An unremarkable action thriller, but probably one of Steven Seagal's best films so far. This one has a plot that actually keeps your interest (even though the main "twist" is telegraphed ahead of time) by going beyond the simple "they killed his loved ones and now he wants revenge" scenario, without becoming a muddled mess like, say, "Mercenary For Justice". It also has a pretty slick look, and the action includes a well-filmed car chase climaxing with a spectacular car flip, and a John Woo - style graveyard shootout at the end. Seagal tries to play a morally ambivalent character, which he does up to a point, but the usual problems associated with his characters (the invulnerability and the vanity) are still present (wait till you hear a girl's remark about a certain body part of his). He is still overweight and most of the fight scenes are blink-and-you'll-miss-them, but at least he is there doing them, and doing them efficiently. The movie also benefits from a good supporting cast, though Lance Henriksen should have had more screen time. Renee Goldsberry is gorgeous & tough and earns "Pistol Whipped" a few more points. (**1/2)
60 Reviews
Seagal being Seagal
orik200710 February 2008
Before i say anything i want you to know i like action movies,even those that contain mindless violence(i actually enjoyed the last installment of Rambo very much).
That being said,i didn't enjoy this movie very much,except maybe for some parts that make you laugh even though they're not intended to be funny. Come to think of it,it's a classical Steven Seagal movie,picturing him as omnipotent,without at least providing some good scenes where he can entertain(that's right,there aren't even good fighting scenes).
So my advice is watch this movie only if you are a fan or want to kill some time with your friends.
That being said,i didn't enjoy this movie very much,except maybe for some parts that make you laugh even though they're not intended to be funny. Come to think of it,it's a classical Steven Seagal movie,picturing him as omnipotent,without at least providing some good scenes where he can entertain(that's right,there aren't even good fighting scenes).
So my advice is watch this movie only if you are a fan or want to kill some time with your friends.
Steven Seagal is....Pistol Whipped
Scarecrow-885 January 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Steven Seagal has one of his more unflattering roles as an overweight, alcoholic ex cop, living a bleak existence where he owes mounting gambling debts, lost a beautiful wife to divorce, and is a bad father who can't even provide his girl one day a week without failing to make the grade. Hired as a contract killer, his gambling markers will be paid if he takes out specific targets arranged by an arcane benefactor(Lance Henriksen, often communicating from the shadows) with ambiguous, esoteric motives. Known as "The Old Man", Henriksen keeps Seagal's Matt Conlin honest by employing a mysterious gunsel to look after him, Blue(Paul Caldren), shadowing his every move, there in case a challenging situation develops, while also detailing the tasks he must perform. So Matt does so, eliminating two marks, but the third, his daughter's stepfather, detective Steve Shacter(Mark Elliot Wilson), will not be easy. Steve, it seems, is not the straight-arrow, virtuous cop Matt always thought so highly of, and his elimination will prove most difficult, particularly since his position has grown within the force. We see when Steve slits the throat of Matt's priest that he'll go to any lengths to keep his reputation inculpable. Renee Goldensberry is Matt's love interest, Drea, an actual member of The Old Man's entourage, herself a hit woman if needed. Decent actioner allows Seagal to knock some guys around while firing off rounds as well. The conclusion is a showdown between Matt, Drea, and Blue against Steve and his crooked police gang in a cemetery as headstones and bodies are torn apart by bullet-fire. The movie also provides a shootout as Steve and his cronies attempt to gun down Matt in the middle of a street with Blue coming to his aid, with an ensuing in a car chase resulting in vehicular damage. The director employs unnecessary camera techniques(..and he speeds up the film for no real reason whatsoever)and shoots at odd angles, sometimes ruining gun battles as they occur. As is often the case in these kinds of movies, Matt's daughter is used as leverage by Steve in the finale, her life in danger if he doesn't put down his weapon and surrender.
Better than most of his recent films, but...
captainpervert5 May 2008
Compared to other recent Seagal films this one is OK, but it is nowhere near as good as his early movies (Under Siege, Above The Law, Hard To Kill, all of which have an honorary place in my DVD collection).
On the plus side, they don't even bother hiding the fact that Steven has become old and fat. However, he doesn't take himself too serious, by playing a down-on-his-luck drunk. The film itself is alright. Roel Reiné, the Dutch director who recently stated that his goal to make Blade Runner-like movies in the future, made the best out of it he could. He pursued Seagal to do more of his own fighting, talking and... well everything (since he has stand-ins for almost everything in other recent movies, even stepping out of a car). The plot is decent and the camera work is entertaining.
But then there's a protagonist who just doesn't want to be there. Sorry Steven, each time I try to like your films, but you just don't like making them anymore, and it shows. It is nice to see Steven do his own fighting again (or at least not with the obvious use of stunt doubles all the time), but a real comeback is still far, far away.
On the plus side, they don't even bother hiding the fact that Steven has become old and fat. However, he doesn't take himself too serious, by playing a down-on-his-luck drunk. The film itself is alright. Roel Reiné, the Dutch director who recently stated that his goal to make Blade Runner-like movies in the future, made the best out of it he could. He pursued Seagal to do more of his own fighting, talking and... well everything (since he has stand-ins for almost everything in other recent movies, even stepping out of a car). The plot is decent and the camera work is entertaining.
But then there's a protagonist who just doesn't want to be there. Sorry Steven, each time I try to like your films, but you just don't like making them anymore, and it shows. It is nice to see Steven do his own fighting again (or at least not with the obvious use of stunt doubles all the time), but a real comeback is still far, far away.
Matt Conlin is a real putz and has gambled and drunk his career away.
planktonrules22 November 2021
I saw this film on my Amazon Fire device on the TV and must say it was a bit difficult to watch because of Steven Seagal's mumbling. Now he generally does mumble his lines...but with no closed captions, I had to crank the volume WAY up and then way down when the channel scheduled commercials.
Matt (Seagal) is a loser when the story begins. He lost his job as a cop due to his drinking and gambling. Only a bit later do you learn he owes $1,200,000 in gambling debts*!! You learn all of this when he's taken to see a mysterious man (Lance Henriksen) who has bought Matt's debts...and promises to erase them if he kills someone...someone who deserves it anyway! Little did he realize that more contract killings were on their way...and there is, of course, much more to the story than that. After all, who IS this mystery man and why does he want several criminals dead?
A friend of mine, Angelo, mentioned this film...saying it was one of Seagal's worst. Well, I've seen a few terrible films starring this martial artist and was intrigued to find out if it could REALLY be that bad. Well, I still think his "Contract to Kill" is worse. In fact, aside from Seagal's mumbling, it is passable entertainment...rather mindless at the end but watchable.
*It was odd that despite being so heavily in debt that Matt STILL drives a very expensive Range Rover--which range from $45,000-100,000.
Matt (Seagal) is a loser when the story begins. He lost his job as a cop due to his drinking and gambling. Only a bit later do you learn he owes $1,200,000 in gambling debts*!! You learn all of this when he's taken to see a mysterious man (Lance Henriksen) who has bought Matt's debts...and promises to erase them if he kills someone...someone who deserves it anyway! Little did he realize that more contract killings were on their way...and there is, of course, much more to the story than that. After all, who IS this mystery man and why does he want several criminals dead?
A friend of mine, Angelo, mentioned this film...saying it was one of Seagal's worst. Well, I've seen a few terrible films starring this martial artist and was intrigued to find out if it could REALLY be that bad. Well, I still think his "Contract to Kill" is worse. In fact, aside from Seagal's mumbling, it is passable entertainment...rather mindless at the end but watchable.
*It was odd that despite being so heavily in debt that Matt STILL drives a very expensive Range Rover--which range from $45,000-100,000.
Steve Seagall still has it
mbrand200220026 October 2008
Steven Seagall at one time was one of the best action actors around twenty years ago and by the turn of the next decade he would be a attraction to see on screen even if I never went to any of his films in the theatre. The last several years Steven seem to slow down a bit and he wasn't the same kick ass guy he once was but after watching Pistol Whipped. Steven still had it which hopefully it'll be an opportunity to be on screen again and perhaps appearing in a Quentin Taratino film may really boost a comeback for him teaming up Uma Thurman. I always liked Steven Seagall even though many critics don't take him as a serious actor but hopefully they'll praise his acolaides when they start to realize his talent.
Very dull and among Seagal's worst movies
bellino-angelo201421 February 2021
Despite I am not a huge fan of Steven Seagal I have seen at least 10 of his movies and I liked most of them as I do think that sometimes they are quite entertaining. Unfortunately this wasn't the case with PISTOL WHIPPED, a movie that nearly made me fall asleep while watching (and it rarely happened in my life).
Matt Conner (Seagal) is a deadbeat former cop that was fired for his unhortodox methods and in the present he spends his days drinking and gambling. One day he receives an assignment from the Old Man (Lance Henriksen) that convinces him to kill some people for money if he wants his old life back and end all his gambling debts. Matt accepts and in the end even manages to spend more time with his daughter.
This movie was incredibly dull to watch as none of the action scenes were exciting and it truly felt its direct-to-video quality from the beginning to the end. I really didn't cared at all about any of the characters and I was even falling asleep while watching, and when this happens to me it says a lot! Not recommended even for Seagal fans.
Matt Conner (Seagal) is a deadbeat former cop that was fired for his unhortodox methods and in the present he spends his days drinking and gambling. One day he receives an assignment from the Old Man (Lance Henriksen) that convinces him to kill some people for money if he wants his old life back and end all his gambling debts. Matt accepts and in the end even manages to spend more time with his daughter.
This movie was incredibly dull to watch as none of the action scenes were exciting and it truly felt its direct-to-video quality from the beginning to the end. I really didn't cared at all about any of the characters and I was even falling asleep while watching, and when this happens to me it says a lot! Not recommended even for Seagal fans.
Good Seagal outing
ODDBear23 May 2010
This isn't bad at all.
In what's probably his best acting performance in a while, Seagal plays a former cop with a shady past (what else!) who's up to his neck in gambling debts, is way too fond of alcohol and a pretty lousy father to boot. A mysterious man (a cool Lance Henriksen) buys up his debts and wants Seagal to eliminate a few scumbags to work it off. So in fact; Seagal's his new whipping boy.
The film's not without it's fair share of clichés, takes a few convenient shortcuts and some of the action scenes are a bit stiff but"Pistol Whipped", as another Steven Seagal direct-to-DVD flick, is really OK entertainment.
Steve is actually pretty good in his role here, looking like he's actually trying to act and he comes out a winner. He's getting a bit puffy again but he looks solid enough in the action department. Others are so so with only old pro Henriksen making any kind of impression.
Kudos to the script as well. As said, it's far from perfect but it does have a nice twist up it's sleeve and it gives our man a little better dialog than usual.For fans of Seagal this is a must. For others, "Pistol Whipped" is still an OK way to kill an hour and a half.
In what's probably his best acting performance in a while, Seagal plays a former cop with a shady past (what else!) who's up to his neck in gambling debts, is way too fond of alcohol and a pretty lousy father to boot. A mysterious man (a cool Lance Henriksen) buys up his debts and wants Seagal to eliminate a few scumbags to work it off. So in fact; Seagal's his new whipping boy.
The film's not without it's fair share of clichés, takes a few convenient shortcuts and some of the action scenes are a bit stiff but"Pistol Whipped", as another Steven Seagal direct-to-DVD flick, is really OK entertainment.
Steve is actually pretty good in his role here, looking like he's actually trying to act and he comes out a winner. He's getting a bit puffy again but he looks solid enough in the action department. Others are so so with only old pro Henriksen making any kind of impression.
Kudos to the script as well. As said, it's far from perfect but it does have a nice twist up it's sleeve and it gives our man a little better dialog than usual.For fans of Seagal this is a must. For others, "Pistol Whipped" is still an OK way to kill an hour and a half.
The movie is repetitive and goes around in circles.
tarbosh2200010 May 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Matt Conner (Seagal) was a good cop, but he got kicked off the force. Now a gambler and alcoholic, he still wants to be a good dad to his daughter Becky (Jordan). When a shadowy figure known only as "The Old Man" (Henriksen) offers to clear his gambling debts in exchange for a few "favors", i.e., killing some gangsters around town, Conner agrees. Now dealing with complicated alliances between The Old Man's henchman Blue (Calderon), Drea (Goldsberry), and fellow cop and husband to his ex-wife, Lt. Steve Shacter (Wilson), Conner has only his wits, propensity for violence, and considerable girth to help him through this mess.
Connecticut is a small state and not a lot of movies (at least with high visibility) are shot here. So the good news is, they shot a movie in our lovely state. The bad news is...it's Pistol Whipped! Yes, Steven Seagal comes to the Nutmeg state, and, well, left with all the Nutmeg. While, oddly enough, the CT can boast having the movies Friday the 13th, I Spit on Your Grave, and Last House on the Left shot here, thus becoming a hub for twisted "video nasties" of the 80's, how far we've fallen when we now have to play host to a sullen Seagal.
While shot in the towns of Bridgeport, Stamford and Norwalk (all fairly close to New York City), for some reason Matt Conner (or perhaps Seagal making an acting choice) has a Cajun accent. On top of that, he whispers most of his lines unintelligibly. You actually need the subtitles on the DVD. And when you read what he supposedly said, you say, "he said that? I didn't hear it." How did the subtitle people know he said that? And we watched it in surround sound! Dripping water was louder than Seagal's voice. Ot whoever's voice it was. You actually need the subtitles so you don't miss lines like "Clean as a Safeway chicken!", whatever that means. But the point is, it seems Seagal was trying to channel the coolness of Michael Madsen here. But Seagal is so low-energy, he makes Madsen look like Richard Simmons.
But it's funny to watch not only his daughter, but the characters of Drea, and his ex-wife fall for his mumbly, unlikable charm. On top of struggling with the gangsters, he's also struggling with his weight issues, as his flowy bowling shirts prove. But we don't want to be mean and pile on with the "Seagal is fat" narrative (any more than we already have), because there's plenty of other things we can talk about. Such as his odd hair, for example.
Now, for Seagal standards, this movie is okay, but because it is an action movie from the 2000's, it must have CGI silliness, fast motion, editing tricks, and green screen stuff. All of which, needless to say, detract from the movie. We suppose it was trying to be gritty, but the overall effect is more cheap and junky. Plus, the movie is repetitive and goes around in circles. And it's repetitive. It would have been cooler if Lance Henriksen played the Matt Conner part, and Seagal played "The Old Man". It was nice of Henriksen to show up for the few days he must have been there, but the movie could have used more of him.
You probably have a decent idea of what to expect with Pistol Whipped (Spoiler alert: no one gets actually pistol whipped in the movie), so if you can convince a friend or two to spend some time with a newer Seagal (and a lot of alcohol), this might just be the pick for you. Go Connecticut!
For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
Connecticut is a small state and not a lot of movies (at least with high visibility) are shot here. So the good news is, they shot a movie in our lovely state. The bad news is...it's Pistol Whipped! Yes, Steven Seagal comes to the Nutmeg state, and, well, left with all the Nutmeg. While, oddly enough, the CT can boast having the movies Friday the 13th, I Spit on Your Grave, and Last House on the Left shot here, thus becoming a hub for twisted "video nasties" of the 80's, how far we've fallen when we now have to play host to a sullen Seagal.
While shot in the towns of Bridgeport, Stamford and Norwalk (all fairly close to New York City), for some reason Matt Conner (or perhaps Seagal making an acting choice) has a Cajun accent. On top of that, he whispers most of his lines unintelligibly. You actually need the subtitles on the DVD. And when you read what he supposedly said, you say, "he said that? I didn't hear it." How did the subtitle people know he said that? And we watched it in surround sound! Dripping water was louder than Seagal's voice. Ot whoever's voice it was. You actually need the subtitles so you don't miss lines like "Clean as a Safeway chicken!", whatever that means. But the point is, it seems Seagal was trying to channel the coolness of Michael Madsen here. But Seagal is so low-energy, he makes Madsen look like Richard Simmons.
But it's funny to watch not only his daughter, but the characters of Drea, and his ex-wife fall for his mumbly, unlikable charm. On top of struggling with the gangsters, he's also struggling with his weight issues, as his flowy bowling shirts prove. But we don't want to be mean and pile on with the "Seagal is fat" narrative (any more than we already have), because there's plenty of other things we can talk about. Such as his odd hair, for example.
Now, for Seagal standards, this movie is okay, but because it is an action movie from the 2000's, it must have CGI silliness, fast motion, editing tricks, and green screen stuff. All of which, needless to say, detract from the movie. We suppose it was trying to be gritty, but the overall effect is more cheap and junky. Plus, the movie is repetitive and goes around in circles. And it's repetitive. It would have been cooler if Lance Henriksen played the Matt Conner part, and Seagal played "The Old Man". It was nice of Henriksen to show up for the few days he must have been there, but the movie could have used more of him.
You probably have a decent idea of what to expect with Pistol Whipped (Spoiler alert: no one gets actually pistol whipped in the movie), so if you can convince a friend or two to spend some time with a newer Seagal (and a lot of alcohol), this might just be the pick for you. Go Connecticut!
For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
A solid film that holds your interest.
JGSchultz21 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Keep in mind that I am a big fan of Steven Seagal and have followed most of his films since the start of his acting career.
In this flick Steven Seagal plays the role of an ex-cop named Matt whom has fallen into problems from both gambling and drinking since being kicked off of the force and getting divorced. Eventually Matt's life takes a turn after an encounter with a mysterious man named "blue" that clears him of his debts and hires him as a hit-man to take care of certain marks in exchange for clearing these debts.
Overall I was rather impressed that Steven Seagal had it in him to make another solid movie after the follow-up of Urban Justice. The fight-scenes were very solid and involved Steven Seagal in most of them, not to mention a very impressive shoot-out at the cemetery near the end of the movie. Unfortunately the acting was not so stellar and Steven Seagal referred back to his "ghetto" voice in some parts which ruined his character in my opinion. Regardless the film was very good and tied his character together with his daughter very well and there were even some brief moments of humor thrown in as well.
I definitely recommend this movie to a Steven Seagal fan or a fan of action movies in general, Seagal has proved once again that he has still got it and I am looking very forward to his next flick Prince of Pistols.
In this flick Steven Seagal plays the role of an ex-cop named Matt whom has fallen into problems from both gambling and drinking since being kicked off of the force and getting divorced. Eventually Matt's life takes a turn after an encounter with a mysterious man named "blue" that clears him of his debts and hires him as a hit-man to take care of certain marks in exchange for clearing these debts.
Overall I was rather impressed that Steven Seagal had it in him to make another solid movie after the follow-up of Urban Justice. The fight-scenes were very solid and involved Steven Seagal in most of them, not to mention a very impressive shoot-out at the cemetery near the end of the movie. Unfortunately the acting was not so stellar and Steven Seagal referred back to his "ghetto" voice in some parts which ruined his character in my opinion. Regardless the film was very good and tied his character together with his daughter very well and there were even some brief moments of humor thrown in as well.
I definitely recommend this movie to a Steven Seagal fan or a fan of action movies in general, Seagal has proved once again that he has still got it and I am looking very forward to his next flick Prince of Pistols.
Indebted to a mystery benefactor
shakercoola16 September 2018
An American action drama; A story about a man thrown out of the police force under suspicion of theft who is approached by a mysterious man with an offer to wipe the slate clean, but it comes at a high price. Seagal's persona as the drunk and indebted man, down on his luck, and showing some fragility works reasonably well but his character is undeveloped. Some of the scenes with the fallen cop and his daughter are touching all the same. The film contains some good hand-to-hand fighting sequences, plenty of action, explosions and shoot-outs. Some of the slow-motion effects are distracting but the overall production has merit. It has a predictable plot though the film's finale is well constructed.
Good Job!
barleysodapop21 April 2008
I was surprised that this film was very good. To be honest, after the last two Seagal films I thought he was done, but wouldn't you know....he's back. I should have known not to count him out. He definitely hits the bullseye with Pistol Whipped. The rest of the cast for the film did a great job too. Lance Henriksen always plays a good part in anything he does. I was also happy to learn that this film was shot in Connecticut a few towns away from where I live.
I'd like to see Seagal do more small acting roles like he did with Executive Decision. Hopefully he'll be back in the theaters soon. I would have paid to see this movie at a theater.
I'd like to see Seagal do more small acting roles like he did with Executive Decision. Hopefully he'll be back in the theaters soon. I would have paid to see this movie at a theater.
You're cremated now mothercooker!
lastliberal6 March 2010
I didn't expect to see Casey Ryback, but I wasn't disappointed either. Steven Seagal seems to be doing better than his last direct-to-video efforts.
He's an ex-cop with an alcohol and gambling problem, and is also neglectful of his daughter. He has a chance to get his life back together.
His quest for the bad guys leads him to a place where he didn't expect.
The action is hot and heavy with car chases and a final cemetery scene that ends in a blaze!
Seagal is back!
He's an ex-cop with an alcohol and gambling problem, and is also neglectful of his daughter. He has a chance to get his life back together.
His quest for the bad guys leads him to a place where he didn't expect.
The action is hot and heavy with car chases and a final cemetery scene that ends in a blaze!
Seagal is back!
Seagal tries out new material, bizarre but entertaining
Sandcooler22 February 2015
"Pistol Whipped" is definitely an odd one out in Seagal's filmography, because this is one of the few movies in which he really tries to act. When you consider the guy has been phoning it in for most of his career, it's a breath of fresh air to actually see him try (though often fail) to emote. He's also helped by the screenplay, which actually gives him a vulnerable character to play this time. It's not the usual implausibly perfect (ex-)CIA guy schtick, he's an alcoholic, a bad father, he's not very intelligent (he sees none of the twists coming) AND he even gets shot! I thought I'd never see the day when Seagal would try to play someone resembling a human being. That doesn't mean the movie's perfect though, far from it. It's one of those typical crime thrillers by a guy who's seen too many Tarantino movies. All of it bathes in a faux-cool atmosphere, complete with pointless slow-motion and sped-up footage: it tries to go for visual flair I guess, but actually comes of as an over-enthusiastic hobbyist who's just found a new button on his camera. It's very watchable though, which I can't say about many other straight-to-DVD releases by Seagal (and I've seen way too many).
By the way: even though Seagal's character is far from perfect here, I'm pretty sure the man got to write one bit of dialogue himself. "Drea:And after, like, a bunch of years I finally realized what I really needed to do was grow a dick. Matt:Well, probably I would like you a lot less if you had a dick. Especially if it was bigger than mine, you know what I mean? Drea:I don't think that's possible." Not making this up, that's really in the movie.
By the way: even though Seagal's character is far from perfect here, I'm pretty sure the man got to write one bit of dialogue himself. "Drea:And after, like, a bunch of years I finally realized what I really needed to do was grow a dick. Matt:Well, probably I would like you a lot less if you had a dick. Especially if it was bigger than mine, you know what I mean? Drea:I don't think that's possible." Not making this up, that's really in the movie.
This is NOT a return to form! Avoid.
running_with_scissors1 March 2008
Terrible script, I have no idea how anything like this gets taken seriously enough to go into development.
I was once a big Seagal fan but these Direct-to-DVD movies from Sony are obviously taking their toll on the guy.
He looks completely uninterested throughout the movie. I believe he's obliged to make a certain number of movies because of contract commitments (explains his 10 releases a year) and judging from his performance, he's not impressed by the work he's getting.
Avoid it at all costs, even Seagal fans be warned, this is far from a return to form.
I was once a big Seagal fan but these Direct-to-DVD movies from Sony are obviously taking their toll on the guy.
He looks completely uninterested throughout the movie. I believe he's obliged to make a certain number of movies because of contract commitments (explains his 10 releases a year) and judging from his performance, he's not impressed by the work he's getting.
Avoid it at all costs, even Seagal fans be warned, this is far from a return to form.
Horrendous. Action is a joke, Segal the fat man.
imdb-452 September 2013
Steven Seagal wears a jacket for most of the film so that you can't see the bulge of his fat sticking out and getting in the way of the lack of credibility in this film. It's a comedy to watch Steven try to pretend like the cameras will hide his lack of quickness while everyone with guns watches him make his way to do his "moves" in slow motion.
Even if you're fan of this no talent clown you will want to skip this on cable and on DVD, that is unless you want to mock the man for how seriously he takes himself. It's hard to believe he was ever anything of worth at all in the martial arts and I wonder how much was actually true and how much was fabricated legend like most of his career and alleged dealings with the mob.
This is really a horrendous film.
Even if you're fan of this no talent clown you will want to skip this on cable and on DVD, that is unless you want to mock the man for how seriously he takes himself. It's hard to believe he was ever anything of worth at all in the martial arts and I wonder how much was actually true and how much was fabricated legend like most of his career and alleged dealings with the mob.
This is really a horrendous film.
Another misfire from the older Seagal
Samiam311 May 2010
There are a couple of parts in Pistol Whipped that I enjoyed a bit, but generally I was bored. Considering that most of Seagal's latter works are interchangeable, with little difference between them, perhaps I am just growing tired of seeing the same thing over and over again, but I don't think so. Some of the latter films were watchable. the Keeper, Urban Justice, and Into the Sun were okay. Others like Against the Dark and A Dangerous Man were almost unwatchable. This is pretty bad too.
Pistol Whipped begins with an amateurishly written scene which if nothing else is a classic example of over exposition. A Los Angeles priest sits with Seagal in church, and tells him what he already knows about his life. He is divorced, broke, lazy, ex army etc... There are one or two scenes where Seagal hangs out with his daughter (who his ex wife has custody of) Sequences like that are pretty rare in Seagal films and although he is far from capable of acting emotionally, the attempts are noble.
The final half hour of the film offers two yawn-provokingly boring scenes of epic gun play. The cutting is too reckless, and the slow-mo (when used) is used badly. Enough said, I've made my point. some of the strait to video releases, are not bad to view if you really wanna work your way through Seagal, but this is definitely not one of them.
Pistol Whipped begins with an amateurishly written scene which if nothing else is a classic example of over exposition. A Los Angeles priest sits with Seagal in church, and tells him what he already knows about his life. He is divorced, broke, lazy, ex army etc... There are one or two scenes where Seagal hangs out with his daughter (who his ex wife has custody of) Sequences like that are pretty rare in Seagal films and although he is far from capable of acting emotionally, the attempts are noble.
The final half hour of the film offers two yawn-provokingly boring scenes of epic gun play. The cutting is too reckless, and the slow-mo (when used) is used badly. Enough said, I've made my point. some of the strait to video releases, are not bad to view if you really wanna work your way through Seagal, but this is definitely not one of them.
Surprisingly good...
paul_haakonsen9 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Right, well we all know exactly what we get when we sit down to watch an action movie starring the teddy bear of the action genre, Steven Seagal. And, of course, this is right up that alley, yet it was surprisingly good and quite entertaining.
This movie stood out because Steven Seagal wasn't playing the usual goody two shoes roles that he usually does. Sure, once again he was portraying an ex-law enforcer, so what else is new, but this time with a darker side to the character. His character had a drinking and gambling problem, and was in massive debt. And the former police officer actually ended up as a hit-man. Yep, quite a refreshing turn of character for the action teddy bear.
The movie really benefited from having Lance Henriksen on the cast list, as he brought his usual dark charms and wits to the screen. Just a shame that he didn't got more time on the screen.
And you get the usual performance and action from Steven Seagal as you are accustomed to if you have been following his movie career. Lots of fighting and lots of gunfights, and of course with the one-man-against-impossible-odds setting.
"Pistol Whipped" stands out from the countless other generic Steven Seagal action movies, and it is well worth watching if you enjoy his movies or not. I was genuinely entertained by this 2008 movie, and it stands out as one of the better of all Steven Seagal movies.
This movie stood out because Steven Seagal wasn't playing the usual goody two shoes roles that he usually does. Sure, once again he was portraying an ex-law enforcer, so what else is new, but this time with a darker side to the character. His character had a drinking and gambling problem, and was in massive debt. And the former police officer actually ended up as a hit-man. Yep, quite a refreshing turn of character for the action teddy bear.
The movie really benefited from having Lance Henriksen on the cast list, as he brought his usual dark charms and wits to the screen. Just a shame that he didn't got more time on the screen.
And you get the usual performance and action from Steven Seagal as you are accustomed to if you have been following his movie career. Lots of fighting and lots of gunfights, and of course with the one-man-against-impossible-odds setting.
"Pistol Whipped" stands out from the countless other generic Steven Seagal action movies, and it is well worth watching if you enjoy his movies or not. I was genuinely entertained by this 2008 movie, and it stands out as one of the better of all Steven Seagal movies.
3 stars for lance henricksen
FilmMan4727 May 2019
Thats right you read it right my summary 3 stars for lance henricksen for appearing in this mess of a film,who shot this film its way too dark,steven seagal plays a gambling man here and he is offered a killing job contract then it becomes usual nonsens we have all seen before.
and this is quite a hilarious title for a film pistol whipped sounds funny..my rating is 3 stars.for lance why was he in this only god knows
and this is quite a hilarious title for a film pistol whipped sounds funny..my rating is 3 stars.for lance why was he in this only god knows
A Passable Entertainer!
namashi_129 February 2012
Roel Reiné's 'Pistol Whipped' is A Passable Entertainer, that has some arresting moments & hardcore action scenes working on its advantage.
'Pistol Whipped' Synopsis: Matt is an elite ex-cop whose life has gone down hill since he was kicked off the Force. After a rough encounter with a mysterious henchman, Matt is brought face to face with his only chance at reclaiming his life and clearing his gambling debt markers.
'Pistol Whipped' is fairly entertaining, with some arresting moments making it reach the safe zone. J.D. Zeik's Screenplay is fairly decent. Roel Reiné's Direction has potential. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are average. Action-Sequences are very nicely executed.
Performance-Wise: Steven Seagal is still kicking-butt, which is obviously good. Lydia Jordan does a fine job. Lance Henriksen has a brief role. Arthur J. Nascarella is decent.
On the whole, 'Pistol Whipped' is Passable Stuff.
'Pistol Whipped' Synopsis: Matt is an elite ex-cop whose life has gone down hill since he was kicked off the Force. After a rough encounter with a mysterious henchman, Matt is brought face to face with his only chance at reclaiming his life and clearing his gambling debt markers.
'Pistol Whipped' is fairly entertaining, with some arresting moments making it reach the safe zone. J.D. Zeik's Screenplay is fairly decent. Roel Reiné's Direction has potential. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are average. Action-Sequences are very nicely executed.
Performance-Wise: Steven Seagal is still kicking-butt, which is obviously good. Lydia Jordan does a fine job. Lance Henriksen has a brief role. Arthur J. Nascarella is decent.
On the whole, 'Pistol Whipped' is Passable Stuff.
Seagal's Best Performance
slightlymad2211 September 2019
I just watched Pistol Whipped (2008)
20 years on from his debut in Nico/Above The Law, Seagal puts in possibly his best acting performance as an ex cop, alcoholic, gambling addict who wants to reconnect with his daughter. Because it's a Seagal movie, he is also going around killing people for Lance Henriksen. Seagal is unusually a bit of a loser in this. He seems to be trying to channel Michael Madsen in his performance, but it is effective. Seagal isn't as obviously doubled here, even though it's still clearly not him, so the fights are not as bad, but he is pretty big now and his bowling shirts do not help matters.
If this came out fifteen years ago, it would've been considered a solid Seagal effort as a mainstream theatrical release. It's right up there with some of his better ones. It is pretty light on action and is slower moving than your usual Seagal movies, but the action really ramps up towards the last half hour, the ending was a lot of fun too. Were any more of these made?? The ending certainly left it open to the possibility.
This is Seagal's best DTV film, in my opinion. His fighting and one-liners were top notch. Speaking of one liners there is a hilarious scene where Drea (played by the lovely Renee Goldsberry) has just spent an evening of bliss with a drunken Seagal. Drea is whining about the glass ceiling at work, and how life would be better for her if she had a d*ck. Seagal chuckles and replies that he probably wouldn't have liked her as much if she had a d*ck, especially if that d*ck was bigger than his, to which Drea laughs and replies, and I quote, "I don't think that's possible" My son and I literally fell off our sofa in stitches. I'm pretty sure he inserted that line in there all by himself.
Spoiler alert: no one gets actually pistol whipped in the movie.
20 years on from his debut in Nico/Above The Law, Seagal puts in possibly his best acting performance as an ex cop, alcoholic, gambling addict who wants to reconnect with his daughter. Because it's a Seagal movie, he is also going around killing people for Lance Henriksen. Seagal is unusually a bit of a loser in this. He seems to be trying to channel Michael Madsen in his performance, but it is effective. Seagal isn't as obviously doubled here, even though it's still clearly not him, so the fights are not as bad, but he is pretty big now and his bowling shirts do not help matters.
If this came out fifteen years ago, it would've been considered a solid Seagal effort as a mainstream theatrical release. It's right up there with some of his better ones. It is pretty light on action and is slower moving than your usual Seagal movies, but the action really ramps up towards the last half hour, the ending was a lot of fun too. Were any more of these made?? The ending certainly left it open to the possibility.
This is Seagal's best DTV film, in my opinion. His fighting and one-liners were top notch. Speaking of one liners there is a hilarious scene where Drea (played by the lovely Renee Goldsberry) has just spent an evening of bliss with a drunken Seagal. Drea is whining about the glass ceiling at work, and how life would be better for her if she had a d*ck. Seagal chuckles and replies that he probably wouldn't have liked her as much if she had a d*ck, especially if that d*ck was bigger than his, to which Drea laughs and replies, and I quote, "I don't think that's possible" My son and I literally fell off our sofa in stitches. I'm pretty sure he inserted that line in there all by himself.
Spoiler alert: no one gets actually pistol whipped in the movie.
Thats more like it.
jhpstrydom30 March 2008
I'll start by saying that I have seen all of Steven Seagal's films, from Nico to this one, and at one point thought he really went downhill with shadow man and the films that followed (Attack force and flight of fury) then came Urban Justice which I thought was a bit of an improvement and then I saw Pistol Whipped, and thought thats more like it.
Unlike a lot of his previous films this one actually has a deep story, its about a disgraced ex cop who is obsessed with gambling, has a lot of dept and is an alcoholic, he is approached by a mysterious stranger that offers to clear all his transgressions if he agrees to assassinate specific targets.
The performances by the cast are excellent and also unlike Seagal's previous films, he doesn't overshadow the rest of cast, for instants, where Seagal is either framed or has lost a loved one because of a gang, and then all it boils down to is Seagal going from one area to the next and beating the living snot out of who ever made him mad, and in that case the rest of the characters only consist of gangsters, terrorist or to put it mildly, they may has well be in the movie to act as human punching bags, where as in this one you have a lot of great characters like Drea, Blu, the old man and even Matt (Steven Seagal's character).
Lastly, the direction by Roel Reine is definitely the best I've seen out of all the other direct to DVD Seagal movies, and his other credits includes Drifter and dead water(also starring Lance Henriksen).
Unlike a lot of his previous films this one actually has a deep story, its about a disgraced ex cop who is obsessed with gambling, has a lot of dept and is an alcoholic, he is approached by a mysterious stranger that offers to clear all his transgressions if he agrees to assassinate specific targets.
The performances by the cast are excellent and also unlike Seagal's previous films, he doesn't overshadow the rest of cast, for instants, where Seagal is either framed or has lost a loved one because of a gang, and then all it boils down to is Seagal going from one area to the next and beating the living snot out of who ever made him mad, and in that case the rest of the characters only consist of gangsters, terrorist or to put it mildly, they may has well be in the movie to act as human punching bags, where as in this one you have a lot of great characters like Drea, Blu, the old man and even Matt (Steven Seagal's character).
Lastly, the direction by Roel Reine is definitely the best I've seen out of all the other direct to DVD Seagal movies, and his other credits includes Drifter and dead water(also starring Lance Henriksen).
Steven Seagal is back!
aliyizaki12 June 2008
Steven Seagal has arguably been on the dawn of his action-star career with such films as 'Foreighner' and the awful 'Attack Force'. Fortunately his latest action film is ten steps better than those flops. Steven Seagal's character, Mat, is divorced, gambles and owes tones of money. Then he is hired by an old man to kill off some of his enemies. It doesn't sound very good but it's the best Steven Segal film since 'Exit Wounds'. There are 4-5 small fight scenes. and one that spans to a minute and it is a brief return to the Seagal of the 90's. There is also a well-made car chase, not something very special but a good addition, and lots of shootouts. Seagal does all of his fight scenes and there is no voice dubbing. The direction is also a pleasant surprise and slow-mo is kept to a minimum. Seagal tries to act, but again nothing special, overall a decent cast. The best Seagal film in years, recommended. 7/10
Assault With A Really Dull Movie
zardoz-1323 April 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The latest Steven Seagal straight-to-DVD actioneer "Pistol Whipped" is fit fare only for hardcore Seagal completists. Loaded with creaky clichés and conventions galore, this predictable crime thriller amounts to an assault with a really dull weapon. Little-known Netherlands born director Roel Reiné displays minimal visual and dramatic flair, and "Pistol Whipped" provides two mediocre car stunts and some noisy but nondescript firefights. Reiné doesn't break out the blood squibs until the final daylight massacre in a cemetery, but his pedestrian gunfight choreography generates either little excitement or adrenalin. No, the lackluster "Pistol Whipped" isn't a tenth as invigorating as Seagal's above average previous DVD thriller--2007's "Urban Justice" with comedian Eddie Griffin.
What sets "Pistol Whipped" apart from other Seagal sagas is its hero, Matt Connor, is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Essentially, "Pistol Whipped" focuses on Matt's recovery and redemption. However, nobody but a sympathetic Catholic priest, Father Joe (Bernie McInerney of "Dan in Real Life"), believes Matt possesses a shred of decency. At the beginning, Father Joe describes Matt in uncomplimentary terms. "You're not a good guy. You sit around all day, you do nothing with your life, living off God knows what. You had a dark past before I met you, then you're a copy and they kicked you out. I'll bet you don't see your daughter, one day out of twenty." Director Reiné and "Ronin" scenarist J.D. Zeik use Matt's conversations with Father Joe and the dialogue in his confession sessions to flesh out our troubled hero's back story. Father Joe becomes one of Matt's closest friends, a plot convention that puts him on the endangered friends' list.
Since he retired from working as an assassin, Matt has stumbled into a swamp of booze and suffers from a gambling addiction. One night, our resilient protagonist finds himself confronting the Old Man (Lance Henriksen of "Hard Target") in a deserted theatre with an armed and dangerous dude named Blue (Paul Calderon of "Pulp Fiction") pointing a pistol to Matt's skull. The enigmatic Old Man has bought up all of Matt's markers. Those markers tote up to well over a million dollars. The Old Man explains that our hero can erase his gambling debts by participating in an enterprise that he describes as "extracurricular justice" for hoodlums beyond the law. Blue serves as the Old Man's intermediary with Matt and the ever vigilant Blue stays one step behind Matt at all times. Reluctantly, Matt accepts the offer, shadows an ugly, obnoxious mafia hood, Bruno (Arthur J. Nascarella of HBO's "The Sopranos"), and puts a bullet in his head him in a public restaurant.
Later, we learn Matt was once a cop, and his daughter's stepfather, Steve (Mark Elliot Wilson of "World Trade Center"), was one of his closest pals on the force. Matt fell on hard times with his gambling, and he faced dismissal after his partner vanished under questionable circumstances with a fortune in stolen narcotics. Matt should have been with his partner. Instead, he was gambling at the horse races. Steve lied and convinced his superiors that Matt was on a stakeout with him to keep Matt from being busted. Anyway, Matt's bosses later dismissed him. Nonetheless, Matt holds Steve in high esteem until his new employers reveal that Steve is far from immaculate. Initially, Matt refuses to believe his new employers until Father Joe winds up dead with his throat slashed in the confessional box.
Seagal shoots, stabs, and smashes up a steady stream of assailants with his trademark aikido technique throughout "Pistol Whipped," but he might as well have been in a bowling alley knocking down ten-pins for all of the difficulty that his adversaries pose. Of course, our hero never breaks a sweat. Amazingly, as paunchy as Seagal has grown, he still knows how to propel his massive bulk about without looking entirely ridiculous. Naturally, the dastardly bad guys abduct his little girl, but Seagal furnishes them with their just comeuppance. Despite its R-rating for profanity, strong violence, and sexual content, "Pistol Whipped" lacks the high body count, ribald profanity, and the memorable villains of "Urban Justice." The villains lack menace, and the plot twists don't take your breath away. Lance Henriksen appears briefly in three scenes so you barely catch a glimpse of him. "Pulp Fiction" actor Paul Calderon registers strongly as an egotistical hit-man. Naturally, Seagal delivers his typically impassive performance.
Unless you're a Steven Seagal completest, you're going to feel gypped by "Pistol Whipped."
What sets "Pistol Whipped" apart from other Seagal sagas is its hero, Matt Connor, is scraping the bottom of the barrel. Essentially, "Pistol Whipped" focuses on Matt's recovery and redemption. However, nobody but a sympathetic Catholic priest, Father Joe (Bernie McInerney of "Dan in Real Life"), believes Matt possesses a shred of decency. At the beginning, Father Joe describes Matt in uncomplimentary terms. "You're not a good guy. You sit around all day, you do nothing with your life, living off God knows what. You had a dark past before I met you, then you're a copy and they kicked you out. I'll bet you don't see your daughter, one day out of twenty." Director Reiné and "Ronin" scenarist J.D. Zeik use Matt's conversations with Father Joe and the dialogue in his confession sessions to flesh out our troubled hero's back story. Father Joe becomes one of Matt's closest friends, a plot convention that puts him on the endangered friends' list.
Since he retired from working as an assassin, Matt has stumbled into a swamp of booze and suffers from a gambling addiction. One night, our resilient protagonist finds himself confronting the Old Man (Lance Henriksen of "Hard Target") in a deserted theatre with an armed and dangerous dude named Blue (Paul Calderon of "Pulp Fiction") pointing a pistol to Matt's skull. The enigmatic Old Man has bought up all of Matt's markers. Those markers tote up to well over a million dollars. The Old Man explains that our hero can erase his gambling debts by participating in an enterprise that he describes as "extracurricular justice" for hoodlums beyond the law. Blue serves as the Old Man's intermediary with Matt and the ever vigilant Blue stays one step behind Matt at all times. Reluctantly, Matt accepts the offer, shadows an ugly, obnoxious mafia hood, Bruno (Arthur J. Nascarella of HBO's "The Sopranos"), and puts a bullet in his head him in a public restaurant.
Later, we learn Matt was once a cop, and his daughter's stepfather, Steve (Mark Elliot Wilson of "World Trade Center"), was one of his closest pals on the force. Matt fell on hard times with his gambling, and he faced dismissal after his partner vanished under questionable circumstances with a fortune in stolen narcotics. Matt should have been with his partner. Instead, he was gambling at the horse races. Steve lied and convinced his superiors that Matt was on a stakeout with him to keep Matt from being busted. Anyway, Matt's bosses later dismissed him. Nonetheless, Matt holds Steve in high esteem until his new employers reveal that Steve is far from immaculate. Initially, Matt refuses to believe his new employers until Father Joe winds up dead with his throat slashed in the confessional box.
Seagal shoots, stabs, and smashes up a steady stream of assailants with his trademark aikido technique throughout "Pistol Whipped," but he might as well have been in a bowling alley knocking down ten-pins for all of the difficulty that his adversaries pose. Of course, our hero never breaks a sweat. Amazingly, as paunchy as Seagal has grown, he still knows how to propel his massive bulk about without looking entirely ridiculous. Naturally, the dastardly bad guys abduct his little girl, but Seagal furnishes them with their just comeuppance. Despite its R-rating for profanity, strong violence, and sexual content, "Pistol Whipped" lacks the high body count, ribald profanity, and the memorable villains of "Urban Justice." The villains lack menace, and the plot twists don't take your breath away. Lance Henriksen appears briefly in three scenes so you barely catch a glimpse of him. "Pulp Fiction" actor Paul Calderon registers strongly as an egotistical hit-man. Naturally, Seagal delivers his typically impassive performance.
Unless you're a Steven Seagal completest, you're going to feel gypped by "Pistol Whipped."
Better than many of his later flicks
Stofft15 April 2008
To say the least, I can't understand how this movie have higher scores than let's say nico, out for justice and other older steven films here on IMDb, since the fact is its a looong way for steven to actually make films in that class.
Comparing this film to his later work; into the sun, black dawn, attack force etc. this is by far a step in the right direction. This movie has a decent plot, a decent steven (yeah, it has actually), and decent action scenes that doesn't look stupid, nothing fancy like out for blood but they work.
I sure hope Mr. Seagal can push himself a little more in the right direction in his next film and maybe, JUST maybe, he might have a chance to actually make another action movie the way we all enjoyed back in the days.
Comparing this film to his later work; into the sun, black dawn, attack force etc. this is by far a step in the right direction. This movie has a decent plot, a decent steven (yeah, it has actually), and decent action scenes that doesn't look stupid, nothing fancy like out for blood but they work.
I sure hope Mr. Seagal can push himself a little more in the right direction in his next film and maybe, JUST maybe, he might have a chance to actually make another action movie the way we all enjoyed back in the days.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
