"Forced to Kill" smacks of a vanity project for writer, producer, and leading man, Corey Michael Eubanks. For almost the entire film the shirtless Eubanks struts his stunt man stuff. The viewer is witness to endless car wrecks, and bare knuckles fighting, along with some horse riding, speed boat chasing, and cliff jumping. Unfortunately all this mayhem is tied together with a script devoid of even a minute amount of logic. It is pleasant to see good character actors Michael Ironside, Rance Howard, and Clint Howard. What is not so pleasant are the crater sized plot holes. Although the sleaze factor is there, the common sense factor is non existent. "Forced to Kill" is nothing more than mindless entertainment, with mind numbing flaws. - MERK
9 Reviews
The movie isn't bad, it's really just okay
tarbosh220006 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Johnny (Eubanks) is a dedicated repo man who looks a lot like a young Patrick Dempsey. He's so into his repo'ing, he's built a whole life for himself and his fiancé, Heather (Whitman) and they're on the road to marriage. When Johnny's boss tells him to drive a Jaguar from L.A. to Utah, Johnny hits the road without a care in the world.
Suddenly, he runs afoul of stereotypical rednecks Rance (Howard) and his sons Dwayne (Swayze) and Neil (Jones). This crazed family takes note of Johnny's fighting skills, so naturally they put him in chains and force him to fight/train in local Punchfighting competitions. Sheriff Wilson (Ironside) is certainly aware of the situation...but what side is he on? All the locals, including higher-ups in the government come to these illegal Punchfighting matches. But when the sinister good-ol' boys kidnap Heather, Johnny goes out for revenge, and this time he's not just forced to fight, he just may be...FORCED TO KILL.
We're all familiar with the classic Coreys of the 80's. Those being, of course, Haim, Feldman, and Hart. But like one of the lost tribes of Judah, there was another Corey who is only being uncovered today: Corey Michael Eubanks.
Unusually for a PM film, Forced To Kill is just kind of lackluster. The filmmakers probably just assumed that they had an awesome ace in the hole by getting Bob Eubanks's son to write, executive produce and star in the film. And while Corey Michael Eubanks (henceforth to be referred to as CME) is indeed a gem, this movie has some structural problems that even he can't overcome.
The simple plot is extremely repetitive and there are no real surprises. At about an hour in, we get into boring tournament sequences that just aren't that interesting to watch. There's no one, singular, charismatic, evil villain such as a Brakus to provide a foil to CME. On top of that, to have stereotype redneck characters as these baddies are is just played out. Although, to be fair, if you're going to get some redneck baddies, it was smart to get Don Swayze and Mickey Jones, who specialized in that sort of thing.
In other cast news, we do get two Howards for the price of one - both Rance (playing a guy named...Rance) and Clint Howard are on board. One of the better scenes appears when a bunch of aging punks (not quite in their 40's as is usually the case but they appear to be getting there fast) begin bullying Drifter (Clint Howard) and CME intervenes and beats up the bullies.
Director Solberg is primarily known as a stuntman but he doesn't hold it together too well behind the camera. A lot of what we see is stodgy and the pacing is off. We don't even get as many CME wisecracks as we should. On the bright side, we do get some classic PM car flips and blow-ups, this time done up in a country-fried style rather than of the usual urban variety. While we appreciate the difference, it just wasn't enough to keep the movie afloat.
In the end, Forced To Kill (not to be confused with Trained To Kill or Forced To Fight) is Punchfighting by numbers. That was disappointing because some of the talent on screen is capable of much better. On the whole, it's not weird, wild, and wacky enough for our tastes. While the movie isn't bad, it's really just okay - we can only wholeheartedly recommend it for Punchfighting completists. Or Don Swayze completists. We know you're out there.
Suddenly, he runs afoul of stereotypical rednecks Rance (Howard) and his sons Dwayne (Swayze) and Neil (Jones). This crazed family takes note of Johnny's fighting skills, so naturally they put him in chains and force him to fight/train in local Punchfighting competitions. Sheriff Wilson (Ironside) is certainly aware of the situation...but what side is he on? All the locals, including higher-ups in the government come to these illegal Punchfighting matches. But when the sinister good-ol' boys kidnap Heather, Johnny goes out for revenge, and this time he's not just forced to fight, he just may be...FORCED TO KILL.
We're all familiar with the classic Coreys of the 80's. Those being, of course, Haim, Feldman, and Hart. But like one of the lost tribes of Judah, there was another Corey who is only being uncovered today: Corey Michael Eubanks.
Unusually for a PM film, Forced To Kill is just kind of lackluster. The filmmakers probably just assumed that they had an awesome ace in the hole by getting Bob Eubanks's son to write, executive produce and star in the film. And while Corey Michael Eubanks (henceforth to be referred to as CME) is indeed a gem, this movie has some structural problems that even he can't overcome.
The simple plot is extremely repetitive and there are no real surprises. At about an hour in, we get into boring tournament sequences that just aren't that interesting to watch. There's no one, singular, charismatic, evil villain such as a Brakus to provide a foil to CME. On top of that, to have stereotype redneck characters as these baddies are is just played out. Although, to be fair, if you're going to get some redneck baddies, it was smart to get Don Swayze and Mickey Jones, who specialized in that sort of thing.
In other cast news, we do get two Howards for the price of one - both Rance (playing a guy named...Rance) and Clint Howard are on board. One of the better scenes appears when a bunch of aging punks (not quite in their 40's as is usually the case but they appear to be getting there fast) begin bullying Drifter (Clint Howard) and CME intervenes and beats up the bullies.
Director Solberg is primarily known as a stuntman but he doesn't hold it together too well behind the camera. A lot of what we see is stodgy and the pacing is off. We don't even get as many CME wisecracks as we should. On the bright side, we do get some classic PM car flips and blow-ups, this time done up in a country-fried style rather than of the usual urban variety. While we appreciate the difference, it just wasn't enough to keep the movie afloat.
In the end, Forced To Kill (not to be confused with Trained To Kill or Forced To Fight) is Punchfighting by numbers. That was disappointing because some of the talent on screen is capable of much better. On the whole, it's not weird, wild, and wacky enough for our tastes. While the movie isn't bad, it's really just okay - we can only wholeheartedly recommend it for Punchfighting completists. Or Don Swayze completists. We know you're out there.
"Give me that thing, little brother"
hwg1957-102-26570414 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Johnny is forced to take part in an illegal fighting competition by a corrupt pair of policeman. Although it has pursuits and fisticuffs this is a routine story headed by a dull leading man, who wins fights constantly even though he looks frailer than a scarecrow. You can't believe in his character. It doesn't help that Corey Michael Eubanks is a poor actor. Fortunately you have compelling actors like Michael Ironside, Rance Howard and Clint Howard (too briefly) to keep one's flagging interest. Not one of PM Entertainment's better offerings.
Corey can kick but little else
SnoopyStyle31 October 2015
Johnny (Corey Michael Eubanks) is a repo man. He's driving the latest repo when he's kidnapped by some hill folks. His partner is murdered. The hill family is headed by Rance (Rance Howard). Dwayne (Don Swayze) and Neil (Mickey Jones) are the muscles. Heather (Kari Whitman) is abused by all the men. Johnny manages to escape and flag down Sheriff Wilson (Michael Ironside). Sadly, Wilson is the one with plans for him to fight in an illegal country tournament.
I don't expect Corey Michael Eubanks to be much of an actor and he's not. The problem is that a lead actor needs a good deal of charisma. Van Damme has it. Corey does not. Corey may be a great stuntman. He has a terrific roundhouse kick but that's about it. I expected Ironside to be in more of the movie. After an explosive opening, he disappears for 30 minutes. This is a B-movie through and through. They even have a Playboy Playmate. Its main problem is the lack of charisma from Corey.
I don't expect Corey Michael Eubanks to be much of an actor and he's not. The problem is that a lead actor needs a good deal of charisma. Van Damme has it. Corey does not. Corey may be a great stuntman. He has a terrific roundhouse kick but that's about it. I expected Ironside to be in more of the movie. After an explosive opening, he disappears for 30 minutes. This is a B-movie through and through. They even have a Playboy Playmate. Its main problem is the lack of charisma from Corey.
The action and Ironside make this worth watching
Leofwine_draca8 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
FORCED TO KILL is another straight-up action flick from the hard-working team at PM Entertainment. This one features an exceptionally wooden actor in the form of Corey Michael Eubanks, playing an ordinary guy with exceptional fighting skills who is forced to fight by a small town's corrupt law enforcement department.
Michael Ironside is the chief villain here and he delivers his dialogue with his customary growl and is, inevitably, the best thing about this movie. The rest begins as a drawn-out tournament-style fighting flick before moving into the usual chase thriller territory for the second part. Rance and Clint Howard play in support alongside Don Swayze, making this a film for less-well-known family members of famous figures. The action's okay but the film stalls in between, although the ending's over-the-top fun.
Michael Ironside is the chief villain here and he delivers his dialogue with his customary growl and is, inevitably, the best thing about this movie. The rest begins as a drawn-out tournament-style fighting flick before moving into the usual chase thriller territory for the second part. Rance and Clint Howard play in support alongside Don Swayze, making this a film for less-well-known family members of famous figures. The action's okay but the film stalls in between, although the ending's over-the-top fun.
Joyous fun if you like this sort of thing!
bencallar13 March 2021
While not as polished as a Van Damme movie from this era Forced To Kill is most definitely worth a watch.
Great opening in the bar setting up the sheriff character played by the ever reliable Michael Ironside, good guy, bad guy, not sure at this point but hey it is Ironside so go with your gut on this one. We then get to meet our hero and it isn't long before he is punching and kicking his way into the movie.
Not going to give a beat by beat account suffice to say our hero is put through the mill throughout physically and emotionally before turning on his captors.
Plot lines aside the story moves along at a decent pace, the fight scenes are decent and apart from a few flat performances it still holds the attention.
Like an 80s film that got made too late this is a throwback to my youthful viewings on VHS and one I am glad I caught for the nostalgia vibe.
Like an 80s film that got made too late this is a throwback to my youthful viewings on VHS and one I am glad I caught for the nostalgia vibe.
Better than Fight Club
helfeleather11 November 2002
Warning: Spoilers
At least it doesn't pretend to be intelligent.
It doesn't have Brad Pitt, but it does have Corey Eubanks, Don Swayze and a lot of other mean muscly guys giving each other a realistic thumping.
Luckily, all these thugs only take on the smart-alec hero one at a time. If they had ganged up on him, he would have been dead half an hour into the show. I hope I haven't given away the ending.
It doesn't have Brad Pitt, but it does have Corey Eubanks, Don Swayze and a lot of other mean muscly guys giving each other a realistic thumping.
Luckily, all these thugs only take on the smart-alec hero one at a time. If they had ganged up on him, he would have been dead half an hour into the show. I hope I haven't given away the ending.
Great Movie
Motowhip29 August 2002
Non-Pretentious, action, Ironside is great.
pmw-730 December 2005
Well, another stupid kick-em-up shoot-em-up film, but a good one. Ironside makes for a great evil sheriff, and Cory Micheal Eubanks is convincing in his round house kick moves. Music and sound effects are especially good for a B film.
What I find really funny is in the trailer this film was proported to be the most "relative" film of the year, and that's certainly the case....Cory is Bob Eubanks' son, Pat Swayze's brother is in it, Clint Howard (Ron's little brother) is in it, and Rance Howard (Ron's dad) is in it. VERY RELITIVE.
But again, great sound FX and music.
Sumaria Vumpage
What I find really funny is in the trailer this film was proported to be the most "relative" film of the year, and that's certainly the case....Cory is Bob Eubanks' son, Pat Swayze's brother is in it, Clint Howard (Ron's little brother) is in it, and Rance Howard (Ron's dad) is in it. VERY RELITIVE.
But again, great sound FX and music.
Sumaria Vumpage
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