jexlin01

Living next to Antietam- the bloodiest single day of the Civil War, I am always reminded of the men who were claimed from an orderly violence performed to reunite a nation. I screened this in 1996-97 as a student who knew next to nothing about the war and my ancestors. I've been to most museums and parks and reenactments in my area, but to take in a recreation of the voices of the actual figures of the war gives the documentary a realism so strong it can be riveting. "It was not war-it was murder," begins a segment on the futile charges ordered by U.S. Grant at Cold Harbor in 1864, where 7,000 men were killed in 7 minutes. Following that, we come to the details of the failed crater attack of the Petersburg defenses where the Federals were fair game in a deep pit blasted through the defensive breastworks. The blend of narration and period photography is unique mix of media.

This country vigilante tale centers around the homecoming of singer Cole Jackson (Haggerty) who discovers strange happenings centered around his brother, redneck crooks, and the FBI. It has clever dialogue ("I've never been shot before"), Dukes of Hazzard-style chases, as well as a collection of firearms from Ruger revolvers to Colt Peacemakers to hunting rifles to tactical shotguns. All of which are pointed at someone during the course of the action. The movie title says it all as it ends with a war between the do-good Jackson brothers and their tormentors that hassle them. The film reminds me some of Road House and Fire Down Below. It was a great find as a Dan Haggerty fan since childhood.