Extreme Prejudice

Rating:
Summary: Homage to Peckinpah?
Review: "Extreme Prejudice" is one of those special films that should have worked like gangbusters with the action thriller crowd. Thanks to director Walter Hill (the same guy who later did "48 Hours"), this ultra violent shoot 'em up picture boasts an amazing cast, over the top performances, stark atmosphere, high testosterone, and lots of firepower all wrapped up in a style that would make Sam Peckinpah cry with joy. With all of the positives going for it the film failed to draw great box office receipts. Why? Several reasons, actually. As great as the pieces of "Extreme Prejudice" are independently, director Hill failed to integrate the parts into the sort of seamless whole film critics appreciate. Some movies wildly succeed despite traveling down a road pitted with plot holes. Others manage to just squeak by despite their difficulties, and this is the case with Hill's film. It doesn't quite have what it takes to become a cult classic, can't totally overcome its numerous failings, but this movie survives because it accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, namely entertain its target audience.

Texas Ranger Jack Benteen (Nick Nolte) is a cop's cop and a man's man. Working the beat down in on the Texas-Mexico border, Benteen regularly puts his man down when the time comes for killing. Often operating in tandem with feisty and foul-mouthed local sheriff Hank Pearson, Benteen's biggest problem in the heat blasted climes of Southern Texas is curbing narcotics trafficking. When he isn't out killing local boys gone bad Jack argues incessantly with his live in lover Sarita Cisneros (Maria Conchita Alonso), a woman who works as a singer at the local watering hole and who just happens to be the former girlfriend of ex-cop and now big time drug dealer Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe). Benteen and Bailey get along with each other despite their differences largely due to an unspoken agreement the two have about staying out of each other's way, but that's all about to change after Pearson dies in a violent shootout with some local drug dealers ostensibly working for Bailey's outfit. Now it's personal for Benteen (shouldn't it have been before?), and nothing will get in his way as he prepares to bring down Bailey once and for all.

Then a problem materializes. The federal government, hoping to stem the flow of narcotics into the country, orchestrates a black operation composed of elite ex-military specialists and sends them into Benteen's stomping grounds to wipe out Cash Bailey. These guys are highly trained killers operating under such heavy secrecy that the feds faked the soldiers' deaths in order to protect their identities. Headed up by a thug named Paul Hackett--a man who has his own dirty little secrets--the team plans to rob a bank so they can steal Bailey's files. Perceiving Benteen as a potential problem, Hackett plays the part of a sympathetic DEA agent and feeds the Texas Ranger false information to keep him out of the picture until the operatives can finish the mission. Predictably, the robbery goes horribly awry, a couple of the team members end up in Benteen's jail, and out comes the dirty laundry. Jack teams up with Hackett's team as they head to Bailey's hideout in Mexico, still determined to do in Bailey and liberate the hapless Sarita while he's at it (You didn't think the girl would stay safely behind in Texas for the entire film, did you?). The conclusion is pure Peckinpah as the entire compound erupts into total gunfire riddled chaos.

For all its flaws, I still like watching "Extreme Prejudice" whenever I get the chance because the performances are so much fun. Nick Nolte is at his sweaty, scene chewing best as the relentless cop Jack Benteen. Rip Torn plays Sheriff Hank Pearson so over the top that he is a wonder to watch. Maria Conchita Alonso serves mainly as eye candy in her scenes, and Powers Boothe doesn't start rocking and rolling until the end of the film. The real show stealers here is Hackett's gang. Check out the actors involved in these roles: Michael Ironsides, William Forsythe, Clancy Brown, Matt Mulhern, Larry B.Scott, and Dan Tullis Jr. all play critical parts. If you aren't familiar with low budget cinema, you might not recognize these names or faces, but the rest of us who follow these types of movies know this list represents a goldmine of talent. If you've ever wondered how these guys would work together in a single film, "Extreme Prejudice" is your movie. Heck, even Tom "Tiny" Lister turns up here in a small role as one of Bailey's main henchmen. About the only guy missing from the roster is Randall "Tex" Cobb. Throw these actors into a plot loaded with gunfire, the heat blasted plains of Texas and Mexico, and a script that isn't afraid to punch up the testosterone laden dialogue to unheard of levels, and you have the makings for an entertaining couple of hours.

Sadly, plot holes abound. I still cannot figure out how Benteen could run a computer check on two of Hackett's men and discover that they are supposedly dead. Wouldn't the government cover its tracks with loads of high tech wizardry to prevent some backwoods cop from finding out who these guys are? Moreover, some of the scenes in the film are laughably ridiculous. For example, Bailey blows some guy's head off because of a drug dispute, and then promptly cozies up to Sarita as though nothing happened. In what universe would a woman readily accept with open arms a man who just committed a grisly murder IN FRONT OF HER just seconds before? Only a guy could write such nonsense into a script and think it would work. Give "Extreme Prejudice" a look if you like movies like "Roadhouse." If not, skip it.

Rating:
Summary: Extreme Prejudice
Review: "5 Star... Action Packed... Must Have Movie!"

Nick Nolte Stars as Jack Benteen... a modern day, tough as they come Texas ranger who finds himself in a show down on both sides of the border that can only leave one man standing. Ranger Benteen matches his skill for survival against long time best friend turned drug smuggler, Cash Bailey (Powers Booth). In this mix is the woman they've both loved, played by Maria Conchita Alonzo,who moves back and forth between their lives and becomes the "prize" for the winner of their ultimate "to the death" meeting.

While Benteen battles with drug runners, a squad of "deceased" U.S. military personnel with special skills (led by Michael Ironside) becomes involved in the plot when they come together for a mission... to take out Cash Bailey and his drug operation, as a matter of "national interest". This mission takes the military specialist... and Ranger Benteen across the border for an exciting, explosive ending that takes a twist and will bring you to the edge of your seat.

This is a "must have" action flick of the best kind. Suspense and intrigue will grip you in this bullet flying, R- rated thriller!

Rating:
Summary: Homage to Peckinpah?
Review: "Extreme Prejudice" is one of those special films that should have worked like gangbusters with the action thriller crowd. Thanks to director Walter Hill (the same guy who later did "48 Hours"), this ultra violent shoot 'em up picture boasts an amazing cast, over the top performances, stark atmosphere, high testosterone, and lots of firepower all wrapped up in a style that would make Sam Peckinpah cry with joy. With all of the positives going for it the film failed to draw great box office receipts. Why? Several reasons, actually. As great as the pieces of "Extreme Prejudice" are independently, director Hill failed to integrate the parts into the sort of seamless whole film critics appreciate. Some movies wildly succeed despite traveling down a road pitted with plot holes. Others manage to just squeak by despite their difficulties, and this is the case with Hill's film. It doesn't quite have what it takes to become a cult classic, can't totally overcome its numerous failings, but this movie survives because it accomplishes exactly what it set out to do, namely entertain its target audience.

Texas Ranger Jack Benteen (Nick Nolte) is a cop's cop and a man's man. Working the beat down in on the Texas-Mexico border, Benteen regularly puts his man down when the time comes for killing. Often operating in tandem with feisty and foul-mouthed local sheriff Hank Pearson, Benteen's biggest problem in the heat blasted climes of Southern Texas is curbing narcotics trafficking. When he isn't out killing local boys gone bad Jack argues incessantly with his live in lover Sarita Cisneros (Maria Conchita Alonso), a woman who works as a singer at the local watering hole and who just happens to be the former girlfriend of ex-cop and now big time drug dealer Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe). Benteen and Bailey get along with each other despite their differences largely due to an unspoken agreement the two have about staying out of each other's way, but that's all about to change after Pearson dies in a violent shootout with some local drug dealers ostensibly working for Bailey's outfit. Now it's personal for Benteen (shouldn't it have been before?), and nothing will get in his way as he prepares to bring down Bailey once and for all.

Then a problem materializes. The federal government, hoping to stem the flow of narcotics into the country, orchestrates a black operation composed of elite ex-military specialists and sends them into Benteen's stomping grounds to wipe out Cash Bailey. These guys are highly trained killers operating under such heavy secrecy that the feds faked the soldiers' deaths in order to protect their identities. Headed up by a thug named Paul Hackett--a man who has his own dirty little secrets--the team plans to rob a bank so they can steal Bailey's files. Perceiving Benteen as a potential problem, Hackett plays the part of a sympathetic DEA agent and feeds the Texas Ranger false information to keep him out of the picture until the operatives can finish the mission. Predictably, the robbery goes horribly awry, a couple of the team members end up in Benteen's jail, and out comes the dirty laundry. Jack teams up with Hackett's team as they head to Bailey's hideout in Mexico, still determined to do in Bailey and liberate the hapless Sarita while he's at it (You didn't think the girl would stay safely behind in Texas for the entire film, did you?). The conclusion is pure Peckinpah as the entire compound erupts into total gunfire riddled chaos.

For all its flaws, I still like watching "Extreme Prejudice" whenever I get the chance because the performances are so much fun. Nick Nolte is at his sweaty, scene chewing best as the relentless cop Jack Benteen. Rip Torn plays Sheriff Hank Pearson so over the top that he is a wonder to watch. Maria Conchita Alonso serves mainly as eye candy in her scenes, and Powers Boothe doesn't start rocking and rolling until the end of the film. The real show stealers here is Hackett's gang. Check out the actors involved in these roles: Michael Ironsides, William Forsythe, Clancy Brown, Matt Mulhern, Larry B.Scott, and Dan Tullis Jr. all play critical parts. If you aren't familiar with low budget cinema, you might not recognize these names or faces, but the rest of us who follow these types of movies know this list represents a goldmine of talent. If you've ever wondered how these guys would work together in a single film, "Extreme Prejudice" is your movie. Heck, even Tom "Tiny" Lister turns up here in a small role as one of Bailey's main henchmen. About the only guy missing from the roster is Randall "Tex" Cobb. Throw these actors into a plot loaded with gunfire, the heat blasted plains of Texas and Mexico, and a script that isn't afraid to punch up the testosterone laden dialogue to unheard of levels, and you have the makings for an entertaining couple of hours.

Sadly, plot holes abound. I still cannot figure out how Benteen could run a computer check on two of Hackett's men and discover that they are supposedly dead. Wouldn't the government cover its tracks with loads of high tech wizardry to prevent some backwoods cop from finding out who these guys are? Moreover, some of the scenes in the film are laughably ridiculous. For example, Bailey blows some guy's head off because of a drug dispute, and then promptly cozies up to Sarita as though nothing happened. In what universe would a woman readily accept with open arms a man who just committed a grisly murder IN FRONT OF HER just seconds before? Only a guy could write such nonsense into a script and think it would work. Give "Extreme Prejudice" a look if you like movies like "Roadhouse." If not, skip it.

Rating:
Summary: EXTREME PREJUDICE - A high-voltage thriller !
Review: A tough Texas Ranger stands on one side of the border - Jack Benteen (Nick Nolte). His goal is to clean up the mexican drug traffic. On the other side of the Rio Grande stands Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe) - a ruthless narcotics kingpin who`ll stop at nothing to get his way...friends since childhood and now bitter
adversaries.
What`s left between them is the love of a beautiful girl, played by Maria Conchita Alonso.
And secretly, a government commando team (Michael Ironside, William Forsythe) moves into town. Their mission is to steal millions of drug dollars stashed in a bank. The heist quickly forces the two men into the ultimate confrontation...where only one can survive.
EXTREME PREJUDICE from 1987 is a great movie, and one of my favorite movies. Strong violent action and bad language. From the director Walter Hill (48 hrs. 1982, Another 48 hrs. 1990, Red Heat 1988).
The DVD-Edition from ARTISAN Entertainment is much better than the VHS-Tape released by AVID Home Entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Walter Hill
Review: Another Walter Hill classic that needs the DVD treatment, Extreme Prejudice is a violent action flick that ranks with the best of the directors work. The story originated with John (Apocalypse Now) Milius and is something of a morality play: Blind obedience and spent ideals, covert operations, following orders....Nick Nolte is a Texas Ranger named Jack Benteen with "a spit-shine heart". In his border town, Jack is one tough gringo. But Jack's not the only tough gringo: His boyhood pal Cash Bailey (Powers Boothe) lets scorpions crawl into his bare hand and then crushes them. Cash used to be an undercover plant in the Mexican-based drug hierarchy, but all that money has turned him sour. He's become a drug lord with 'Kurtzian' delusions of power. Needless to say, Nolte and Boothe are rivals. Throw into the mix a band of high-tech and low-caliber mercenaries, led by yet another tough gringo, Major Hackett (Michael Ironside). His men are all officially dead. Their mission: a midday robbery of an El Paso bank that may contain sensitive documents that might blow the cover off a DEA operation. The character interactions are strong and Hill's tight framing and crosscutting are as sharp as ever. With plenty of bullets flying and plenty of people dying, Extreme Prejudice is good stuff all around. Just waiting for the DVD......

Rating:
Summary: I thought fullscreen died with DIVX?!!
Review: As with the previous reviewer; I also agree that caveat emptor...buyer beware! I love this movie but was very unhappy to learn that the DVD was only in the Fullscreen format. As with Remember the Titans, I am learning to be a little bit more careful with my assumption that all DVDs are in the Widescreen/Letterbox edition. There are very basic scene selections and an even more basic Bio page for this DVD. No zoom, no subtitles...not too much to impress, just the meat and potatoes. A good movie to watch, but don't expect the DVD format to impress, or entertain you beyond the movie.

Rating:
Summary: The WILD BUNCH meets APOCALYPSE NOW!
Review: EXTREME PREJUDICE is a wild-ride, action-packed "tribute" to the unashamedly "macho" movie genre. It works because Walter Hill's directing is paced at 8000 rpm's and never idles below 6000. John Milius (co-author of the script to "Apocalypse Now!")has contributed a story which is surprisingly complex and engaging. The cast is first rate across the El Paso border into old Mexico and the 6th Estate of the modern Drug Lords. Dressed in black like a grand inquisitor, Nick Nolte is buff and bad as steely-eyed Texas Ranger Jack Benteen. Powers Boothe...elegantly garbed in plantation owner's "first communion" whites...plays Cash Bailey; Nolte's main boyhood compadre, who has become King of the Hill of a drug empire operating like a military staging garrison in Durango. Into the mix is Maria Conchita Alonso...a could-be pearl of great price...over whom the former friends' rivalry is stirred like the proverbial sword in the fire. Michael Ironside does not disappoint as Major Hackett, a Black-OPX's commando...leading an elite NCO squad on an illegal "mission impossible"...who has his own treacherous agenda. The action is violent and unrelenting until the final climax which...as other reviewers have observed...seems deliberately lifted from Sam Peckinpah's, THE WILD BUNCH. The violence is neither gratuitous nor satirized, and there is a quality of irony in the film that could easily be missed. Jack Benteen/ Nick Nolte portrays a "good guy" who "in the olden days" might well have been The Lone Ranger. The glib repartee of Powers Boothe trying to probe how his former amigo could be such a fool (when drug-doing yups really "love the stuff!" he peddles), hits a quiet chord because heroes like Jack...as William Forsythe, playing one of the betrayed commandos observes..."no longer have causes to fight for, only friends." Jack Benteen is forced to kill his once-best friend because he will not bend with the jaded prejudices of the times. EXTREME PREJUDICE is a super action flick which manages to convey some archly ironic comments about a drug culture perhaps "too sophisticated" to appreciate such a macho-man movie where "The Wild Bunch" meets "Apocalypse Now!"

Rating:
Summary: The WILD BUNCH meets APOCALYPSE NOW!
Review: EXTREME PREJUDICE is a wild-ride, action-packed "tribute" to the unashamedly "macho" movie genre. It works because Walter Hill's directing is paced at 8000 rpm's and never idles below 6000. John Milius (co-author of the script to "Apocalypse Now!")has contributed a story which is surprisingly complex and engaging. The cast is first rate across the El Paso border into old Mexico and the 6th Estate of the modern Drug Lords. Dressed in black like a grand inquisitor, Nick Nolte is buff and bad as steely-eyed Texas Ranger Jack Benteen. Powers Boothe...elegantly garbed in plantation owner's "first communion" whites...plays Cash Bailey; Nolte's main boyhood compadre, who has become King of the Hill of a drug empire operating like a military staging garrison in Durango. Into the mix is Maria Conchita Alonso...a could-be pearl of great price...over whom the former friends' rivalry is stirred like the proverbial sword in the fire. Michael Ironside does not disappoint as Major Hackett, a Black-OPX's commando...leading an elite NCO squad on an illegal "mission impossible"...who has his own treacherous agenda. The action is violent and unrelenting until the final climax which...as other reviewers have observed...seems deliberately lifted from Sam Peckinpah's, THE WILD BUNCH. The violence is neither gratuitous nor satirized, and there is a quality of irony in the film that could easily be missed. Jack Benteen/ Nick Nolte portrays a "good guy" who "in the olden days" might well have been The Lone Ranger. The glib repartee of Powers Boothe trying to probe how his former amigo could be such a fool (when drug-doing yups really "love the stuff!" he peddles), hits a quiet chord because heroes like Jack...as William Forsythe, playing one of the betrayed commandos observes..."no longer have causes to fight for, only friends." Jack Benteen is forced to kill his once-best friend because he will not bend with the jaded prejudices of the times. EXTREME PREJUDICE is a super action flick which manages to convey some archly ironic comments about a drug culture perhaps "too sophisticated" to appreciate such a macho-man movie where "The Wild Bunch" meets "Apocalypse Now!"

Rating:
Summary: Just In Case You Thought Walker Was The Only Bad A** Ranger
Review: Nick Nolte plays a Texas Ranger the way Chuck Norris plays Walker, only without all the kicking. This movie is violent, there is some nudity, and there is quite a lot of profanity. If that offends you, be forewarned. It also has one of the best character actors in the business in it, mr Rip Torn as the crusty old Texas sherrif. His performance alone is worth seeing the movie.

Rating:
Summary: Extreme Prejudice-DVD Edition
Review: One of my all time favorite Walter Hill movies gets botched on DVD. If ever a movie deserved to be in the widescreen format,
this is it! The movie is cropped horribly! Also no 5.1 sound,
only mediocre stereo. Artisan should do Hill fans a favor and
re-release it in widescreen. Buyer beware!