User Reviews

Firepower's history is more interesting than the film itself, since it was originally intended for Clint Eastwood and its production nearly junked by Sir Lew Grade. This ITC actioner began as one of numerous 'Dirty Harry' scripts rejected by Eastwood and was later adjusted to the temperament of Charles Bronson, who backed out during pre-production. Having lost a major box office draw, Grade nearly called things off before he sensed a public relations disaster in the British tabloids and insisted that his film be made. Bronson's role as a top-shelf assassin went to James Coburn, who delivers in this frenetic story co-rewritten and directed by Michael Winner. The physically imposing Coburn joins Sophia Loren, O.J. Simpson, Eli Wallach, and Anthony Franciosa in a top cast who frolic amidst death and destruction in the Caribbean.

The plot of 'Firepower' is too complicated to explain here, with many twists and turns that become secondary to its large-scale action. To make a long story short, Coburn plays Jerry Fanon, a former assassin who is called out of retirement by mob boss Sal Hyman (Wallach). Hyman has worked out a deal with U.S. authorities to hire Fanon in exchange for waving his criminal charges. Fanon's job is to capture drug company magnate Karl Stegner (Franciosa), who arranged the murder of a physician after exposing his line of bad pharmaceuticals. Stegner is hiding on the small island of Antigua, living a reclusive life amidst security cameras, attack dogs, bodyguards, and informants. Behind the entire story is Adele Tasca (Loren), the doctor's widow and past lover of Fanon.

'Firepower' is not a film that will change your life, but it's one of the most purely entertaining titles I've recently seen. While this film is slow to develop, it takes off after the first 20 minutes with rapidly-paced action sets. The action is chuck-full of explosions, gunfire, and hand-to-hand combat. Coburn, teaming with O.J. Simpson (as fellow hit-man Catlett), uses a level-headedness and physical stature that are ideal for his role. Simpson is also physically and dramatically satisfying in a limited part. While on 'exhibit' for much of the film, Sophia Loren looks as beautiful as ever and keeps a wry sense of humor. Other familiar names make an appearance, including Vincent Gardenia ('Death Wish'), Victor Mature, and middleweight boxing champion Jake LaMotta.

This is certainly one of the best films that Michael Winner has made, yet it lacks his unique style. While his cheekiness is felt in the most violent situations, little is seen of the zooms, odd camera angles, and wobbles that are constant in his other movies. Winner is at his best in the action scenes, which are edited by the director under his pen name of Arnold Crust. The storyline eventually plays second fiddle to the action, but this film never loses its edge - like a pulp novel in overdrive.

The special effects by Al Griswold ('F/X,' 'Entrapment') and Paul Stewart ('Predator') are antique by today's standards, but were top-of-the line for the late 1970s and much more engaging then the CFI we're nowadays offered. The same outdatedness is found in Gato Barbieri's saxophone-laden score, although his opening theme sets the high-crime mood nicely and is never more conspicuous than it needs to be. Robert Paynter's cinematography appears to be right for the lush scenes in Antigua and Curaçao; it would look even better if not for the most recent VHS release.

For fans of James Coburn and Sophia Loren (who isn't?), 'Firepower' is a decent hour and 40 minutes of viewing time and worth a couple of dollars if VHS tapes are lying around on the Internet or at garage sales. 'Firepower' is not currently available in DVD format, which is a shame considering the excellent cast and exotic locations. CBS/FOX Video issued an American VHS release in 1983, an absolute massacre of the original studio print. Besides the usual full screen presentation, there is grain and faded colors that are usually found on cheap TV broadcasts. Daytime scenes have washed-out visuals, evening scenes are so dark that one can barely see what's going on. Much of this is owed to the videotape's age, but also the knockoff quality of reproduction by CBS/FOX. Considering that several of Michael Winner's films are now available on DVD, 'Firepower' is long overdue for an update.

*** out of 4

'Fire Power' is typical of a lot of 70's thrillers which rely more on plot and character than the Jerry Bruckheimer extravaganzas that we get nowadays. In a nutshell, Sophia Loren's husband is murdered because he is a witness to the drug dealings of a powerful drug lord who lives in the Caribbean. Loren suggests that James Coburn, her former lover and bounty hunter, be the man to head down to the Caribbean to catch her husband's murderer. Along the way, there are lots of plot twists and turns- for example, whose side is Loren really on? And indeed, Who is really this mysterious drug lord?

Michael Winner was a director of numerous 70's thrillers, most famously with Charles Bronson (The 'Death Wish' films). He is a competent director who was dismissed by critics because his films were overtly violent and straight forward in their execution. The film probably has too many plot twists and characters, with the action changing from the Caribbean to the U.S too often and confusingly. The film is certainly not boring and you do get the glamorous Loren and the always good Coburn on screen together which can't be a bad thing.

Overall, a little too ambitious for its own good but if you are a fan of 70's films and thrillers in particular then this one is worth searching for. A Region 1 DVD release will hopefully appear some time in the near future.

This one has enough plot twists and action sequences for a dozen movies and although it commendably moves along at express speed, the screenplay has so many plot twists that it's difficult to keep track. Coburn has a double role, although the movie makes disappointingly little use of this device and the special effects when both characters are on the screen are rather obvious. Although attractively gowned, Miss Loren is not looking her best and with the hero, I found her changes of side somewhat bewildering. I kept waiting for Victor Mature's entrance – expecting him at every twist of the plot – but this proves a disappointment too. For those who like lots of destructive firepower with tons of elaborate explosions, stunts and action sequences, the movie is a must. And there are some great support performances among the villains too (including Franciosa). Locations were in Antigua and nearby Curacoa of all places. You'll enjoy hearing many of the players struggling to pronounce that one!

A solid action effort starring James Coburn (which makes it one of his best efforts then). However it's Sophia Loren who is top of the bill, nearing the end of her run as a headline star, she's looking older but on the plus side, she's also looking slimmer than she did in "Arabesque" and thin fabric & cleavage are back on the menu! James Coburn plays a updated version of his character in "A Fist Full Of Dynamite" i.e. with a preference for blowing things up rather than shooting things up. OJ Simpson has a good role as the side kick (but for those who can't separate the man from the character, don't worry, he gets machine gunned, burnt and blown up in the end!) Ellie Wallach, Vincent Gardenia and Jake LaMotta provide some class among the supporting cast. And it's nice to see the much maligned Victor Mature (the Sly Stallone of the 50s) in a small cameo.

This is a great movie. Now I am not saying that it is perfect but quite enjoyable. Its got great stars and the scenery makes you want to get on a plane for the Caribean. It is clear that the character of Carl Stegner is based to a certain degree on Howard Hughes. Billionaire, reclusive industrialist who has not been seen in years. Traveling at the center of a large entourage, that was Hughes in the 70's. James Coburn is fantastic in this role. He never fails to make the character of Jerry Fannon believable. O.J. Simpson is pretty good too only lapsing unbelievable when waxing nostalgic on the boat with Coburn and Sophia Loren. If anyone is off the mark in this one its Loren. She is great in spots but dos'nt seem to interested at other times. Tony Franciosa brings his usual blow torch intensity to the role. To enjoy Firepower you cannot take it too seriously. Enjoy it for what it is. Great cast full of recognizable faces, beautiful scenery and a fairly good plot. What else does one need?

By the sheer power of the cast alone this should have been a classic. But with a very convoluted plot this would be gem is a bit of a dud. I think with just a more direct story with more character development would have done the trick. All we are left with are a few decent performances and some pretty impressive action sequences and hopes of what might have been.

However, I love any film where O. J. Simpson is killed. Thank goodness we get to see that here. It's a shame that it happens so far into the movie but any film that has the decency to kill him off (gunned down on a boat and then lit on fire no less) deserves a slightly above average rating. Too bad art hasn't imitated life as of yet.

ITC films certainly had some starry adventures, films like "The Tamarind Seed", "The Cassandra Crossing", "Voyage of the Damned", "The Boys From Brazil" and "Movie/Movie". Stars like Julie Andrews, Richard Harris, Faye Dunaway, Sophia Loren, Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier and George C. Scott. Spy dramas, disaster, political thrillers. Great stories under the production of Sir Lew Grade, and this is one of the most starry. It starts off of course with a shocking event, an explosion that kills the husband of Sophia Loren and his brother, and she joins forces with the FBI who has their own agenda to find those responsible.

So in this nice little action film, you get Sophia Loren, James Coburn in a dual role, OJ Simpson, Eli Wallach, Anthony Franciosa, Billy Barty and George Grizzard, some really despicable villains, great location footage and views into local traditions and the various cultures. There are a lot of explosions, shootouts and fires starting, so you certainly won't fall asleep.

One of the more shocking scenes had Coburn and Simpson dipping a man in blood after he has been doused into shark infested waters in order to find out information as the fins appear. There's not enough time for real character development, just lots of action and the chance to playfully ogle the gorgeous Sophia. I can't think of anything wrong with that list of things to make you enjoy this.

This bomb shows that no number of recognizable stars or presumed acting talents can salvage a film constructed with a laughable script, grade- school directing, second-rate sound effects, and a plot with no credibility whatsoever. Spoiler - the last scene with an over-the-hill Victor Mature looking as greasy as ever in a ten second cameo no doubt had every unfortunate viewer reaching for the sickness bag.