23 reviews
While Isaac Florentine has a death grip on the title of "best direct-to-video action director," Jesse V. Johnson is definitely a runner-up. More restrained than Florentine, Johnson displays a particular aptitude for character development and storytelling, and in no instance more so than the vehicle crafted for star Eric Roberts. While not the action-packed extravaganza that I had been hoping for, it is an excellent crime-thriller that proves the cinematic experience is possible on a small budget.
The story: Double-crossed by the underworld syndicate employing him, a washed-up debt collector (Roberts) strikes back by stealing a multimillion dollar take.
With a 113-minute runtime, THE BUTCHER is a longer-than-average low budgeteer, but makes it worth it by building up its characters and allowing the actors to amply show their acting chops. This investment, in turn, is made worth it by the seriously good cast. Cult star Eric Roberts has the same natural charisma as David Carradine or Lance Henriksen, making any scene he appears in entertaining by default. Villain Robert Davi is in a similar league and for all the seems like he was gearing up for a BOARDWALK EMPIRE audition. Also in the credits are the spectacular Irina Bjoerklund, Keith David, Geoffrey Lewis, Bokeem Woodbine, and Michael Ironside – occupying roles of varying sizes but all working towards my general impression of "Wow, I forgot that movies like this could have good acting in them!" The story they perform is a slow burner, sometimes too slow for my liking, but the atmosphere it creates along the way is excellent and its avoidance of cliché is welcome.
The one bad thing about the story is that it comes at the expense of the action, which – despite the claims of the DVD case – is not evident "from start to finish." Uncharacteristically for the director's movies, there is very little hand-to-hand content, which is disappointing considering the supporting cast's inclusion of Dominquie Vandenberg, Dan Southworth, and Jerry Trimble (who gives a surprisingly wicked dramatic performance). Its focus is on gunplay, but you'll have to wait until the second half to see anything substantial. There are three big shootouts, and while most of them lack overall creativity, each features at least a couple moments of cool absurdity. Roberts shoots through a brick wall with a shotgun to dispatch an enemy, and later grabs a decorative Browning machinegun to take on a club. The final shootout in a bar makes up for a lot with its hyper-violent choreography; it's worth waiting for.
When I think of "bad" B-movies of the pre-2000s, I think of poorly-made shlock. When I think of "bad" B-movies of the 2000s and beyond, I imagine well-made but dramatically vapid shlock. It's nice to come across a movie that makes such a point of avoiding both pitfalls, and it's good to know that there are indeed filmmakers out there who take this particular tier of filmmaking seriously. While I really wish there had been more action, THE BUTCHER is worth at least the price of a rental.
The story: Double-crossed by the underworld syndicate employing him, a washed-up debt collector (Roberts) strikes back by stealing a multimillion dollar take.
With a 113-minute runtime, THE BUTCHER is a longer-than-average low budgeteer, but makes it worth it by building up its characters and allowing the actors to amply show their acting chops. This investment, in turn, is made worth it by the seriously good cast. Cult star Eric Roberts has the same natural charisma as David Carradine or Lance Henriksen, making any scene he appears in entertaining by default. Villain Robert Davi is in a similar league and for all the seems like he was gearing up for a BOARDWALK EMPIRE audition. Also in the credits are the spectacular Irina Bjoerklund, Keith David, Geoffrey Lewis, Bokeem Woodbine, and Michael Ironside – occupying roles of varying sizes but all working towards my general impression of "Wow, I forgot that movies like this could have good acting in them!" The story they perform is a slow burner, sometimes too slow for my liking, but the atmosphere it creates along the way is excellent and its avoidance of cliché is welcome.
The one bad thing about the story is that it comes at the expense of the action, which – despite the claims of the DVD case – is not evident "from start to finish." Uncharacteristically for the director's movies, there is very little hand-to-hand content, which is disappointing considering the supporting cast's inclusion of Dominquie Vandenberg, Dan Southworth, and Jerry Trimble (who gives a surprisingly wicked dramatic performance). Its focus is on gunplay, but you'll have to wait until the second half to see anything substantial. There are three big shootouts, and while most of them lack overall creativity, each features at least a couple moments of cool absurdity. Roberts shoots through a brick wall with a shotgun to dispatch an enemy, and later grabs a decorative Browning machinegun to take on a club. The final shootout in a bar makes up for a lot with its hyper-violent choreography; it's worth waiting for.
When I think of "bad" B-movies of the pre-2000s, I think of poorly-made shlock. When I think of "bad" B-movies of the 2000s and beyond, I imagine well-made but dramatically vapid shlock. It's nice to come across a movie that makes such a point of avoiding both pitfalls, and it's good to know that there are indeed filmmakers out there who take this particular tier of filmmaking seriously. While I really wish there had been more action, THE BUTCHER is worth at least the price of a rental.
- The_Phantom_Projectionist
- Mar 24, 2016
- Permalink
The Butcher has a decent cast and a promising story line, but fails to deliver due to a crummy script and too unrealistic action scenes.
The wording of the plot outline is indicative of the incoherent bombastic dialogue in this film, it makes practically all actors appear wooden and insincere.
A lot of the budget was thrown at bloody shootouts, but no attention was paid to making them even a little realistic. In most shootouts the henchmen just stand upright blazing away without seeking cover or even actually trying to hit the protagonist. In another shootout the bad guys insist on shooting above the furniture behind which the hero is hiding. Not even film goons are that stupid.
These flaws ruin what otherwise could have been a palatable action film.
The wording of the plot outline is indicative of the incoherent bombastic dialogue in this film, it makes practically all actors appear wooden and insincere.
A lot of the budget was thrown at bloody shootouts, but no attention was paid to making them even a little realistic. In most shootouts the henchmen just stand upright blazing away without seeking cover or even actually trying to hit the protagonist. In another shootout the bad guys insist on shooting above the furniture behind which the hero is hiding. Not even film goons are that stupid.
These flaws ruin what otherwise could have been a palatable action film.
Over-the-top violence with an incredulous plot line. Why the police never catch up to this guy just further eludes to the fairy-tale concept. Reminds me of a film noir minus the black and white. A lot of 1940's themes, cheesy lines and concepts set in the modern age. The movie is filled with violent bloodbaths mirroring that of a Steven Seagal fight scene. How this guy comes out on top is clearly some well executed choreography. It leaves the viewer in utter disbelief. It basically takes a turn for the worse and loses momentum like a lead balloon like the director gained a terrible drug addiction and just didn't care anymore. I almost feel like I've been violated. This one is probably a good film if you're on a psychedelic drug because it is all hype and little else.
- thomas-glass
- Nov 25, 2009
- Permalink
- redleader55
- Jun 16, 2022
- Permalink
I had no expectations for this movie. From the title I guessed it was a B-grade slasher flick of some kind.
What I got was something completely different.
The Butcher is a dark and gritty story about a man with nothing to lose, made in the style of the classic movies of the same kind in 70's.
Eric Roberts is good in the title role and most of the actors do their job quite well.
The action is raw and naked without being over the top and the overall feel and atmosphere is gritty and dirty.
I recommend this film for people who like gangster and action movies from the 70's.
7/10
What I got was something completely different.
The Butcher is a dark and gritty story about a man with nothing to lose, made in the style of the classic movies of the same kind in 70's.
Eric Roberts is good in the title role and most of the actors do their job quite well.
The action is raw and naked without being over the top and the overall feel and atmosphere is gritty and dirty.
I recommend this film for people who like gangster and action movies from the 70's.
7/10
- pulp_fiction47
- Sep 26, 2010
- Permalink
This is one of those movies where the "hero" uses one or two pistols to take out scores of bad guys shooting at him with machine guns. Yep, that's believable - not - but still kind of fun. So, 4 stars.
- michaelRokeefe
- Oct 6, 2009
- Permalink
I like British gangster films over American ones especially urban they're all feeling sorry for some gangster who's trying to get out of the business. Our boy here isn't trying to get out of the business, well he wasn't until a quarter million dollars landed at his feet. now he wants to grab the waitress and take it on the road. only problem is he stole money from his mob, that was stolen from the mafia. So now everyone wants him dead. the characters were believable, a lil more Micheal ironside would have helped.
They stole a lot of stuff from several all-rite gangster films to make a mediocre gangster film. There was some "Saving Grace", the reflection and repose of "Boiling Point" and then they tried to add in some John WOO type shoot-outs.
Here's a problem, who ever did this had too much pull with the props department, mobsters, and gangsters, don't have gunfights with "Bayonet Fixed, Belt-Fed" weapons. He even shot-up a bar carrying a WWI era 30cal machine gun.
They stole a lot of stuff from several all-rite gangster films to make a mediocre gangster film. There was some "Saving Grace", the reflection and repose of "Boiling Point" and then they tried to add in some John WOO type shoot-outs.
Here's a problem, who ever did this had too much pull with the props department, mobsters, and gangsters, don't have gunfights with "Bayonet Fixed, Belt-Fed" weapons. He even shot-up a bar carrying a WWI era 30cal machine gun.
- nathan-yeo
- Aug 10, 2009
- Permalink
- tarbosh22000
- Mar 21, 2021
- Permalink
"The Butcher" gets high marks for a high body count, in other words lots of bang bang, but little else. Eric Roberts is his usual dependable quirky self, and it's nice to see Robert Davi and Geoffrey Lewis getting some work. This is however a very shallow movie, with everything revolving around the ultra violent scenes. The whole film has almost zero meaning. Eric Roberts never changes his sport coat throughout the entire movie, and really the movie never changes either. It is nothing more than just another weak plotted shoot em up, with little or no character development. I say avoid unless you need to see a bunch of seldom used actors in a meaningless movie. - MERK
- merklekranz
- Aug 2, 2013
- Permalink
- tcarvelo14
- Aug 28, 2009
- Permalink
Truly pathetic wanna be gangsters ! Unbelievable dialogue; delinquents must have written this screenplay .A scene unimaginable today where Roberts & girl riding out of LA w / backround moving screen ! It's not easy making something this bad is it ?
- ARIES69DUDe
- Aug 26, 2020
- Permalink
Eric Roberts is a mid level gangster with a gambling problem in this low budget film written and Directed by Jesse V. Johnson. Roberts is actually very compelling in the lead, as a mobster who gets set up. There are many other actors that appear in subsequent Johnson films, like David Keith. The small town feel and characters are two of the strongest elements of the film. As in all Johnson films there is action, betrayal, and violence. There are some elements that need tightening up here as it was an early Johnson film but the seeds of many stronger and later films are here. There are many elements here that show up in Johnson films later and get much more well crafted. I would add another 1/2 a star if you a fan, or aficionado, of Johnson films.
- tkdlifemagazine
- Jun 6, 2022
- Permalink
But could have been great with a better director, and more money for the production.
Worth watching once.
Worth watching once.
Quite possibly some of the most ridiculous gunplay/gunfights I've ever watched in a movie.
I'm sure the armorers had a great time on this set. I need to check the bullet count for this one!
I'm sure the armorers had a great time on this set. I need to check the bullet count for this one!
- garcinder-22139
- Jul 15, 2022
- Permalink
Having followed director Jesse V. Johnson's career since 2002's "The Honorable" it's amazing how quickly he has evolved into a top notch action director in such a relatively short period of time. The man has toiled away and paid his dues so it's nice to see his skill is becoming recognized by his peers, allowing him to recruit some great talent. His 2009 film The Butcher slowly builds up momentum towards a brutal action packed finale. It does so skillfully and all the while remained interesting, unlike say for example "The Kingdom" starring Jaime Foxx which had dull dialog and uninteresting characters for three quarters of the film trusting that the final action packed reel would make up for it (as terrific as it was, it did not). The Butcher on the other hand, has barely a fraction of the budget and fires on all cylinders, well scripted, great leads in Eric Roberts and Robert Davi, excellent cast (including several of the director's "stock" actors such as Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, and even a cameo by the Pitfighter himself Dominiquie Vandenberg), grade A staged action with superb stunt work, one of the best musical scores I've heard in some time, even a beautiful Dodge Charger and eclectic mix of firearms. Recommended!
- actionfilm-2
- Nov 6, 2009
- Permalink
- Scarecrow-88
- Dec 2, 2009
- Permalink
I gave this a solid 9 for me. I REALLY enjoyed it. I have watched it several times, I liked the story of an over the hill guy who needs a break and isn't getting it. His mobster boss considers him past it and treats him with disrespect. Then the movie takes off and is as merciless as you will get. I watched the unrated version and it was definitely extra gritty and bloody. I own both and even without the ultra violence the R vision is a good watch. Eric Roberts plays his character to a tee and we can't help but feel for him as he navigates thru the game set in play. I deliberately stayed away from spoilers since its got a few twists and turns well seeing for the first time watching the movie.
Eric Roberts is Hench, a henchman for a crime boss played by Robert Davi. After several loyal years to Davi's character, things go wrong when Hench gets ambushed during a shakedown. Unlike most movies, however, Hench ends up with some big money and a girl (the beautiful Irina Bjorklund), and plots his bullet-riddled revenge against Davi and the men who crossed him.
"The Butcher" was pretty sweet. You can tell that the films director, the up and coming Jesse V. Johnson, is experienced behind the camera. He knows what an audience (in this case mostly male) wants to see; Action. And that's what you get with The Butcher, Eric Roberts shooting his way out of a life he's tired of squandering. The action is terrific, the sets are cool, and the overall effect is a nicely done action piece.
Roberts does a great job, convincingly playing a cool, badass henchman. For once he doesn't overplay the role, instead he's cool as can be, even when the bullets fly. Irina Bjorklund is a great up and comer as well. Davi fills a great performance as the film's antagonist, a major crime boss who's about to go down. Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, and a small appearance by Michael Ironside round out the cast, all in terrific performances.
Overall a very cool action movie.
"The Butcher" was pretty sweet. You can tell that the films director, the up and coming Jesse V. Johnson, is experienced behind the camera. He knows what an audience (in this case mostly male) wants to see; Action. And that's what you get with The Butcher, Eric Roberts shooting his way out of a life he's tired of squandering. The action is terrific, the sets are cool, and the overall effect is a nicely done action piece.
Roberts does a great job, convincingly playing a cool, badass henchman. For once he doesn't overplay the role, instead he's cool as can be, even when the bullets fly. Irina Bjorklund is a great up and comer as well. Davi fills a great performance as the film's antagonist, a major crime boss who's about to go down. Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine, and a small appearance by Michael Ironside round out the cast, all in terrific performances.
Overall a very cool action movie.
- Bob_the_Hobo
- Oct 29, 2010
- Permalink
- adrenokrome
- May 12, 2010
- Permalink
Merle Hench (Eric Roberts) is an henchman for crime boss Murdoch (Robert Davi) that at the beginning he meets his mentor Teddy Carmichael (Michael Ironside) and survives an ambush by two thugs. After being the fall guy for one of Murdoch's schemes, Merle snaps and becomes worthy of his nickname The Butcher.
I was curious for years about this movie and when I finally saw it two weeks ago, it was worth the wait. Eric Roberts gives another of his countless great performances as a man that after being set up by his boss takes revenge by his own hands and shoots nearly everyone who is against his way. Robert Davi plays one of his usual villanious roles well, and Michael Ironside, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine and few others are all entertaining and give nice support. And the movie is non stop action, with lots of fight scenes, broken bones and shootings that are necessary for the plot.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, it's on Youtube for free and... don't miss it! It has lots of action scenes combined with great acting... perfect for one nice evening at home when you don't have nothing to do.
I was curious for years about this movie and when I finally saw it two weeks ago, it was worth the wait. Eric Roberts gives another of his countless great performances as a man that after being set up by his boss takes revenge by his own hands and shoots nearly everyone who is against his way. Robert Davi plays one of his usual villanious roles well, and Michael Ironside, Keith David, Bokeem Woodbine and few others are all entertaining and give nice support. And the movie is non stop action, with lots of fight scenes, broken bones and shootings that are necessary for the plot.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, it's on Youtube for free and... don't miss it! It has lots of action scenes combined with great acting... perfect for one nice evening at home when you don't have nothing to do.
- bellino-angelo2014
- Dec 30, 2022
- Permalink
I may be biased because I am a big Eric Roberts fan. This movie kicked a&& from start to finish. The lovemaking with half of your clothes on, a little weak. What happened to the 70s and 80s when nudity wasn't taboo, I'm sorry I digress, what was I talking about? Oh yeah, watch this movie, you're going to love it too 😄. Nuff Said Mike Out 👍👍
- djmike-63474
- Jun 12, 2022
- Permalink
- starlina7up
- Mar 23, 2024
- Permalink