Direct Action

Had I heard about the 2004 action crime thriller "Direct Action" prior to stumbling upon it here in 2023? No, not even remotely. But that is the thing with the Dolph Lundgren movies, isn't it? They don't really make much of any stirring out there.

But with it being a movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to sit down and watch it.

And I have to say that writers Greg Mellott and Sidney J. Furie actually put together a rather good script. Sure, the storyline was sort of generic and predictable, but it still made for a good viewing experience. And this was actually one of the better of Dolph Lundgren movies.

The acting performances in "Direct Action" were good. This was, as I mentioned just above, one of the better of Dolph Lundgren movies, and that sort of makes it worthwhile sitting down to watch. I wasn't familiar with the cast ensemble, aside from Dolph Lundgren, but the actors and actresses put on good performances.

There is a good amount of action throughout the course of the 97 minutes that the movie ran for. And that helped making "Direct Action" all the more enjoyable.

My rating of director Sidney J. Furie's 2004 movie "Direct Action" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Dolph Lundgren is one of my favorite B movie actors, so when I got a chance to see his movie "Direct Action", you can be sure that I took it. In this movie, Lundgren is in fine form, giving a likable and relaxed performance, and giving it his all in the action sequences. Unfortunately, the script and direction he was working with are disappointments. The script has a number of plot holes (if Lundgren's character wants to testify, why doesn't the prosecution give him some protection?), and has a number of twists and turns that will be very familiar to those well versed in B movies. And while Lundgren gives it his all in the action sequences, the action is directed and edited in a way that never rises above routine. The most striking thing about the entire enterprise is its strange setting. While Canadian director Sidney J. Furie makes no attempt to hide Canadian license plates as well as Canadian businesses like Mr. Sub and Swiss Chalet, at the same time there are a number of references to American things like the FBI and the CIA!

Dolph Lundgren is back with Direct Action. Dolph plays Frank Gannon a Veteran cop who is assigned a new partner played by Polly Shannon the Two now must fight a group of corrupt cops drug lords and other scum. Direct action is fun film that doesn't take itself to seriously. Other reviews say that the action is boring I thought the action was Cool and stylish with well staged shoot outs and cool fight scenes And good characters Dolph's character is a hard as nails chewing gum Loving cop who is incorruptible and Conrad Dunn is a good bad guy. To round up the review Direct action is a cool little action flick To watch on a boring rainy day 9 out of 10.

Although I admire the ambition enough to give this 4/10 It is certainly not a 5/10 movie as IMDB has it listed.

The film is going for a grounded gritty take on police procedural akin to 'Training Day' it simply doesn't have the budget to pull it off.

At times it looks amateurish.

I dont want to be too harsh on it but some of the continuity problems pulled me right out of the movie completely... And I am not sure I even finished it.

It was ambitious and I think with a bigger budget and some reshoots it could have improved the movie.

I would probably rate it 3.5/10 I wouldn't reccomend it personally, but I do think there is an audience for this one...just not for me.

1.5/5 stars. Avoid.

"Direct Action" is one of the best direct-to-video action flicks ever.

Frank Gannon (Lundgren) is about to blow the whistle on a group of dirty cops from the "Direct Action Unit". But first, he has to train his new partner, Billie Ross (Polly Shannon). During a drive to a coffee house, they are ambushed by the cops. Gannon kills them all. When some other members hear about this, they also try to kill them.

The plot is simple, but exciting. All the action scenes are terrific. You don't usually get to see Lundgren use his hand-to-hand combat skills, when he does, it's awesome. He did all of his own stunts.

Like Van Damme, Lundgren is branching out as an actor. He does a great job. Polly Shannon is a good foil for him. They have a nice chemistry.

In the end: "Direct Action" is one of best action movies out there. Grab some popcorn, crank up the volume and you'll have a fun time.

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