Unearthed Films  //  Buy from Amazon.com

When his young son PATRICK is kidnapped, JACK, a gangster, arranges to sell out his best friend SAVITCH, a hitman, to MAL, a crime lord. Mal has concocted this scheme to take revenge on Savitch who had left him crippled years ago. When Jack's ambush goes wrong, the truth is revealed. Eventually, Savitch is subdued and taken back to Mal's hideout. But Mal's plans collapse when Savitch breaks free and wipes out everyone except Jack who escapes back to the hideout and rescues his son. But before they can escape, Savitch confronts Jack and the two come face to face in a final showdown that pits paternal love against killer instinct in a brutal blood-soaked climax that leaves no criminal unpunished or innocent unscathed.

Unearthed Films has impressed me for many years - while I may not have the stomach for their more extreme fare, releaseing such b-gems as "Frankhenhooker" and "Rock & Rule" to DVD has endeared the company to me for all of eternity. Joining the mix, now, is an indie film I'd not previously heard about, but will sing the praises of to any who will listen (and probably those who won't) for a long time to come: "Lethal Force."

The back of the DVD case says that this film "is to action films what 'Scream' is to horror movies" - lofty praise, but accurate. Despite the (relatively) tight budget, the filmmaker and his talented cast & crew were able to pull off a very entertaining, very well-written and action-packed movie that delivers the eye candy right alongside the yucks. While definitely aware that it's not a film to be taken seriously, it never loses its way and stumbles while trying to keep the wittiness and humor intact - it is what it is, and it is always enjoyable, right up to the last climactic scene.

I found myself wide-eyed and laughing from the very pit of my belly throughout this film, and that's more than I usually get from 10 "mainstream" flicks - I definitely recommend this one to genre fans, or those looking for something original & entertaining.

Video
While shot on an independent budget on 16mm, the fullscreen transfer on this DVD is first-rate, with lively colors and sharp edges, with zero artifacting or digital noise creeping into the presentation.

Audio
Dolby stereo mix is also top-notch, delivering the sonic goodness in fine form.

Extras

audio commentary with director and others

photo gallery

trailers

short films: "My Dog Has a Cyst," "Me!" and "A Conversation"

additional extras provided by filmmaker for this review: postcards, bonus DVD with auditions, behind the scenes, trailers, and more short films (thanks!)

Closing Thoughts
A truly (and literally) kick-ass indie action send up + boatloads o' fantastical extras = highly recommended ass-kicking fun!

Labels: review, top picks