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The Exterminator: Unrated Director's Cut - Blu-ray Synapse Films - 2011 Written & Directed James Glickenhaus |
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Robert Ginty plays John Eastland who experiences gruesome carnage in Vietnam during the action-packed the opening of the film. You see how this violence scars and prepares him for any of the sort, once he gets back to civilian life. Shortly after getting out of the Army, he meets with his military comrade Michael Jefferson (Steve James) for lunch at Michael's job at the packing district in the Bronx (by the way nice night helicopter photography of Manhattan during the opening titles). As John waits for his friend, he notices some punks stealing cases of beer (the product of Michael's job). Being a good law abiding citizen, he goes to ask what they are doing when a fight breaks out. Before you know it, John is being held with a knife to his throat. When his pal Michael sees this he intervenes using his fight skills to help free his friend and prevent them from stealing the merchandise. This sort of story was very popular back in the late 70s into the early 80s. Charles Bronson made THE DEATHWISH series, Perry King starred in Mark Lester's underrated CLASS OF 1984 are two films that fit this mold. Writer/Director James Glickenhaus tells the story in a pretty straight forward manner with a focus on the intricate details of how John Eastland methodically extracts his revenge. He goes about this in many creative ways, some of which will have you talking about them after the movie is over. Tom Burman and Stan Winston create some show topping Special Make-Up Effects. Winston's decapitation scene during the opening Vietnam sequence is particularly memorable, especially when viewed in this Unrated longer Director's Cut. Another highlight of this emotionally charged film is the outstanding stunt work and physical effects. This is somewhat of a trademark of a James Glickenhaus film. The cast is another strong point with Robert Ginty being both likable and believable as the one who takes the law into his own hands. Many of you will recognize Steve James as a highly skilled fighter, who also gels with Ginty as convincing best friends. It's their chemistry that the whole movie is hinged upon. I've always liked the late Christopher George (GRIZZLY, CITY OF THE LIVING DEAD, GRADUATION DAY, PIECES and MORTUARY). There is something about the man that emits life experience and knowledge. He projects sort of a rough and tumble feel that came from what he had gone through in his life, which you should read about if you get a chance. James Glickenhaus provides an excellent Audio Commentary because he has a great memory. Glickenhaus shares a ton of information about the making of this film. It was interesting to learn that the helicopter pilot that flew in the opening Vietnam scene was the same pilot that flew the chopper in THE TWILIGHT ZONE MOVIE at the same Indian Dunes, California location where actor Vic Morrow & two children ended up being killed. Theatrical Trailer and Television Spots are also included. THE EXTERMINATOR is an effective thriller that you should get reacquainted with or see for the first time.
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