Super-charged TV movie concerning two Vietnam veterans (Soul and Gross) who embark on a ruthless and progressively more violent spate of armed robberies. As their heists become increasingly more murderous and brazen, the FBI's finest (principally portrayed by Cox, Sheehan and Greenwood) struggle to subdue the carnage. The cat and mouse game finally comes to a rousing climax when the fugitives are cornered in a car chase, and a bloody shootout ensues.
Watching this intense, suspenseful and shocking feature, you easily forget its TV movie constraints; nothing is inhibited by the TV scale. Characters are well drawn and given appropriate depth, and the action sequences are realistic and well staged. Directory Lowry shows his adept handling of the content, conjuring a pair of the most ruthless, frightening villains ever conceived. Gross completely dispenses the shackles of his (at the time) amiable alter-ego from "Family Ties", as a cold-blooded misogynistic, religious zealot, while Soul is devastating in a dichotomous characterisation - warm and sociable with his family and friends, and a total psychopath in balaclava and fatigues. Daring casting against type that succeeds.
Doug Sheehan is workmanlike in his performance as the central FBI guy, while Ronny Cox as the revered agent nearing retirement adds a significant prestige to the ranks. Bruce Greenwood's star has risen since this feature, and his portrayal of the young newcomer is played with conviction. Based on true events, director Lowry manages the pace for an outstanding climax of Sam Peckinpah proportions. Exceptional TV movie highly recommended for anyone remotely interested in the true crime genre.
Watching this intense, suspenseful and shocking feature, you easily forget its TV movie constraints; nothing is inhibited by the TV scale. Characters are well drawn and given appropriate depth, and the action sequences are realistic and well staged. Directory Lowry shows his adept handling of the content, conjuring a pair of the most ruthless, frightening villains ever conceived. Gross completely dispenses the shackles of his (at the time) amiable alter-ego from "Family Ties", as a cold-blooded misogynistic, religious zealot, while Soul is devastating in a dichotomous characterisation - warm and sociable with his family and friends, and a total psychopath in balaclava and fatigues. Daring casting against type that succeeds.
Doug Sheehan is workmanlike in his performance as the central FBI guy, while Ronny Cox as the revered agent nearing retirement adds a significant prestige to the ranks. Bruce Greenwood's star has risen since this feature, and his portrayal of the young newcomer is played with conviction. Based on true events, director Lowry manages the pace for an outstanding climax of Sam Peckinpah proportions. Exceptional TV movie highly recommended for anyone remotely interested in the true crime genre.