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This "Death Wish" episode sort of goes quite a bit off the reservation. . . I mean, really, military machine guns and a rocket launcher? This is supposed to be in NYC, not Beirut! Again, it is the Paul Kersey show. . . You know, the guy we have all come to love (and would secretly like to imitate). He just can't seem to stop killing bad guys. Why not, it seems that the local law enforcement is either incapable or just unwilling to do it, so I guess that somebody has to. Its like eating potato chips. . .you just can't stop until the bag is empty. As hokey as these movies are, you just can't not enjoy seeing the bad guys getting the s*%t kicked out of them. It makes me wonder what would happen to crime in, lets say Chicago or Detroit or countless other sewers that used to be prominent cities, if a dozen or so "Kerseys" appeared on the scene and "went to work"! The premise of these films is nowadays more pertinent than most would imagine. Predictable film, but still enjoyable!Read full review
"Death Wish" is an undisputed classic; an icon of American cinema. It was what a good film should be. It had an engaging story, an accessible story, and drew the viewer in, making you root for Paul Kersey as he dispensed justice that was long past due. It made the viewer comtemplate the meaning of death penalties, whether state or citizen induced. And more importantly it was rooted in reality, we could empathize because it was happening in a world we recognized. The sequel, in it's commercial glory, still was engaging. It was the crime, and then Kersey seeking revenge and the strange satisfaction we got seeing each of the "punks" get offed. Both had memorable quotes, good performances from Bronson and supporting cast abound, were actually FILMED in the metropolis they were set in, and finally, the endings made you feel that somewhere justice still could be served. How "Death Wish 3" fell so far from the tree just churns my stomach. And considering Michael Winner helmed and Bronson starred, why weren't there any red flags thrown when it was obvious how far off the mark this film was heading...? "Death Wish 3" has Kersey returning to New York (or maybe New London is a better title since only establishing shots were filmed in NYC) to visit an old friend. Naturally, moments before Kersey arrives his buddy is the victim of a home invasion and beat to death. Kersey then takes war to the "new" punk gangs running New London into the ground and terrorizing the streets. "Death Wish 3" has many reasons why it failed. The most being London substituting New York. They look NOTHING alike. Anyone who has visited NYC knows how packed the city is, how many people are on the streets day or night. New London, as seen in the film, is muggy, small, deserted (those extras must have demanded a high salary!), and it doesn't help seeing a red UK phone booth in the background. In all honesty, it nagged me so much it nearly ruined the film. The supporting cast is terrible. A couple of the punks stand out (Alex Winter of "Bill and Ted"), but most of the cast is lazy and uninspired. Bronson's lines are very limited and none of them memorable like the first 2 films ("You believe in Jesus? Well, now you're gunna meet him."), even Bronson looks annoyed. And the final nail in the coffin is the implausibility of "Death Wish 3". There is NO law and order in New London. The punks run rampant and blow up stores for fun. Bronson runs around and shoots people with a Korean-War machine gun and even packs a bazooka; the minute he brandished the bazooka the film was dead to me. Bronson runs through the streets with a mammoth machine gun laying waste to dozens of "creeps"; it's not satisfying. What worked in "Death Wish" and "Death Wish 2" was that we got to see each individual punk get what they deserved. It was believable and we enjoyed it; here it's just over the top. And not to knock over the topisms because "Death Wish 4 The Crackdown" was the same, the only difference being it was done professionally and it was enjoyable. I loved "Death Wish 4", and how it was so much better than this beats me since they're very similar in story and motivation. I could have lived without "Death Wish 3". I think most of the civilized world could have too. The first 2 are classics. Pure, indulgent, thought-provoking fun. Even "Death Wish 4" is satisfying. "Death Wish 3" is the black sheep of the series and can easily be avoided. In fact, it's more frustrating than the crimes.Read full review
Typical over-the-top 80's revenge/actioner, with Bronson flair. It's my favorite of the Death Wish series just because it IS so over the top. I mean, hosing bad guys with a belt-fed light machinegun in the city streets?! Crooked cops. Neurotic scumbags. Love it. They just don't make 'em like this any more.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Without a doubt, the best of the death wish series. If you plan on seeing one Death Wish film, let this be it. Lots of action, memorable dialogue, and my favorite lead villain of all time. If you are a Bronson fan, you can't lose with this one. Death Wish 3 is full of technical problems no doubt, but for entertainment it consistantly delivers.
Its a great movie and I would recommend it to any one who likes action movies.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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