Urban Justice (2007)

Highly Overrated But Still Good

good back-story, and good acting

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

Another week, another Seagal flick on telly – at least that's what it feels like, given the prolific nature of the star's direct-to-DVD output in the past few years. The good news is that RENEGADE JUSTICE manages to be more purely entertaining than at least three recent Seagal films I can name (ATTACK FORCE, FLIGHT OF FURY, OUT OF REACH) although I still think it's pipped to the post by PISTOL WHIPPED, a film I like for some reason. The reason this film works is that it offers the sort of pure, pared-down entertainment Seagal films want to see: namely mucho ass-kicking and violence throughout.Things kick off with an innocent man gunned down on the streets and soon Seagal's in town, whupping backside wherever he goes. There's some kind of drugs war going on between rival gangs, but Seagal's not interested in any of that – he just wants to kill the man responsible for his son's death. His quest follows the likes of TAKEN as he single-mindedly works his way through anybody who might remotely be connected to the crime, and he also takes time out to give a gang of skinheads a beat down along the way, too.This film works because it's action packed. There are lots of fight scenes, and the good news is that Seagal's present for all of them (he's occasionally doubled in long shots, but at least it's his own voice here, too). They're exceptionally violent, brief and vivid, and usually involve our hero kicking the criminals in the groin, breaking their wrists, noses and sometimes their necks, too. Along with the hand-to-hand combat, there are some shoot-outs here too, which seem to have taken inspiration from Robert Rodriguez's PLANET TERROR in terms of the amount of blood that sprays from somebody's body when shot. These are some of the most gruesome blood sprays seen outside of Japanese cinema, and I admit I wasn't expecting that.The story is kept simple and the dialogue is a detraction; this is the most profane film I've seen, even more so than a Tarantino movie, and not in a good way. It just shows a lack of creativity. Still, Seagal is on good film, making an effort to act for a change, and there's a nice one-scene cameo from Danny Trejo thrown into the mix too. Add in some attractive ladies and a cheesily hilarious car chase and you have RENEGADE JUSTICE.

If you have seen any one Steven Seagal movie, then you basically have seen them all. This movie follows the stereotypical Seagal recipe of how to make an action movie. You take away a man's most important thing in the world, and that man will take on a whole gang land neighborhood and emerge victorious.Yep, it most definitely is an average Seagal movie, as he beats everyone, regardless of their skill and weaponry. And he only gets shot once, of course, while he himself takes down numerous gang members.The story is about Simon Ballister (played by Steven Seagal) who moves into a neighborhood under gang domination, after his son was shot dead here. As the local police is unable to uncover the murderer, Simon takes matters into his own hands and sets out to find his son's murderer, taking down everyone who stands in his way.The typical solo Seagal hero against overwhelming odds. But hold your horses, this time is he is not an ex-Black Op, ex-CIA agent, or ex-whatever. No, to add mystery, we don't get any information on his background or how come he singlehandedly defeats a whole neighborhood."Urban Justice" is filled with ridiculous blood sprays whenever someone is shot. The blood sprays several feet away from the one injured, both in front and back. Yeah! That's what I thought too. That was just lame.The action teddy bear (Seagal) does deliver his usual performance, both in acting and in fighting sequences. "Urban Justice" is good enough entertainment, taking into consideration that this is a very average Seagal movie.

Steven Seagal is in Top-Form in 'Urban Justice'. A Bad-Ass, Unforgiving, No-Holds-Barred Flick, that truly holds your interest. Seagal deserves the highest praises for putting up such a good show!'Urban Justice' Synopsis: A man with a dark and violent past, seeks revenge for the murder of his son.'Urban Justice' is no-holds-barred cinema. It entertains thoroughly & the action-sequences are damn good. The Screenplay is brisk & entertaining. Don E. Fauntleroy's Direction is impressive. Cinematography, Editing & Art Design, are fair.Performance-Wise: Seagal, obviously, steals the show with a hard-core performance. He's in Top Form! Eddie Griffin is as usual. Jade Yorker does his bit ably. Carmen Serano is decent. Danny Trejo appears in a cameo. On the whole, 'Urban Justice is a great fun. Seagal Rules!

Well let me say that in my opinion this movie should have went into theaters and not direct to video because this movie is awesome. This is a true seagal movie it has lots of action in it. It has a great storyline. The acting is actually very good even for the new comers in this movie. The actors that play in it are great you have so many famous actors such as Steven seagal obviously, Danny trejo who puts a great performance in everything he does, Eddie Griffin Who does a great job in this. The special effects are very well done The effects don't seem like the usual direct to video movie they are very realistic. The action in this is non stop and is very entertaining. So if you are looking for a good Steven seagal flick rent or buy urban justice because it is awesome.Overall Score: ********* out of ********** ****1/2 out of *****