Arnold and Sly but looks like theres no chance now. But any way enough of everyone slagging it off, it's a great detective film.

CHARLIE YOU'VE HAD A GREAT CAREER AND YOU'VE MADE MILLIONS AT THE BOX OFFICE.

8/10

Quality installment to good Bronson series.

[bronson-3 · 9/10 · 19 January 1999]

This may be the best of the 3 Family of Cops movies. The story is very good, and Charles Bronson shows a sense of humor. I wish that Angela Featherstone would have returned as his daughter, but that is a minor complaint. I would recommend this movie to anyone who likes a solid mystery.

Charles Bronson's Last Picture

[whpratt1 · 10/10 · 2 April 2008]

Enjoyed this TV series starring Charles Bronson as Paul Fein and in this particular series I enjoyed him even more. Bronson played his role to perfection and acted like a professional cop who had almost served 40 years of service. In this picture Paul Fein is investigating different aspects of a banker's death, as well as, Ben Fein, (Joe Penny) and the fact that their is corruption in the police department and even the Mayor of the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin where this film is suppose to take place. One of his daughter's is expecting a child and the father of the baby does not want to marry her, so she is going to raise the child as a single mom with all the family supporting her. There is plenty of action with bullets flying all over the place and car chases over a bridge that opens up. It was great seeing this picture with Charles Bronson at the age of 77 years making a great TV series as a final swan song, he sure was a great actor and I am glad he was able to keep acting which was the love of his life.

Awesome!

[zach_elmquist · 10/10 · 12 April 2013]

Family of Cops 3 completed the trilogy with a great end. This suspenseful action who dun-nit keeps you guessing till the very end. The cast once again works perfectly together with great acting and a great script and an intriguing story. I will warn viewers you have to be very smart to enjoy this final in the series cause it pulls no punches at being smart and sophisticated. Knowing this to be Bronson's last movie and that of the Family of Cops series will leave you wishing he was still around or as most folks have said been given more quality work to perform his great acting chops. A great thinking mans film is the best way to describe the Family of Cops series.

The third in this fantastic trilogy is well worth watching.

[Magicpearl1974 · 10/10 · 17 September 2004]

Joe Penny is perfect in the role of Ben Fein he should have played him in the original. This movie is entertaining and worthwhile this I believe is mainly due to two of the best actors ever! I would love to see Mr Penny and Mr Bronson in the fourth installment they

are sensational. Not a bad storyline either. The trilogy of this movie is well worth it great acting and a touching family story it's heart warming to see a family so close so it's charming and the kids are adorable. Family is worth while and this movie conveys the toils and commitment of a close family unit.

Amanda

PS I love watching Joe run he is so sexy!

Great TV Movie

[jkess123 · 10/10 · 26 January 2014]

Although Joe Penny wasn't in the first movie of this "trilogy", he still brings the character to life as Ben Fein. Charles Bronson adds to the cast as a family of cops who try to keep the bad guys at bay. When they try to get to the Fein family Ben and his father try to find who is behind the killing of a local prominent business man and his wife. This is a great movie, shows that family comes first. Joe Penny and Charles Bronson both give great performances. The entire cast work well together.You can see the "family" aspect in many of the scenes especially where Ben and his sister discuss a decision she has made in her own life.