There are few things as frustrating for cinephile as to watch a film that was, judging by the talents involved (cast, writers, director), supposed to be a classic only to feel disappointed by the end. This is what happened with Extreme Prejudice, 1987 action film directed by Walter Hill.
The film begins when the team of elite US Army soldiers led by Major Hackett (played by Michael Ironside), officially dead but actually used as “Zombie Unit” for most delicate missions, arrives to El Paso, Texas. We are then introduced to protagonist Jack Benteen (played by Nick Nolte), Texas Ranger and dedicated law man whose main job deals with attempts to stop the flow of drugs through the border with Mexico. Much of such activity is controlled by Cash Bailey (played by Powers Boothe), powerful crime lord who has built a business empire and raised a private army in Mexico. Cash used to be Jack’s best friend and their relationship is further complicated with Sarita (played by Maria Conchita Alonzo), Mexican singer with whom Jack lives, being Cash’s former girlfriend. Jack, for the sake of friendship, tries to convince Cash to give up his criminal career and has the same success as Cash in his attempts to bribe Jack. In the meantime, “Zombie Unit” meticulously prepares a daring raid on the local bank which stored some documents that apparently have something to do with national security.
By mid 1980s screenwriter and director Walter Hill had made series of successful films that made him into one of the most respected authors of action cinema. The script was originally envisioned by John Milius, another writer known for his work in action films. The cast is also formidable and feature collection actors who, both as leading and supporting players, could bring tough manly characters on screen. The best of them is Nick Nolte, an actor with impressive physique and presence who nevertheless was able to play complex and often flawed characters. In case of Jack Benteen, however, he plays arguably the cleanest and the most heroic role of his career – an efficient and honest law man who not only acts but also looks like protagonists of classic westerns from many decades ago. Nolte prepared well for his role, with the help of Joaquin Jackson, real life Texas Ranger who served not only as technical advisor but also helped with the script. Powers Boothe, at times, looks a little bit eccentric and too flamboyant as a villain, but he nevertheless does a good job by providing Cash with just enough roguish charm and old style machismo to convincingly portray character that could maintain at least some of friendship with Jack. Zombie Team is also played by great character actors who leave great impression in their relatively small roles, most notably Clancy Brown and William Forsythe. Hill shows his great skill with action scenes which are, for the most part, directed dynamically and allow film to go on a fast pace. Music soundtrack is provided by prolific composer Jerry Goldsmith, although his theme doesn’t reach high standards of his greatest hits.
However, despite all of the talents gathered, Extreme Prejudice, while still being good action film, doesn’t meet lofty expectations. The main reason is in the script which suffers from structural and conceptual shortcomings. Walter Hill envisioned this film as some sort of modern day western, but also as a homage to The Wild Bunch, one of the greatest westerns ever made which made deep influence on Hill and his work. That was uncompromisingly male story and this is the reason why romantic subplot featuring Sarita at times seems distracting, although Maria Conchita Alonzo sings well as is quite pleasing to the eye (and even appears nude in a scene obviously introduced for audience that cares about such details). The bigger problem, however, is the western-like plot about Jack and Cash being not that well-connected with plot about secret military units, War on Drugs and possible US government shenanigans. When those two plots connect, it happens too late in the film and the effect is compromised with “convenient” plot twist. The greatest disappointment comes at the end, when Hill stages big showdown between main characters and hundreds of armed Mexicans, obviously inspired by similar ending of The Wild Bunch. Inevitable comparisons between two films, however, make Extreme Prejudice look uninspired and cheap and the ending lack emotional punch of Peckinpah’s masterpiece. This film is nevertheless good and it can be enjoyed by action film fans, although it is best not to watch Peckinpah’s classic and early Hill’s work beforehand.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
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