Former CIA operative Nico Toscani’s (Steven Seagal) past catches up to him when he finds himself up against former operatives plotting to assassinate a U.S. senator planning to expose the CIA’s drug trafficking that funds illegal operations in South America. With his fellow police officers hamstrung and his family’s well being at stake, Toscani takes matters into his own hands.
“You guys think you’re above the law, but you ain’t above mine.”
I think it’s fair to say that the art of Aikido has not received better representation onscreen then from Steven Seagal, himself a master who even ran his own dojo in Japan at one time. Along with training in other arts as well as a career in high-profile security, Seagal came well prepared for a career as an action star.
ABOVE THE LAW was Seagal’s debut film which also saw him co-producing and co-writing along with director Andrew Davis, not to mention choreographing all the fights with his students.
Seagal’s fights are generally well done. He obviously knows his stuff and his emphasis on real street fighting, which can be short and messy, is refreshing.
The location shoots in Chicago add realism and peak with several exciting stunts, including nearly backing a car out of a parking garage at least ten stories up. Filmmaker Andrew Davis, who’s best work to date remains THE FUGITIVE starring Harrison Ford, competently directs the action, if without any style.
But, it’s the acting that causes more damage than Seagal in a brawl. Seagal’s brooding and stiff demeanor rarely gives the audience any opportunity to genuinely support his cause. Yet he still has more charisma then anyone else in the film. Everyone from Henry Silva, the lead villain to Seagal’s partner, B-movie queen Pam Grier lack character and seems to simply walk through their lines. A pre-headliner Sharon Stone notably makes an appearance in a particularly dull role as the token wife.
ABOVE THE LAW contains enough car chases, fights, and gun battles to satisfy dedicated action fans. More casual viewers will doubtless be put off by stiff acting and a plot that meanders towards the end, resulting in a quick yet bloody finale.
by Mark PollardRelated Topics:
Above the Law (1988) • Steven Seagal • Videos
