Once again I come across a direct to video title (MADE MEN)and the first thing I do is turn the video cover around and identify the movie's director (Louis Morneau) and producers (Joel Silver, Richard Donner). The chances of me renting this film increase with the degree of knowledge I have of these names. I ended up renting MADE MEN. Why? Not because Louis Morneau directed the recent theatrical release BATS (a fact that I knew of but was hardly a selling point). The two producers of this film know action very well (Donner responsible for the LETHAL WEAPON series, Silver responsible for DIE HARD and THE MATRIX). This film should be great right? Wrong. John Belushi plays organized crime informant Bill Manucci now in the witness protection program. Having stolen a large sum of money from a big boss known as the Skipper, our hero is tracked down and kidnapped by 3 of Skipper's representatives. The local law enforcement also gets involved in the form of corrupt Sheriff Dex Drier (miscast Timothy Dalton) and his deputy. Finally, a third party of hick illicit drug makers join in the pursuit after their lab is accidently destroyed in one of many gun battles.
Technically this film is sound. Aesthetically, it has all the elements of a quality action film: Explosions, gun fights, corny one liners, etc. I enjoyed a few of the action sequences (eg man on roof shooting down at main character whose double fisted while shooting up. However, the film is lacking in a strong central character who deserves the audience's attention. Belushi is normally a likeable actor (I liked him in RED HEAT) but is downright annoying and unfunny. The villains are hardly ruthless. Vanessa Angel plays a thankless role as Bill's wife. Finally, the story that unfolds contains very few twists and is altogether boring (the final story twist comes too little and too late). Looking for a B-movie with solid credentials? Try Black Cat Run.
Technically this film is sound. Aesthetically, it has all the elements of a quality action film: Explosions, gun fights, corny one liners, etc. I enjoyed a few of the action sequences (eg man on roof shooting down at main character whose double fisted while shooting up. However, the film is lacking in a strong central character who deserves the audience's attention. Belushi is normally a likeable actor (I liked him in RED HEAT) but is downright annoying and unfunny. The villains are hardly ruthless. Vanessa Angel plays a thankless role as Bill's wife. Finally, the story that unfolds contains very few twists and is altogether boring (the final story twist comes too little and too late). Looking for a B-movie with solid credentials? Try Black Cat Run.