Movie Name: Hard to Kill
Director: Bruce Malmuth
Produced: Gary Adelson, Joel Simon, and Bill Todman, Jr.
Release Date: February 9, 1990
Box Office Revenue: $47.4 million
Introduction
When I was a younger pup, I used to love martial arts movies. The 1980's and 1990's were the golden age of B and sometimes C level movies that were action and had martial arts in them. We can think of Chuck Norris, Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Jean-Claude Van Damme and the star of this particular movie, Steven Seagal.
Story
The story is not one that is much different from many action, martial art films of the time. Steven Seagal plays the character of Mason Storm. Mason uncovers a plot made by the mob and the meeting is recorded for good measure.
Stupid Note: The camera used is huge in comparison to today's electronics.
The mobsters find out that someone filmed them and they go and kill Mason's wife in cold blood. They also shoot Mason leaving him for dead. His young son manages to get away.
At the hospital, detective and close friend Lieutenant O'Malley (played by Frederick Coffin), asks the hospital to declare Mason dead, so that the mobsters do not come and take him out. For 7 years, Mason is in a coma and is taken care of by a nurse named Andy Stewart (played by Kelly Le Brock). She has a crush on him. Mason Storm then wakes up from his coma and Andy is instructed to let Lieutenant O'Malley know when he is awake. However, she leaves a message with a corrupt cop who was part of the gang that murdered Mason's wife and Mason as well.
While recovering and listening to TV, Mason hears some familiar words, ".... and you can take that to the bank.". This is the same phrase that we hear at the beginning of the movie when Mason is filming the Mob meeting. The head of that mob has now been elected and and is known as Senator Vernon Trent (played by William Sadler).
The movie now becomes one of revenge for Mason who wants to get the guys that murdered his wife.
Mason gets in better shape by training martial arts and then he goes after each and everyone of the bad guys until only Senator Trent is left.
Hard to Kill Trailer
Bottomline
When I was younger I always thought Steven Seagal was awesome. He would say little and kick lots of ass. My view of him has changed with the years. He is getting older and he does not do his own stunts anymore. In addition he seems to whisper all of his dialogue now. It is weird. Also, the quality of his work, nit that it was amazing, went downhill. It just does not pack as much excitement as the first few movies that Seagal starred in.
Alright so back to this movie. Like most people I just watch this movie for the fighting and that is it. I never thought that this would be an Oscar winner. it is just good mindless fun.
I am not sure that the movie has aged particularly well, but I still consider it one of his good ones. I think that Under Siege was the best of his movies and this one falls right after it.
This is one of those movies where, if it passes on TV, I will always watch it. it is probably a nostalgia thing but I kind of secretly like this movie. That is why it is a B-Movie in my book. It is not a great movie but one that I am sure many people enjoy from time to time.
Rating: 3.75 Seagal Whispers out of 5
What do you think? Do you agree with me? Let me know below.
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