Shakedown

"Shakedown" is an over-the-top action movie. I don't know which scene is the most ridiculous. But despite all of the silliness, it's quite watchable. It's not a campy movie (at least I don't watch it that way). It's just a lot of fun. Peter Weller and Sam Elliot make a great team. The villains are caricatures but they are all played well. The stunt work is terrific. The only real negative in "Shakedown" is the ending. It's a bit too much. I saw this movie when it first came out at Douglaston, NY's Movie World. I liked it then and I still like it now.

I don't think anyone in Germany was or is familiar with the term. But I guess who ever decided to call the movie that, thought it sounded better than the shakedown ... fair enough I reckon. As it is fair enough to enjoy this 80s movie insanity. I mean there are things here ... you couldn't pull off the same way nowadays because of repercussions and all that ... not mention endangerment of the public, dishing out justice without consequences ... and many other things. But Peter Weller knows a thing or two about that of course. Here he is a lawyer though ... there are others who play the baddies here. But generally speaking the cast is quite something! A lot of good people involved .. and the movie warrants their appearance - script is tight (if you don't mind the 80s-ness as mentioned)! Not for everyone, but those who are into it, will enjoy it quite a bit

Another buddy-action movie, but this time it's a lawyer and a cop. Nothing original here, but plenty of action and an interesting plot will keep you watching. Ending was ok, but it could have been much better. Good for watching when you've already seen all the Die Hards and Lethal Weapons. 6 1/2 out of 10. Can you spot the subtle references to other Glickenhaus movies like The Soldier and Exterminator?

It's an enjoyable action flick overall. However it's also a buddy comedy and a courtroom drama quickly whisked together and served in one massive high protein shake. And that's its biggest downfall. Don't get me wrong I deeply enjoy the mindless entertainment of 80s "tough policemen" movies but the usual straightforwardness of a Schwarzenegger or a Stallone is lost here. An amazing cast (Sam Elliott, Peter Weller and Patricia Charbonneau) which would have done really well in any high budget Hollywood production, gets involved in all kinds of extravagant and adrenalin inducing events while distilling great acting throughout and keeping up with the highly energetic pace set by director James Glickenhaus. Not cohesive but if you're a fan of Lethal Weapon, 48 hrs or Tango and Cash it will serve you well.