HIT LIST (1989)

 

Directed By: William Lustig 

Story By: Audrey K. Rattan

Written By: John Goff and Peter Brosnan

Josh Becker & Scott Spiegel (Uncredited)

Editor: David Kern 

Cast: Jan-Michael Vincent, Leo Rossi, Charles Napier, Harold Sylvester, Jere Burns, Rip Torn, Lance Henriksen, Ken Lerner, Frank Pesce 

A family man and a mob witness hunt for a hitman who has mistakenly kidnapped the family man's son.

This actually makes a very engaging thriller, though it’s a character actor Paradise, and while everybody is doing their best, the main weakness is the person, casting the lead Jan Michael Vincent, who doesn’t seem to put his all into it, though probably with his name and star Power is why the film got made or financed in the first place. 

Though the film has enough heavy hitters in the cast. Not to mention supposedly Mr. Vincent was behind several problems with the production. This might be why such heavy emphasis is more on supporting cast members.

The film has plenty of action and plays like an action thriller that you would see on the big screen you know it has not so healthy budget though I think if someone else had played the lead, it would be better remembered I’m not gonna say it would be a classic, but definitely better remembered 

Especially as one of the twists of the film is based on what one would think is a ridiculous mistake, but moves the film forward 

The other flaw of the film is that really out of Jan Michael Vincent’s Circle. the only good guy or good character who is killed is really his best friend in the African-American character. You know there are several cops in the beginning who are protecting witnesses who get killed but we rarely or barely get to know them whereas the character played by Harold Sylvester you know we get to know and care about and then he is dispatched

The rip TORN seems to have fun, showing a scenery and going over the top of his role as a mob boss, Leo Rossi adds real heart and is a memorable character to the film, as a kind of wise guy who most of the characters are after in the first place 

Same with Charles Napier he just seems to go with the flow and really seems to be enjoying himself throughout as more of the federal agent on the case

it’s cool to see Lance Henriksen as this maniacal unstoppable killer who has a day job as a cover and then towards the end seems that no matter how hard you try to kill him. He’s like a horror movie villain he just won’t die. It’s interesting and ridiculous he is though he’s the most interesting character in the movie as he is a killer character, who deserves a better film script than this

Especially his character is so devious and calculated, but it makes this one mistake that changes. Everything seems a little bit ridiculous 

this film is more on the side of a guilty pleasure as you can’t really take anything seriously but it is a fun film to watch. I believe you will have a good time with. Especially directed by director William Lustig, even though this is one of the few director-for-hire jobs that he took. 

Grade: C