Overlooked and under played action drama with O'Neal as a former boxer trying to build a new life after killing another fighter in the ring.
Solid performances from O'Neal and his supporting cast, a cool soundtrack and some genuine laughs make this better than most. The story diversifies from pool hall hustling and whorehouse encounters to big-stake street fights as well as the emotional ties O'Neal's character picks up along the way, elevating it from just another black street-fighting film. The movie begins fairly light-hearted but soon takes on a more serious tone eventually building toward a bullet-ridden revenge finale.
Top marks must go to the late Adolph Caesar who steals almost every scene he's in, and adds greatly to the humour throughout, punching out quick jiving lines Samuel L. Jackson would've been right at home with. As well as taking the edge off O'Neal's routine portrayal, Caesar also handles the sombre scenes with panache, adding to the proceedings the kind of sensitivity Al Pacino delivered in 'Donnie Brasco.'
Solid performances from O'Neal and his supporting cast, a cool soundtrack and some genuine laughs make this better than most. The story diversifies from pool hall hustling and whorehouse encounters to big-stake street fights as well as the emotional ties O'Neal's character picks up along the way, elevating it from just another black street-fighting film. The movie begins fairly light-hearted but soon takes on a more serious tone eventually building toward a bullet-ridden revenge finale.
Top marks must go to the late Adolph Caesar who steals almost every scene he's in, and adds greatly to the humour throughout, punching out quick jiving lines Samuel L. Jackson would've been right at home with. As well as taking the edge off O'Neal's routine portrayal, Caesar also handles the sombre scenes with panache, adding to the proceedings the kind of sensitivity Al Pacino delivered in 'Donnie Brasco.'