Tag: jack starrett

First Blood

First Blood is a 1982 movie directed by Ted Kotcheff.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A Vietnam veteran is harassed by local police and flees into the mountains, where he wages a one-man war.

ONE LINE REVIEW

First Blood represents the end of 1970’s filmmaking and birth of 1980’s super action heroes.

THE ACTORS

Sylvester Stallone portrays John Rambo, a withdrawn Vietnam veteran who finds himself harassed by police in a small mountain town. Stallone adds subtle layers of humanity to his character – at least until he retreats to the woods and becomes a one-man killing machine. Stallone easily pulls off the action scenes, yet is effective in conveying Rambo’s intense PTSD and the ingenuity of a man adapting to his environment.

Brian Dennehy is tremendous as Teasle, the town’s sheriff who instantly targets Rambo as a “drifter.” Initially, he defends his actions as keeping the town “boring”, but then escalates his actions once both his deputies are killed and state police and military intervene. Teasle’s deputies include memorable turns by Chris Mulkey and David Caruso. However, the scene stealer is Richard Crenna’s Trautman – who reveals himself as Rambo’s Vietnam squad leader. Crenna gets to deliver some wonderfully verbose and over the top dialogue.

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Race With the Devil

Race With the Devil is a 1975 movie directed by Jack Starrett.

Race With the Devil tells the story of two vacationing couples who are terrorized after witnessing a satanic ritual. Peter Fonda and Warren Oates play the leads – Oates carries the movie as his Frank boasts an extraordinarily natural everyman appeal, while Fonda’s Roger is miscast in any scene that doesn’t involve him racing. Lara Parker’s Kelly does a great job reacting to the terrors inflicted on the group – comprised of virtually every character the foursome encounter in a 400-mile radius. The implausibility of the story affects the movie’s tension, but there are enough highway chases and shootouts to satisfy.

THE BEST – Peter Fonda is Surprisingly Not a Dick

It’s odd to watch Fonda assume the role of an emotionally healthy man. Typically, his characters are juvenile, mean-spirited, man-child types consumed with motorcycles or cars. He actually exhibits a few moments of tenderness throughout the movie.

THE WORST – A Tale of Two Actors

Other than his famous last name, I’m never sure what Fonda brings to a role. He’s never a dynamic presence and often his only character trait is petty subversiveness. Any other actor could have easily played his part in Race With the Devil. However, Oates is easily one of the most natural actors of his generation. He perfects the unassuming nature of his characters, which is a vastly underrated acting skill.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING – 3.75/5

Race With the Devil is a creative hybrid of horror and 70s chase genres. It’s worth a watch – especially if you’re a Warren Oates fan.