Name: Retro Film Review: The Rage (1997)
Item: The Rage
Rating: 30
Author: @drax

(source:tmdb.org)

Any film with plot that deals with male and female FBI agent pairing up in order to catch brutal serial killer would, in most likelihood, bring comparison to The X-Files or The Silence of the Lambs. However, The Rage, 1997 film directed by Sydney J. Furie, soon shows that it belongs to different genre. The male FBI agent is Nick Travis (played by Lorenzo Lamas) who belongs to the elite unit dealing with nastiest serial killers. His efforts to catch homicidal maniac operating near Canadian border are complicated by the long-lasting feud with his boss John Taggart (played by Roy Scheider). In order to humiliate Travis, Taggart subordinates him to inexperienced female FBI agent Kelly McCord (played by Kristen Cloke). Two agents quickly settle their differences and during the investigation learn that they aren't dealing with single psychopath but the whole army - Art Dacy (played by Gary Busey), demented and frustrated Vietnam War veteran has brought many of his former brothers in arms in order to wreak havoc on innocent people.

Presence of Lorenzo Lamas in title role is clear indicator that The Rage is not going to be particularly memorable viewing experience. Such suspicions are validated whenever Gary Busey appears and delivers standard over-the-top portrayal of demonic villain. Kristen Cloke, on the other hand, seems to be the only person that took her character (and the film in general) remotely serious and her efforts, although misplaced, make The Rage watchable. On the other hand, Sydney J. Furie with his inept direction, especially during action scenes, can't hide limits of budget and producers' ambition. Because of that The Rage loses even the opportunity to entertain audience in "trashy" sort of way; all those who miss this one would have few reasons to be angry.

RATING: 3/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on December 23rd 2003)