An eclectic group of eccentrics living in a desert town in the middle of Nevada are greeted by, unbeknown to them, their savior(whose past regarding killing haunts his very soul)seeking after a motorcycle he intended to give to an old pal(an Indian portrayed by Danny Trejo) as a gift(wanting his permission to "go on a journey")stolen by a trio of degenerates, the Hogans, sons of a dictator-like drug dealer who demands money from those locals who run businesses or else risk his wrath. What in turn happens is that this stranger(played by Jean-Claude Van DAMME)initiates a minor feud between two foul families, the Hogans and the Heathens, who are in a partnership regarding the shipment of drugs. Ultimately, Eddie Lomax(Van DAMME)will assist the locals, engaging in a violent war with both parties, the small town a battleground.
Funny how this film instigates the developing action. A drunken Lomax firing off bullets from his Colt .45, grazing the vehicle of the loathsome Hogan boys, only increasing hostilities, as he's shot and left for dead. Perfect setting up for a revenge plot. However, what I found interesting was the direction the filmmakers take with this story-line. It becomes almost a complete comedy, a nice surprise is how "Desert Heat" has a spirited sense of humor and an amusing array of oddball characters. Van DAMME looks really relaxed with this cast, enjoying himself. Like all these kinds of movies, Van DAMME starts systematically eliminating each and every thug(..and there's a fresh supply of sweaty desert uglies for him to vanquish)until a truck load are dumped in a desert hole by "handyman" Pat Morita(..in an inspired bit of casting, awaiting the return of a departing love named Berta). You have Vincent Schiavelli as a bar owner who chastises Van DAMME for killing several of his customers, despite the fact that they were profane troublemakers. Larry Drake, as patriarch Ramsey Hogan, sadly, is underused and exits the movie far too soon. Gabrielle Fitzpatrick is Van DAMME's love interest, a waitress who runs her senile father's diner and yearns for more in life. David Fralick, as Matt Hogan, is a rather limp adversary for Van DAMME(Bolo Leung, he's not)and their confrontation at the end leaves much to be desired. Jaime Pressly has an early role as another waitress, Dottie, a very tasty looker who, along with her cook brother, passed by a fallen Lomax after he had been shot as they were driving to town. Bill Erwin has a hilarious role as a gunstore owner rescued by Lomax after his nephews chained him to his bed, waiting for him to die, operating his business! A running gag has Erwin dependent upon an oxygen tank, while puffing on a cigarette when he isn't sucking air! Priscilla Pointer as a religious kook who operates a ratty motel with her husband(..she has an affinity for snakes and is always seen downing flasks and bottles of liquor!). I couldn't help but grin at the idea that this was a remake of Yojimbo. There's plenty of entertaining(..if you enjoy low brow)exchanges between Van DAMME and the townsfolk who take a shine to him. Trejo's character remains enigmatic throughout. What Trejo's Johnny and Lomax were in the past is presented rather ambiguously with the viewer having to read between the lines.
Funny how this film instigates the developing action. A drunken Lomax firing off bullets from his Colt .45, grazing the vehicle of the loathsome Hogan boys, only increasing hostilities, as he's shot and left for dead. Perfect setting up for a revenge plot. However, what I found interesting was the direction the filmmakers take with this story-line. It becomes almost a complete comedy, a nice surprise is how "Desert Heat" has a spirited sense of humor and an amusing array of oddball characters. Van DAMME looks really relaxed with this cast, enjoying himself. Like all these kinds of movies, Van DAMME starts systematically eliminating each and every thug(..and there's a fresh supply of sweaty desert uglies for him to vanquish)until a truck load are dumped in a desert hole by "handyman" Pat Morita(..in an inspired bit of casting, awaiting the return of a departing love named Berta). You have Vincent Schiavelli as a bar owner who chastises Van DAMME for killing several of his customers, despite the fact that they were profane troublemakers. Larry Drake, as patriarch Ramsey Hogan, sadly, is underused and exits the movie far too soon. Gabrielle Fitzpatrick is Van DAMME's love interest, a waitress who runs her senile father's diner and yearns for more in life. David Fralick, as Matt Hogan, is a rather limp adversary for Van DAMME(Bolo Leung, he's not)and their confrontation at the end leaves much to be desired. Jaime Pressly has an early role as another waitress, Dottie, a very tasty looker who, along with her cook brother, passed by a fallen Lomax after he had been shot as they were driving to town. Bill Erwin has a hilarious role as a gunstore owner rescued by Lomax after his nephews chained him to his bed, waiting for him to die, operating his business! A running gag has Erwin dependent upon an oxygen tank, while puffing on a cigarette when he isn't sucking air! Priscilla Pointer as a religious kook who operates a ratty motel with her husband(..she has an affinity for snakes and is always seen downing flasks and bottles of liquor!). I couldn't help but grin at the idea that this was a remake of Yojimbo. There's plenty of entertaining(..if you enjoy low brow)exchanges between Van DAMME and the townsfolk who take a shine to him. Trejo's character remains enigmatic throughout. What Trejo's Johnny and Lomax were in the past is presented rather ambiguously with the viewer having to read between the lines.