Deadly Force (1983)

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

hyped garbage

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

Deadly Force is an action thriller, but with a twist that I like. I can't believe the bad rap this film has got. This film really has a story to it. At the request of a friend, who's daughter is the latest victim of the X killer, a motiveless madman, who leaves a X marked across the victim's foreheads, ex cop Hauser in top form, returns to his old battleground in L.A. He receives a not so welcoming reception, from some of his old acquaintances, including his ex, a successful news reporter, covering this story. It isn't long before Wings is pushing this guy's buttons, in one thrilling scene he's nearly taken out by this nut, while lazing in a bath. But there appears to be more deadlier forces at play here. We too are a granted a little hot sex scene that Hauser and his better half, starkers, makin' out, amidst the madness. Hauser's character here as a lot of his other characters, is intriguing as it is ambiguous. We want to know more about him. He's a wild card, a good cop thrown off the force before he wouldn't play by the rules. Him and his old black superior, Hoxley, clash many times. After all, next year is an election year. He really has it in for Hauser, even going to the point, of tipping one of his ex con enemies off, whose been promised a split of reward, if he catches this fruitcake. This film has enough action for the serial killer/cop thriller fan and Hauser's screen presence is one great reason to watch this. Remember he did start out on The Young And The Restless. The violence is surprisingly tame, but wit Hauser in the lead, and on the chase, it makes the whole movie worth it. Underrated. A compelling watch.

"Deadly Force" has everything you would expect from a cop kicked off the force film, and that is the problem. Wings Hauser is the renegade cop investigating a series of apparently random homicides, committed by perhaps the least developed, and least interesting villain in screen history. The overly simplistic story really has nowhere to go, so it is well padded with gratuitous car chases and explosions. I will say however, this is the first time I have seen the game of "rat roulette" played, and it looks more interesting than the rest of "Deadly Force". This strictly by the book action film might be worth a look for Wings Hauser fans but others beware. - MERK

Don't listen to the IMDb philistines who knock this film. This is quite possibly the best movie ever made. Former soap hunk Wings Hauser stars a no-nonsense retired NY cop thrown into L.A.'s seedy crime underworld on the desperate heels of a crazed serial killer. A fist-full of cinematic fury all the way to its bitter, inevitable conclusion, "Deadly Force" offers uncompromising acting talents, a blistering soundtrack and a directorial style primarily inspired by French New Wave and Italian Neo-Realism. This film brilliantly explores the philosophical paradox of what it's like when the "hunter becomes the hunted." A must see.

This is Wings Hauser's follow-up to his star making role in VICE SQUAD (1982) but with him playing the cop this time. Ex-cop Stoney Cooper (Hauser) returns to L.A. to track down the X Killer, whose latest victim was an old friend's granddaughter. Immediately upon his arrival Stoney runs afoul of his old enemies - cops and killers alike - and his ex-wife. The plot is a bit convoluted and full of convenience but the film moves at such a quick pace you hardly have time to contemplate things. Hauser exudes on screen charisma (the opening cliché bit where he disarms someone in a standoff is really good) and it is a shame he never got any further in theatrical vehicles. Surprisingly, not a lot of the supporting actors are well known. Lincoln Kilpatrick does show up as the angry police Captain and Estelle Getty has a bizarre 5 minute cameo as a foul mouthed cabbie.