Synopsis
Excessive Force is a standard cop drama, a genre that was made fashionable in the 80s, yet has no shortage of popularity today, that’s set against the Swartzenegger backdrop and the Giamatti insistence on looking ‘gritty’ and ‘Real’. Featuring cop abuse and morphing their identities into aggressive personas that starts to replicate a psycho, as depicted by the character off Thomas Ian Griffith. The film starts with a routine drug raid that slowly descends into uncontrollable chaos and violence as the duo manages to kill the head of the drug cartel only for Griffith’s character to get framed for the murder. Despite being a detective, he is forced to go outside the law as he has no other choice.
The main antagonist is a woman, ironically, Japanese which gives a whole new angle as movies are more likely to portray men as women are usually seen as submissive and passive, therefore the film is one of a kind because it grapples with the narrow boundaries of ethics and morality. Actresses such as ‘Sandy Fele’ and ‘Leila Z’ are a treat to watch as they effortlessly dominate the screen.
Awards & Wins
Excessive Force did not win any significant industry accolades but instead attracted a large fan base as an action film geared towards the followers of the 1990’s era due to its gripping acts and fight choreography. It is also pointed out for its efforts to combine generic action elements and an intricate storyline.
Cast & Crew
- Thomas Ian Griffith as Detective Terry McCain
- James Earl Jones as Jake**
- Lance Henriksen as Devlin
- Burt Young as Sal DiMarco
- Tony Todd as Frankie Hawkins
Directed by Jon Hess, the film’s crew includes an experienced team specializing in action-driven projects. The music by Paul Curtis effectively complements the film’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere.
IMDb Ratings
The movie holds a modest rating of 5.4/10 on IMDb. While critics were divided on the story, audiences generally praised the action sequences and lead performances.
Personal Insights
Excessive Force is a classic 1990s action movie with plenty of over the top drama, crime ridden cities and ambiguous heroes. What makes it distinct from the rest however is a strong performance by Thomas Ian Griffith who is well supported by veterans of the screen like James Earl Jones and Lance Henriksen. The movie may not offer much new to this evolution but succeeds in choreographed fight scenes and antic-filled story that would keep the audience interested.
Cultural Significance
Although Excessive Force is not a standout in the world of film, it emulates a common phenomenon throughout the early ‘90s whereby as an action film, the lead is a rough character and the setting is of a complicated ethical nature. Additionally, it touches rather lightly on corruption within the police force, allegiance and justice, which may be appealing to those who appreciate more substance within the action genre. This film would appeal to those who enjoyed the Die Hard series because it possesses similar thematic elements and stylistic approaches.
