the fresh films reviews

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Under Siege (1992)

Director:
Andrew Davis

COUNTRY
USA

Genre
Action/Thriller

NORWEGIAN TITLE
Kapring på åpent hav

RUNNING TIME
103 minutes

Producers:
Steven Reuther
Arnon Milchan
Steven Seagal
Screenwriters:
J. F. Lawton
John Mason
Michael Rae


Cast includes:

CHARACTER ACTOR/ACTRESS RATING
Casey Ryback Steven Seagal
William Strannix Tommy Lee Jones
Commander Krill Gary Busey
Jordan Tate Erika Eleniak
Daumer Colm Meaney
Captain Adams Patrick O’Neal
Admiral Bates Andy Romano -
Captain Nick Garza Dale Dye -
Granger Troy Evans v

 

Kritikk

Andrew Davis and Steven Seagal reteamed for another action hoopla starring Seagal as a former special agent, a formula which had gained them success with Above the Law in 1988. Seagal's mellow voice and presence is effectively contrasted with his martial arts skills and – as it turns out – expertise with a knife. Add to that a semi-clever premise about the U.S. Navy battleship Missouri, a band of terrorists led by a crazed Tommy Lee Jones, and abundances of good ol' macho fun including both missiles and silicone breasts, Davis had found a winning formula for a box-office success. Seen in retrospect, and with a little less testosterone flowing, the film relies too heavily on Jones' antics, which are nevertheless constantly engaging, and Seagal's perpetual and superhuman fighting skills. The latter wears out after a while, and the film ultimately loses that little bit of edge and element of surprise it has in its first half. Erika Eleniak enjoyed her 15-minutes of fame in her role as Playboy Playmate Jordan Tate. And Gary Busey has some very fun moments as Jones' sadistic right-hand man.

Re-reviewed: Copyright © 29.05.2021 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang
Original review: Copyright © 20.02.1997 Fredrik Gunerius Fevang