This is a film that seems predictable in the beginning with its lengthy car chase, shifts gears for some unanticipated twists that make it seem like it's going to get kinda bonkers, but then all comes together in down the stretch, making for a pretty satisfying film. The on-location footage in Louisiana is certainly a plus, bringing a sense of realism to counterbalance the wild story.
I have to say, there is only so much (ahem) mileage I can get out of a car chase scene, but if vintage 70's type action like that is your thing, you'll probably like the chase near the beginning, which is over 13 minutes long and goes over all sorts of Louisiana terrain. Never mind that the length of the chase makes little sense given what we find out later. Regardless, if that sounds boring, stick around, as what follows has some nice bits of intrigue and drama, particularly at the end.
The film has a solid cast for a lower budget effort, featuring Barry Newman of Vanishing Point fame, regular bad guy from the 70's John Vernon, a truly fine performance from Dolph Sweet, and Ben Kingsley in his very first film. Kingsley would not appear in another movie for a decade, when he hit the big-time playing Gandhi, which is quite a contrast. Suzy Kendall is unfortunately a weak link, in part because her character isn't given a lot to do, and in part because her performance is somewhat tepid.
Overall, really solid as a B type movie, and a lot of fun, so much so that I almost considered a slightly higher rating.
I have to say, there is only so much (ahem) mileage I can get out of a car chase scene, but if vintage 70's type action like that is your thing, you'll probably like the chase near the beginning, which is over 13 minutes long and goes over all sorts of Louisiana terrain. Never mind that the length of the chase makes little sense given what we find out later. Regardless, if that sounds boring, stick around, as what follows has some nice bits of intrigue and drama, particularly at the end.
The film has a solid cast for a lower budget effort, featuring Barry Newman of Vanishing Point fame, regular bad guy from the 70's John Vernon, a truly fine performance from Dolph Sweet, and Ben Kingsley in his very first film. Kingsley would not appear in another movie for a decade, when he hit the big-time playing Gandhi, which is quite a contrast. Suzy Kendall is unfortunately a weak link, in part because her character isn't given a lot to do, and in part because her performance is somewhat tepid.
Overall, really solid as a B type movie, and a lot of fun, so much so that I almost considered a slightly higher rating.