Cannon loved their action. Cheap action. Exploitative action. Especially martial arts action. For a Cannon presentation though, 'Avenging Force' is a serviceable production with dependable action man Michael Dudikoff and Blaxploitation star Steve James. Dudikoff might not have hit it really big like Chuck Norris (really Norris could've slipped right into this role and the character's name is the same one he played in 'Invasion USA'), but he wasn't too bad of an actor. A little stiff at times and didn't have that magnetic screen appeal, but a sturdy actor. However James always had that charismatic awe and also you can't go wrong with b-grade character player John P. Ryan, as he laps up the villain role with gleeful passion. He's the film's energy, and a true scene stealer. One of the industry's under-appreciated actors. James Booth appears, but looks rather bored and stone-faced. Well he's got one of those secondary roles, where much is implied than explored.
So give me action. Yes there's action, stunts, family and political speeches. Political speeches? Oh the script is a hummer. Sappy, preachy and plain ridiculous! Just listen to some of these bloated dialogues. The psychical activity couldn't come any sooner. Everything is set around those explosive, gusty action set-pieces amongst that humid southern setting (with plenty of strange excitement in the bayous), as James Booth's comic-book style story figures, but doesn't break away from its very simple, streamlined structure. Some contrived sub-plots are obvious tools for story progression and motivations, but also giving some character's certain human elements and responsibilities. Maybe excesses baggage for some. Director Sam Furstenberg's (a b-grade action deliverer) economical handling is well paced and accessibly blistering in the unsparingly cruel violence. It has that 'The Most Dangerous Game (1932)' crossed 'Southern Comfort (1981)' vibe to its opening and closing sequences. In between those passages it still stays thrilling with some traditional shootouts, chases and martial art always caught in interestingly authentic backgrounds.
Hearty low-cost, b-grade Dudikoff vehicle.
So give me action. Yes there's action, stunts, family and political speeches. Political speeches? Oh the script is a hummer. Sappy, preachy and plain ridiculous! Just listen to some of these bloated dialogues. The psychical activity couldn't come any sooner. Everything is set around those explosive, gusty action set-pieces amongst that humid southern setting (with plenty of strange excitement in the bayous), as James Booth's comic-book style story figures, but doesn't break away from its very simple, streamlined structure. Some contrived sub-plots are obvious tools for story progression and motivations, but also giving some character's certain human elements and responsibilities. Maybe excesses baggage for some. Director Sam Furstenberg's (a b-grade action deliverer) economical handling is well paced and accessibly blistering in the unsparingly cruel violence. It has that 'The Most Dangerous Game (1932)' crossed 'Southern Comfort (1981)' vibe to its opening and closing sequences. In between those passages it still stays thrilling with some traditional shootouts, chases and martial art always caught in interestingly authentic backgrounds.
Hearty low-cost, b-grade Dudikoff vehicle.