Don't Believe the Hype

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Outstanding film with George C. Scott, in a change of pace, not only directing, but starring as the victim here when the army and others try to cover up an accidental valve leakage that emitted nerve gas killing his son, sheep and putting Scott in a terminal situation himself.The hospital takes part in the cover up by not telling him right away that his son has died. He is hospitalized for testing and not told of his true fate.Being drugged so as to keep him sedated, Scott manages to escape and becomes a one man killing machine as the film goes into revenge mode. Richard Basehart is effective as the family doctor who is told to keep quiet about the true details. A colossal tragic mistake by the army leading to unthinkable tragedy and revenge.

George C. Scott both stars in and directs this melodrama, as he plays a rancher who, while out camping with his son, discovers that they were accidentally sprayed with an experimental gas, that has killed his son and livestock, and sends him to the hospital, where he learns that the military was behind it, and after being frustrated by their stonewalling, decides to take matters in his own hands, even though he has not escaped the effects of the poisoning...Though Scott gives a first-rate performance, and is ably supported by costars Richard Basehart, Martin Sheen & Barnard Hughes, this film ultimately fails because the father goes so far off the deep end with his revenge, killing the innocent, that he loses any sympathy, and the film ends inconclusively, and unsatisfactorily. A failure at the time, though can be seen on DVD from Warner Archive, for curiosity's sake.

This was one of the films I remember from back in the day. One of those that I watched every time it came on TV. Not artsy, but despite the usual predictable elements (as is the case with most films), I found the plot both interesting and entertaining. Watching it, you could imagine the possibility of it really happening and reacting the same way Scott's character did. Unfortunately, its not out on DVD. If I recall correctly, it was not a great success in the theater, but considering all the junk that does make it to DVD, I don't know why this one isn't out. While films remembered from your youth can be disappointing, I will definitely be buying this one when it becomes available. This one, "Hardcore", "Day of the Dolphin" and "Patton" are my favorite George C. Scott features.

You can see this movie, but not hope a rate 10 movie. Scott is well as usual but the history is poor. The movie begins well but decreases much. For George C. Scott fans I recommend 'Patton(71)', 'The Changelling(80)', '12 Angry Men(97)' and others, but this is not a 'class A' movie. To watch in a rainy day - OK!