Rating: 
Summary: Acting? Hell, No. Action? Hell, Yeah!
Review: First of all, this movie is not getting five stars for its acting, its plot, its writing or its cinematography. Those basically don't exist. This film is about action, not acting, though some of the cast occasionally slips up and really does act, especially people like William Forsythe and Jerry Orbach, who apparently can't entirely help themselves. "Out For Justice" is a Steven Seagal vanity piece, plain and simple, and doesn't pretend to be anything else. In that sense, it succeeds in its purpose admirably well.Seagal portrays yet another hero sporting a ponytail to hide his emerging bald spot. His traditional squinty-eyed grimace is used at all appropriate times, namely whenever he's trying to convey emotion, whether it be outrage, anger, sorrow, affection or desire. It's great how the viewer is left constantly guessing as to how poor Steven feels; it's highly doubtful that even he knows, so how can he be expected to show it to others? Acting is not this guy's forte, and it really shows when he's in a scene with real talent like Orbach or Forsythe. Those poor actors just don't know how to roll over and play dead so Steven can really shine. Not to worry, though, because it's in the fight scenes where Seagal gets to flex his muscles---on his body, not his face---and there's nobody who can kick tail quite the way he does. There's no sense describing the plot, which is as flimsy as wet toilet tissue, but there's plenty of mayhem for those who like their action movies hot, bloody and raw. The film bogs down whenever Steven's character tries to make nice, such as in the scenes where he's chatting with a puppy. Fortunately, such interludes are few and far between, and do little to distract from the main point of this movie, which is to show off Seagal's creative use of expletives, martial arts and found objects like pool cues and meat cleavers. No, this is definitely not a chick flick or an intellectual exercise designed to make the viewer think; what it is, is action, designed for the testosterone crowd. Go into it with very low expectations of it being anything other than an adrenaline rush and you'll be fine. A good movie to watch with beer and chips---just don't look for it to be anything remotely like "Under Siege" and there'll be little disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: Seagal and company reach new heights of cinematic achievment
Review: From the opening scene...right up until Seagal's rescued pup relieves himself on the scumbag who had thrown him out of a moving car, Out For Justice delivers on all levels. Affectionately known as OFJ by its die-hard, no-life fans, this film shows what is truly possible when flawless casting, top rate acting and a superb script come together in a labor of love. The story concerns Gino Fellino, a Brooklyn born cop whose crime fighting genius is not fully appreciated by fellow officers. Perhaps this has something to do with the fact that he commiserates with the local mafia outfit as if he were a member. Playing Gino's villainous foil is veteran character actor William Forsythe, who portrays the drug and sex addicted fat body Ritchie Madano in an Oscar worthy performance. Madano, who has all of the ethnic features of an overweight Dutch boy, mercilessly slaughters Gino's partner, one Bobby Lupo, and then proceeds to joyfully slay anyone foolish enough to get in his way, including a random bystander who had the audacity to ask Ritchie to move his car. Ritchie's highly skilled and ruthless gang of criminal masterminds includes the handsome Bobby Arms, whose signature windbreaker jacket exudes a sense of iron will; the seemingly innocent Bucci, dressed immaculately in a Brooklyn t-shirt and possessing a rap sheet as long as Gino's arm; and the valiant Joey, whose prowess at eliminating bothersome mice from his apartment is legendary in the New York area. Together, Ritchie and his gang terrorize the greater Brooklyn area, blowing through drugs, hookers and money in a violent display of hedonism. Brilliantly staying one step ahead of Gino at every turn, Ritchie, who was rumored to have run a 3 minute mile during the set lunch break, makes effective use of his right hand man Vinnie Madano in keeping Gino and the Mafia off balance. Vinnie offers a plethora of his own sociopathic killers, including the menacing Tattoo, who was rejected from membership with the Pagan motorcycle gang when he was seen compassionately comforting a bloodied Vinnie after a shake down; Sticks, who passes the time by waiting for barroom attackers to test his pool cue weaponry skills; Bennie the Book, who has seemingly made millions in the gambling racket judging by his wardrobe; and watch guard Vermeer, who reportedly studied the lifestyles of men who hang out on rooftop porches smoking cigarettes in order to prepare for the part. The middle hour of the film consists of endless vulgarity and slaughter as well as the equivalent of 400 lbs of human bone being snapped by the relentless Gino. The action comes to a head when Gino finally corners the elusive Ritchie smoking...at the apartment/squat of his hooker girlfriend, the aptly named Rica. The final showdown between Ritchie and Gino burns with all the intensity of a Cecil B. DeMille biblical epic, with Ritchie's death by cork screw serving as a social statement on the wickedness of crime and poor coordination, and which also may be a symbolic nod to the sacrifice of Chaz the Chair, who died at the hands of Ritchie in the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of humanity. The Citizen Kane of the 90s. Warning, bring plenty of Kleenex and prepare yourself for lengthy post-film group critique and analysis. (This review is dedicated to the memory of Uncle Pino).
Rating:
Summary: A sentimental favorite that still satisfies
Review: Having not seen this film since it's theatrical release ten years ago, I picked it up on a whim hoping it could still entertain me. It did - though not for the same reasons it did when I was 17.
Over the top and quite possibly the most violent film I've seen since ROBOCOP, OUT FOR JUSTICE still delivers in the action department with enough shootings, stabbings, and beatings to satisfy even the most seasoned of action afficionados. What I see now, however, is that this film is also brimming with unintentional humor. Seagal's acting is at its most wooden, yet still somehow overdone. His wardrobe is downright hilarious and the dialogue in this film is so bad that it definitely goes down as one of the most quotable I've ever seen. Back to the "Italian cop" role a la ABOVE THE LAW, the viewer is not treated to the pretentious hilarity of Seagal's more "mystical" characters, so those hungry for more will have to treat themselves to HARD TO KILL as well.
Though not recommended for cinema snobs, I can guarantee OUT FOR JUSTICE will be 90 minutes well spent by anyone looking to have fun, whether it be through the thrills of the martial arts and gunplay, the comedy of a film that's "so bad it's good," or a combination of the two. Without a doubt the best worst film of Seagal's career.
Rating:
Summary: Up there with Potemkin, Citizen Kane and Bicycle Thieves
Review: I am currently writing my Master's thesis on this film alone. Seagal's portrayal of Gino Felino is nothing short of brilliant; his mastery of the accent and mannerisms of a true Brooklynite make this film a valuable cultural experience. William Forsythe is the most disturbing villain in years, and his crew, consisting of Bobby Arms, Joey Dogs, and Bucci are all memorable. Watch the cue-ball in towel bar fight scene and listen to the sound effects of a cue ball on the human skull, as well as Bobby Arms's leg being blown off, followed later by a good old fashioned corkscrew in the head to Richie. Should be screened in every Language of Film class.
Rating: 
Summary: Too Graphic for What Seems so Low Budget
Review: I am usually a big Segal fan, and find very little wrong with most of his films. This one however is another story. If anyone important to the Hollywood scene sees this reveiw please pass on the fact that it no one should try to make a graphically violent low-budget film. It just doesn't work. The movie had an ok story-line, but there was something missing. Whether it was a better supporting cast, more background on the characters, or what I can not decide. I just wasn't impressed.
Rating:
Summary: That's for Bobby!
Review: I find it appropriate to review this, one of Seagal's best films and a classic in the genre. His career now a shell of its former self, Seagal proves with 'OFJ' that he used to deliver the goods. I used to think there wasn't much to making a good Seagal film. How hard can it be? But his recent efforts, which have gone straight to DVD, prove that some talent is required to make a satisfying rogue-cop-on-a-mission flick. Seagal plays Brooklyn cop Gino Felino (I'm not kidding) whose partner is blown away on the streets (18th Avenue, we're told over and over) by the crack-smoking lunatic Richie, played with aplomb by William Forsythe. Using his acute knowledge of 'the neighborhood', Gino sets off on revenge, killing several dozen people before the suitably ultraviolent finale. The film has many things going for it. Firstly, Seagal attempts a Brooklyn accent and an overall Brookln persona which is priceless to watch. Second, the violence is top notch. It starts off strong with a pimp being put through a windshield after insulting Gino's Italian-American heritage. The violence then escalates as Gino uses tried-and-true methods of interrogation such as the old cue-ball in the bar towel, shots to the family jewels, the snapping of wrists, and good old fashioned Smith and Wesson. Thirdly, William Forsythe is amazing as Richie, proving that he will throw himself into a role totally and completely. His fat man waddle, crazy crooked mustache, and berserker behavior make him a great villain. Think about it--Seagal versus a fat character actor doesn't sound like much, right? But Forsythe is game and makes the film fun to watch. What else? The film is totally foul-mouthed, full of off color humor and a message that is morally dubious at best. OFJ also has a crop of familiar faces. Jerry Orbach, plays ::gasp:: a cop. Gina Gershon appears as Richie's sister. John Leguizamo appears in a two second bit during a cheesy montage sequence. Julianna Margulies plays one of Richie's hook-ups. B-movie babe Shannon Whirry appears in a revealing outfit. Highly recommended to the action fan. Required viewing if you hail from Brooklyn.
Rating:
Summary: That's for Bobby!
Review: I find it appropriate to review this, one of Seagal's best films and a classic in the genre. His career now a shell of its former self, Seagal proves with 'OFJ' that he used to deliver the goods. I used to think there wasn't much to making a good Seagal film. How hard can it be? But his recent efforts, which have gone straight to DVD, prove that some talent is required to make a satisfying rogue-cop-on-a-mission flick. Seagal plays Brooklyn cop Gino Felino (I'm not kidding) whose partner is blown away on the streets (18th Avenue, we're told over and over) by the crack-smoking lunatic Richie, played with aplomb by William Forsythe. Using his acute knowledge of 'the neighborhood', Gino sets off on revenge, killing several dozen people before the suitably ultraviolent finale. The film has many things going for it. Firstly, Seagal attempts a Brooklyn accent and an overall Brookln persona which is priceless to watch. Second, the violence is top notch. It starts off strong with a pimp being put through a windshield after insulting Gino's Italian-American heritage. The violence then escalates as Gino uses tried-and-true methods of interrogation such as the old cue-ball in the bar towel, shots to the family jewels, the snapping of wrists, and good old fashioned Smith and Wesson. Thirdly, William Forsythe is amazing as Richie, proving that he will throw himself into a role totally and completely. His fat man waddle, crazy crooked mustache, and berserker behavior make him a great villain. Think about it--Seagal versus a fat character actor doesn't sound like much, right? But Forsythe is game and makes the film fun to watch. What else? The film is totally foul-mouthed, full of off color humor and a message that is morally dubious at best. OFJ also has a crop of familiar faces. Jerry Orbach, plays ::gasp:: a cop. Gina Gershon appears as Richie's sister. John Leguizamo appears in a two second bit during a cheesy montage sequence. Julianna Margulies plays one of Richie's hook-ups. B-movie babe Shannon Whirry appears in a revealing outfit. Highly recommended to the action fan. Required viewing if you hail from Brooklyn.
Rating:
Summary: Karate Master
Review: I own everthing on Steven Seagal! Except Exit Wounds! I didn't buy Executive Decision. I don't like Kurt Russell
Rating:
Summary: Good for what it is
Review: I'll make this one short and to the point. I like ol' Stevie, though even I can admit that other than Above the Law, Under Siege, and this one, he could stand to broaden his horizons. This is, however, my favorite Seagal film. The plot and story are threadbare, but the action, particularly the excellent martial arts scenes, are what street wise aikido is all about, and I can assure you, 99 percent of the moves he does in this movie are what a good aikido stylist would do in a real situation, unless he's smart enough to run away. One particular highlight is a stick fight between Seagal and one time Bruce Lee nunchaku trainer Dan Inosanto. Seagal was supposedly going for a sincere acting performance, but unfortanetly, his dramatic capabilities are as easy on the eyes as his open hand is to your neck. Good fights, plenty of graphic gunshot wounds, and Jason Vorhees himself, Kane Hodder, doing some getting blown away in the movies big brutal finale. Good of its type.
Rating: 
Summary: Lots of Action And Bone Cracking
Review: If you like to watch movies with lots of hand-to-hand combat action, you'd probably like this movie. It has lots of bone-cracking and blood, especially during the end fight(not for the faint of heart)when the bad guy gets killed with a corkscrew.
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