Blessures fatales

Anybody should know when you're getting ready to see a Steven Seagal movie you're not getting ready to see a Greek tragedy. What makes "Exit Wounds" special is it's all in good fun. There's no pretentions whatsoever. In fact, it even leaves a good share of the running time for comic relief. You have spectacular action in one corner...you have hilarious comedy in the other...what the hell more can you ask for?

Seagal hasn't made an action flick in a while, so it was great to see him again on the silver screen. He takes a lot of flack for gaining a little weight. OK, so he's heavier than normal. So maybe him and Sammo Hung been hanging out in the same buffet. But Seagal can still kick butt like he did back in "Above the Law" and "Hard to Kill." His action scenes are always fun to watch. As I tell people, I'm not easily aroused by action scenes. I can be just as bored by an action scene as one would get bored during an episode of "Masterpiece Theater." But Seagal's action scenes have a sense of originality and flare. Big deal. He's not the best actor. Does his work require great dramatic acting? Would a dramatic monologue be appropriate during one of HIS movies? Let's be sensible. I think people are way too hard on the man. He's still cool with me.

In the comedy department, we have the uninhibited Tom Arnold. Arnold plays the stereotypical cheesy talk show host, who takes anger-management classes with Seagal. There's a hilarious scene where Seagal loses his temper and throws a fit, yelling to the teacher "I'm a happy person!" with anger in his eyes. Then Arnold decides that Seagal would be a perfect guest for his show. Also, we have Anthony Anderson of "Me Myself and Irene" fame. He was one of the foul-mouthed African-American brothers in the Farrelly Brothers comedy. He gets an even bigger opportunity to flaunt his comic chops in this flick. In fact, him and Tom Arnold have a hysterically funny conversation at the end credits, so PLEASE don't be so quick to walk out the theater.

DMX is not a terrific actor, but he's fairly good. He proves his discipline as an actor in a more restrained role than his starring role in Hype Williams' "Belly." In that film, he pretty much portrayed a character out of all his rap videos. So that wasn't a big stretch. "EW" gives him more to work with. Not the role of a lifetime, but meatier than a drug-dealing "gangsta." And did I mention Jill Hennesy is in the cast? Oh...mannnnn! She is an absolute knockout! Perfect eye candy! Throw in a gratuitous strip club scene(which this film has), and we have the ultimate guy flick.

With DMX in the lead, naturally we have to expect some of his songs on the soundtrack. And he provides some good stuff. One--which was used in the previews and thankfully was used in the movie too--is a remix of "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone." It's quite innovative how they insert an artist's songs into a movie's soundtrack. There's also a scene where DMX is picking out a car and blasts on the stereo his song "Why Do Good Girls Love Bad Guys."

There isn't much depth to "Exit Wounds." In fact, I don't know if there's any depth. But a film like this is meant strictly for exhibition. And in that department, it really really delivers! It's exciting! It's funny! It's rousing! It's a thrill a minute! You won't be bored for a second! An hour and thirty minutes of sheer, uninhibited fun! "Exit Wounds" won't have you heading to the exit. In fact, you probably won't even want to go out for popcorn you'll be having such a great time! Strap in!

My score: 7 (out of 10)

Dumb, unbelievable action film, but jeeze, it's Seagal. At least he's lost the ponytail and he's not making the world safe for trees. Not quite as full of himself, in other words, but still pretty full. What made his first few films so terrific was his incorporation of real Aikido; eventually, he started doing something with only minimal relation to that art. Not to mention getting fat and pompous.

I've never been terribly bothered by the fact that the man can't act, because he was fun to watch. For years, though, he hasn't been fun and he still can't act. There's more action here, and less Steven Seagal standing around looking full of himself -- that's a big improvement right there.

I notice a lot of "who needs a plot, it's an action film!" comments on this and other movies. Action is great but a little effort on plot makes for a more interesting movie. Throwing in innumerable scenes set in topless joints (what is *that* all about?) doesn't make up for a storyline.

I went into this movie with the no expectations, except to see a cheesy action flick. This means I desired high-flying, over-the-top action that includes lots of cool martial arts, mushroom cloud explosions, high speed car chases and catastrophic crashes, and ultra-violent death scenes. Boy does this movie deliver!

I've been reading some of the other user reviews here on imdb and many are saying this is Seagal's best flick. I would probably agree that it is close. His stiff under-acting makes him perfect for this Dirty Harry type part.

The plot is nothing new. Seagal is a strung-out lone ranger cop who plays by his own rules...well you know the type, this character has been used in countless movies. Basically, Seagal's character finally goes too far (by throwing the Vice President off a bridge no less!) Thus, Seagal gets demoted down to the most dangerous precinct in town. Once there, he begins to discover crooked cops and internal conspiracies. With no one to trust and people trying (emphasis on "trying") to kill him left and right, Seagal starts kicking ass and taking names.

Yes I know, this storyline is as old as they come, but I maintain that cheesy action flicks aren't about great or novel plot lines. No, cheesy action flicks are about great action with all the things I listed above, in which, this movie delivers the goods with a bang.

This movie also stars DMX, who is surprisingly competent as one of the main and most interesting characters of the movie. Generally good performances all around. I never noticed any laughably bad acting. Flashy directing and nice production design are also bonuses. This tired plot even still manages a few interesting twists (I won't reveal anything for those who haven't seen the movie, but lets just say everyone is not how they seem, including the bad guys).

FINAL RATING: 7/10 - As good as a cliched action flick can be. Semi-interesting characters, a few plot twists here and there, steady, interesting action, flashy directing, decent performances, plenty of cool explosions, exciting car chases, and numerous excellent violent death scenes. This movie is truly the creme de la creme of cheesy action flicks! Recommended for all action lovers!

Noob Aalox

Despite Fire Down Below being a No. 1 hit in America, it went straight to video here in the UK and killed Seagal's career for four years. But then veteran action producer Joel Silver thrust Steve back in the limelight, put him on the Slimfast diet gave him slightly better material to work with. After all, an actor can only do as good as the script.

From a novel of the same name by John Westerman (but bearing minimal resemblance to it) the plot centers on Orin Boyd, a cop busted down to patrolman after a rough encounter with the Vice-President. Once on the streets Boyd's suspicious nose can't keep him out of trouble with undercover cops who are trying to bust local Drug Boss Latrell Walker…or so it seems.

There are many attempts at irony throughout the movie and surprisingly enough most of them work. Boyd is forced to attend rage control classes in which he meets eccentric TV host Henry Wayne (Tom Arnold) who becomes his wannabe partner. But sadly enough the classes don't work as Boyd continues to uses violence first, ask questions later. And there is a public service announcement too; Seagal survives a car wreck by airbag. A later car crash victim doesn't have one and dies.

Dozens of cop movie clichés staple the flimsy script together. And the bad guys are obvious from the moment they appear on screen. Bartkowiak's direction is better than in his debut Romeo Must Die, and adds a heavy dose of frenetic rush to such a fast-paced film. However the set-up and execution of the story is so dull you'll forget about it half an hour after the credits roll.

Seagal has learned a little, just a little, more in the acting area but still doesn't know how to express himself much. There's too much frowning and not enough other emotions from Boyd. We do want to feel more from him but he won't allow us. I guess this is just how Seagal is. He just can't get away from himself no matter what role he plays. I wish Seagal would try harder, but he just never bothers with making an effort.

In the movie there is action , tongue-in-cheek , struggles of Kung Fu style , pursuits , comedy and packs a lot of bemusement . This is a buddy movie action film with nice protagonists as Steven Seagal , DMX and Isaiah Washington Jr .Elaborately produced action film with two-fisted Seagal is just another action film full of struggles , thrills, noisy action , car crashes and lots of violence . Ever-wooden Seagal as almost always , playing a stalwart and loner fighter cop eliminating enemies of incredible manners , as he delivers the goods in his own style full of usual violence and fights with snapping wrists and worth it just to see Steve in action . He's Orin Boyd (Steven Seagal) , a Detroit cop who after saving the Vice President by violating every order he received he is transferred to one of the worst precincts in the city commanded by a stubborn boss , Annette Mulcahy (Jill Hennessy ) . Shortly after , he encounters a cobweb of corruption and dirty policemen . What Can Two Men Do Against A Gang Of Crooked Cops? Whatever It Takes. This Is Gonna Hurt .

Well-paced action film with two-fisted Seagal is just another action film full of struggles , thrills , noise and lots of violence with overwhelming and breathtaking set pieces . Violent and not particularly literary but worthy entry in action genre and realized in ¨Seagal¨ style . Wooden Seagal plays the violent Orin Boyd , he cleans up the city by means of punches , kicks and leaps by using abundant martial arts with fights certainly slick . Ever-wooden Seagal as almost always , playing a stalwart and loner fighter cop , he delivers the goods in his own style full of usual violence and fights with snapping wrists and worth it just to see Steve in action . Performances are middling but it's an action film where important are the quarrels and the pursuits . He picture was made in the Seagal's best period when he played high budget movies such as ¨Hard to kill¨(1990 by Bruce Malmuth) , ¨Under siege¨ ( Seagal's best film to date, 92) , and the sequel titled : ¨Dark territory¨ (1995, Geoff Murphy), ¨Executive decision¨ (96 by Stuart Baird), ¨Glimmer man¨ (96, John Gray) , ¨Exit wounds¨(2001, Andre Bartkowiak) , among others . Nowadays ,he does fairly low standards, lesser budget and direct to video , such as ¨Half past dead¨, ¨The foreigner¨ and its sequel, ¨Shadow man ¨, ¨Flight of fury¨, ¨Urban justice¨ and many others . Co-stars the recently deceased DMX who performed three nice action films : Romeo must die , Exit Wounds and Cradle 2 The Grave along with Seagal , Jet Li and Anthony Anderson. Cradle 2 the grave is not only the 2nd film to star DMX, Jet Li, and Anthony Anderson together , it is the first film where all three of them share screen time with each other . All three of them starred in Romeo Must Die . Support cast is pretty good , such as : Isaiah Washington , Anthony Anderson , Michael Jai White , Jill Hennessy , Bill Duke , Tom Arnold , Bruce McGill , David Vadim and Eva Mendes . Here stands out Tom Arnold and Anthony Anderson who interpret a humorous and first-rate couple .

It contains a colorful and evocative cinematography by Glen MacPherson . As well as a thrilling and stirring musical score by Damon 'Grease' Blackman and Jeff Rona . The motion picture was regular but professionally directed by Andrzej Bartowiak . This filmmaker as member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) is considered to be one of the best cameramen and occassionaly has directed some movies . Breakthrough film was his work as a cameraman on the gritty urban thriller Prince of City (1981) , his first collaboration with Sidney Lumet. Bartkowiak worked on the director's next 11 films over the next 12 years. Bartkowiak became much in demand after his taut camera work in Speed (1994) and has worked twice for Barbra Streisand in Nuts (1987) and The mirror has two faces (1996) . Rating Exit Wounds(2001) : 5.5/10 , mediocre but entertaining . Acceptable and passable.