This is the new cut of "Jersey Justice", I didn't see the old cut so I have a fresh take on this movie. I was given a preview and asked to give my opinion, and here it is. "Jersey Justice" is a revenge thriller that is just what it is, a good addition to the low budget indie market. A Christian mother from the suburbs is thrust into a storm of murder and deceit soon after her son is sent off to work as a contractor in Iraq and her husband is murdered in a random mob killing. In a sunny day in Philly, she sets off to kill the monsters who ruined her life. John Hunt's movie is a send-up of 70's style revenge movies, complete with sly in-jokes about movies like Born Losers, Billy Jack, Death Wish, Dirty Harry and most of the killings are straight out of the Godfather. A ride over the bridge into South Jersey takes a funny turn when our lady avenger meets a lesbian and a vet with a trunk of guns to finish the job. Flaws are few, because of some sub-par actors and pedestrian direction by first time film maker Hunt and crew. But the lead acting is very polished, and some great character roles make it worth the time. Blanche Baker (Hypothermia, Jack Ketchum's The Girl Next Door)is perfect and very convincing in the lead. A sly comic flair in her performance. Christopher Mann and Jerry Lyden make a great pair of cops on the trail, and 70's icon Bo Svenson shows up for a good role as a shifty oil exec. Best is Ed McCool and the comic relief, a gun nut with a need to kill somebody. Fine writing is a huge plus, and Baker has found a new calling as a genre actress. B-Minus is still a good grade these days.
18 Reviews
Guns and Fun!!!
SpencerHill19 August 2007
A first time for me, seeing an indie movie in a café in Doylestown called PUCK LIVE on a nice Sunday afternoon. "Jersey Justice" is a smart and fast low budget digi-film with a good plot. Soccer mom with a shotgun hunts down bad people (mob, bikers, trailer trash chicks)while the cops and FBI scratch their heads. Not to take a movie about a vigilante middle aged woman too seriously, John Hunt's little movie has all the fun of those old time drive-in grinders that would have starred Jan Michael Vincent or Bo Svenson (who pops up in this flick...nice touch).
Not as uber-cool as Abel Ferrera'a urban classic "Ms. 45" (which is one of the greatest NYC nightmare movies)or even "Death Wish". The best part of watching "Jersey Justice" is it's wink and nod to those films with respect. The real reason I liked this movie is the actors were doing such a good job. Blanche Baker goes all out to make us like her, and it works. She works hard to get laughs in the moments we can laugh along with pathos in the ugly sequences. The support actors range from perfect (Ed McCool and Jerry Lyden made me laugh) to serviceable (Big Bo Svenson in a few scenes, lesser know locals). The café setting was fun (beers with a movie rule). John Hunt talked up after the show and thanked his crew and the stars for a game effort. A lot of talent from humble movie people.
Not as uber-cool as Abel Ferrera'a urban classic "Ms. 45" (which is one of the greatest NYC nightmare movies)or even "Death Wish". The best part of watching "Jersey Justice" is it's wink and nod to those films with respect. The real reason I liked this movie is the actors were doing such a good job. Blanche Baker goes all out to make us like her, and it works. She works hard to get laughs in the moments we can laugh along with pathos in the ugly sequences. The support actors range from perfect (Ed McCool and Jerry Lyden made me laugh) to serviceable (Big Bo Svenson in a few scenes, lesser know locals). The café setting was fun (beers with a movie rule). John Hunt talked up after the show and thanked his crew and the stars for a game effort. A lot of talent from humble movie people.
Boring, Cheap and Unengaging
gavin694220 September 2010
A wife witnesses her husband killed by two thugs. After they drop a cell phone, she decides to take matters into her own hands and track them down. Of course, things get a little crazy when you also have the police involved, and a pair of men posing as government agents.
This film is a failure. I see many praising comments online, but I don't know if these are from the cast and their friends or what. While there are a few redeeming moments, the bulk of this film is just bland and forgettable... I would easily sell my copy off if anyone would buy it. For a revenge flick, this thing is pretty tame.
The scenery is disgraceful. It seems like every scene is shot in the same white room with a few odds and ends switched about between takes. A flag here, a lamp there... it does not come across as real at all. This might wok on the stage, but not in a film. The acting is just as bad as the scenery or worse. The gun shop owner (Mary Mooney) is terrible and the lead (Blanche Baker) is an emotionless, monotone mess. When the two share screen time ,you will want to claw your eyes out. Gervase Peterson can at least say this was not his worst film, since he also appeared in "Hell's Threshold". I'm still waiting to regrow my lost brain cells from that trash.
So, what are the redeeming parts? Basically, the two cops. They can actually act, and banter well. The discussion about the double latte recalled the scene in "Pulp Fiction" about the Royale with Cheese. I could watch a whole film of these guys debating coffee, just so long as they are not interrupted by anyone else who appeared in this film. I also like the use of the names O'Bannon and Frankenheimer, which I have to assume are intentional tips of the hat to these classic film legends. Nice homage, guys.
The Philadelphia Bulletin says that this is "a nice twist on the often-used male revenge thriller." I think that reviewer does not know movies very well. While there are male revenge thrillers, I have found that the female ones have always stood out more. Think "Kill Bill" or "I Spit on Your Grave", for example. This so-called "nice twist" has been around a long time now.
Anyway, even if you have the opportunity to see this film for free like I did, just don't. It's a waste of your time. I quickly ejected it and put in Lucky McKee's "The Woods" to rinse my senses of such stupidity. If you are smart, you will put the right movie in the first time.
This film is a failure. I see many praising comments online, but I don't know if these are from the cast and their friends or what. While there are a few redeeming moments, the bulk of this film is just bland and forgettable... I would easily sell my copy off if anyone would buy it. For a revenge flick, this thing is pretty tame.
The scenery is disgraceful. It seems like every scene is shot in the same white room with a few odds and ends switched about between takes. A flag here, a lamp there... it does not come across as real at all. This might wok on the stage, but not in a film. The acting is just as bad as the scenery or worse. The gun shop owner (Mary Mooney) is terrible and the lead (Blanche Baker) is an emotionless, monotone mess. When the two share screen time ,you will want to claw your eyes out. Gervase Peterson can at least say this was not his worst film, since he also appeared in "Hell's Threshold". I'm still waiting to regrow my lost brain cells from that trash.
So, what are the redeeming parts? Basically, the two cops. They can actually act, and banter well. The discussion about the double latte recalled the scene in "Pulp Fiction" about the Royale with Cheese. I could watch a whole film of these guys debating coffee, just so long as they are not interrupted by anyone else who appeared in this film. I also like the use of the names O'Bannon and Frankenheimer, which I have to assume are intentional tips of the hat to these classic film legends. Nice homage, guys.
The Philadelphia Bulletin says that this is "a nice twist on the often-used male revenge thriller." I think that reviewer does not know movies very well. While there are male revenge thrillers, I have found that the female ones have always stood out more. Think "Kill Bill" or "I Spit on Your Grave", for example. This so-called "nice twist" has been around a long time now.
Anyway, even if you have the opportunity to see this film for free like I did, just don't. It's a waste of your time. I quickly ejected it and put in Lucky McKee's "The Woods" to rinse my senses of such stupidity. If you are smart, you will put the right movie in the first time.
First at bat, first hit
gtmrusso28 June 2007
I just saw a screening of this film last night and I must say that writer/director John Hunt has come up with a very strong first effort. Everything about this project, from the script to the cast to the overall look of the film avoids the amateurish mistakes that so many first time directors bring upon themselves. The performances of the leads really bring the material to life. Blanche Baker as Polly is the center of the film, playing a woman who loses her son to terrorists and her husband to street thugs. There isn't a false note anywhere in her performance. She conveys tenderness and toughness in all of the right places, truly becoming the woman pushed to extremes. The villains of the piece (Bo Svenson, Steve Giambattista, Brian Anthony Wilson, TJ Glenn and Sal Mazzotta)go about their nastiness with delicious ease, and the people who help Polly get justice (Maria Soccor, Johnny "Roastbeef" Williams and a hilarious Ed McCool)propel the story along quite nicely. The real revelation is the obvious chemistry between Jerry Lyden's Detective Bell and Christopher Mann's Agent Lane, two old friends who've seen it all and go about the business of solving crimes with a mix of seriousness and gallows humor. Someone should build a whole movie around them! All in all, a good effort from John Hunt's crew. I'm looking forward to seeing what he's going to do next.
Ok Drama
briangetmail-705101 October 2019
OK drama with some interesting characters. the one I liked most was the Lady Bartender. Bo Severson one of my favorite actors is here but just for a couple of brief parts. Maybe this was made for cable where they use new and upcoming actors.The story line is all about a Lady getting even with some bad guys for killing her husband.
Jersey Justice gets my vote!!
honeylocust12128 July 2007
My husband and I were privy to a showing of "Jersey Justice," a new New Jersey independent film. This indie was well-written, well-directed and well-acted. The characters were worth caring about. This is a "pulp" film without too much gratuitous violence. It is certainly a "revenge" film in the vein of Standing Tall. Certain frustrations borne out of particular political characters' actions of present day were interspersed throughout the film. Overall, this is a very enjoyable film with lots of interesting characters. You are constantly wondering how all the "loose ends" will finally tie up. You can certainly feel for the lead character, Polly's, frustration and turmoil from early on in the movie, throughout. Mr. Hunt certainly keeps us wondering about the outcome of the movie, right up to the last 20 minutes. A big thumbs up to the cast and crew for a great deal well done.
Saw the film twice......
Cathwithasea8 July 2007
Loved the story line, and also loved the humor in it. Some VERY funny line's! Awesome and Very well done!!!! I'm glad that I saw it the second time, I was able to see some scene's parts in scene's that I missed the first time. Great acting, great cast, just a great film. I'm really looking forwarded to it being distributed. Best of Luck on the film, I am for certain it will be a hit out there. Blanche Baker was perfect for the roll that she played!!!! Great seeing her in a film again. Finny, what can I say about Finny? He was the bomb, played such a wonderful roll, and was just too funny! All the other cast were wonderful. This truly is a must see movie, I would not hesitate to see it again.
YOU ROCK!!!
YOU ROCK!!!
Loved "Jersey Justice"
btjohnny9 July 2007
Local Filmmaker Premieres 'Jersey Justice'
By: LIndsay Warner, The Evening Bulletin
07/25/2007
Currently in limited pre-release screenings to garner interest for a wider release, "Jersey Justice" is a small-budget film created by a movie buff on his first venture behind the camera. But "Jersey Justice" doesn't feel like a low-budget, first-time film, and it seems likely Hunt will get his funding. Revolving around a 24-hour period in which Polly O'Bannon's (Baker) husband is shot and killed in a mix-up between several Philadelphia thugs, the shocked housewife turns to violence to avenge her husband's undeserved death. Collecting weapons and supplies in record time, O'Bannon hits the road looking for her husband's killer, attracting a variety of colorful characters similarly thirsting for revenge - or a good road trip - along the way.
Felix Romeo, played by Maria Soccor, New York model and actress, a rough & ready biker with her own incentive for revenge, strongly flavors the script with her defiant independence, while Irish drunkard Finney (Ed McCool) lends a car and a touch of humor to the mix. John Williams (Johnny Roastbeef in "Goodfellas") also crops up as Big Bill Romeo, the bartender at "Mrs. Jay's," a shady biker bar where the first part of the revenge plan is enacted. Although O'Bannon is on a vengeful killing spree, Baker's portrayal of the character lends a sympathetic tinge to her portrayal - though it seems unlikely that O'Bannon would be able to proceed as far with her plans as she does without police intervention.
Still, the story is entertaining, fast moving and a nice twist on the often-used male revenge thriller. The shady dealings of the gang at the scene of the murder confuse the plot slightly, but Hunt retains a strong connection to O'Bannon throughout, using her humanity to maintain empathy.
By: LIndsay Warner, The Evening Bulletin
07/25/2007
Currently in limited pre-release screenings to garner interest for a wider release, "Jersey Justice" is a small-budget film created by a movie buff on his first venture behind the camera. But "Jersey Justice" doesn't feel like a low-budget, first-time film, and it seems likely Hunt will get his funding. Revolving around a 24-hour period in which Polly O'Bannon's (Baker) husband is shot and killed in a mix-up between several Philadelphia thugs, the shocked housewife turns to violence to avenge her husband's undeserved death. Collecting weapons and supplies in record time, O'Bannon hits the road looking for her husband's killer, attracting a variety of colorful characters similarly thirsting for revenge - or a good road trip - along the way.
Felix Romeo, played by Maria Soccor, New York model and actress, a rough & ready biker with her own incentive for revenge, strongly flavors the script with her defiant independence, while Irish drunkard Finney (Ed McCool) lends a car and a touch of humor to the mix. John Williams (Johnny Roastbeef in "Goodfellas") also crops up as Big Bill Romeo, the bartender at "Mrs. Jay's," a shady biker bar where the first part of the revenge plan is enacted. Although O'Bannon is on a vengeful killing spree, Baker's portrayal of the character lends a sympathetic tinge to her portrayal - though it seems unlikely that O'Bannon would be able to proceed as far with her plans as she does without police intervention.
Still, the story is entertaining, fast moving and a nice twist on the often-used male revenge thriller. The shady dealings of the gang at the scene of the murder confuse the plot slightly, but Hunt retains a strong connection to O'Bannon throughout, using her humanity to maintain empathy.
A Pulp Classic in the making....over the top!
JillyRizzo2 July 2007
Just got back from the preview screening of "Jersey Justice" in East Greenville PA. John Hunt's first film is a surprise indie movie with a great plot, an homage to the drive-in movies of the 70's. Not to say it's in the same as Tarentino/Rodrigues' "Grindhouse", but as much fun because the attitude is rough and the strong doses of humor make it pure PULP!
The prologue gives us the characters, a Christian family- son is off to Iraq (business contractor)- slime ball Bossman (70's screen star Bo Svenson as Texan "Halabirton-esque" creep in an extended cameo)and a news clip of Ole' George W Bush....you know it's trouble ahead. Mother Polly O'Bannon (Blanche Baker of "16 Candles") gets the phone call that son Derek has been kidnapped by terrorists and likely killed. Dad Jack (a likable Ken Schwarz) is trying to keep his sanity.
The story kicks in as Polly and Jack try to adjust to Derek's death, but they are hounded by the press and a couple of shady dicks in a sedan. On a trip to Philadelphia to collect their sons belongings, and crossing paths with a couple of murdering thugs in Old City, Jack is gunned down in an alley (not pretty) and Polly runs for her life. A few twist's in the fast plot, as Polly turns the tables on Jacks's assailants. The thugs are now being hunted down by the clever (and quite crazy) Polly O'Bannon. I thought that "Jersey Justice" had the same sense as the Michael Douglas' "Falling Down" when Polly goes through the day as if she were out shopping and doing errands. She buys a shotgun at a gun shop in Cherry Hill (very funny dialog) and terrorizes a pretty young lady at knife point in a bathtub.
The police and FBI are two steps behind Polly and the gunman. Agent Paul Lane (Christopher Mann of HBO's The Wire) thinks Polly might have lost her mind and heads to Jersey. Detective Vic Bell (veteran character actor Jerry Lyden of "Goodfellas") holds the fort in Philly. The story jumps the rails into a bizarre twist when Polly meets a tough dyke bartender (Maria Soccor looks like Russ Meyer's star Tura Santana) and barfly Finney (Hilarious Ed McCool is a real find). It's off to a biker bar and a halfway showdown with a gang called "The Hawks", lead by a hulking goon named Carlo (T.J. Glenn does a good impression of Big Bill Smith) as bartender Bill Romeo (Johnny 'Roastbeaf' Willaims hit's the right tone)tries to keep order when all hell breaks loose.
Not to give it all away, but lets just say that there are a few subplots involving the mob, fixer henchman, corporate lackeys, and a mystery man who pulls the strings. When you think you know what's going to happen, you don't. The action is very brisk, and the setting is right in the heart of Jersey. The ending is a fine wrap-up with a suggestion of a sequel.
The actors are first rate, with Blanche Baker leading the pack. She owns the role, with sly touches of crazy humor along with good dramatic moments. Big Bo Svenson is at his best, in a part tailored for his stature- BOOO HISSSSS! Newcomer Steve Giambattista is truly menacing as a biker thug out to stop Polly. Christopher Mann as the FBI guy on the track is very commanding, and his scenes with Jerry Lyden (alway fun) are pure gold, great chemistry. Watch for Gervase Peterson ("Survivor Season 1" reality TV)as a lackey and Brian Anthony Wilson as "Jules" the enforcer (big as a house).
The real pleasure is John Hunt's fun script (with lines pulled from Billy Jack) and great low budget value. Very talented but the budget shows with some goofy performances and slapped together set pieces. It's Blanche Baker who makes the movie a real treat, a steady role for the petite and pretty "Soccer Mom Avenger" with a shotgun. The audience filled with real bikers from Reading PA were roaring with belly laughs. Hunt was on hand to thank the actors who came out to be part of the screening. I had a ball!
The prologue gives us the characters, a Christian family- son is off to Iraq (business contractor)- slime ball Bossman (70's screen star Bo Svenson as Texan "Halabirton-esque" creep in an extended cameo)and a news clip of Ole' George W Bush....you know it's trouble ahead. Mother Polly O'Bannon (Blanche Baker of "16 Candles") gets the phone call that son Derek has been kidnapped by terrorists and likely killed. Dad Jack (a likable Ken Schwarz) is trying to keep his sanity.
The story kicks in as Polly and Jack try to adjust to Derek's death, but they are hounded by the press and a couple of shady dicks in a sedan. On a trip to Philadelphia to collect their sons belongings, and crossing paths with a couple of murdering thugs in Old City, Jack is gunned down in an alley (not pretty) and Polly runs for her life. A few twist's in the fast plot, as Polly turns the tables on Jacks's assailants. The thugs are now being hunted down by the clever (and quite crazy) Polly O'Bannon. I thought that "Jersey Justice" had the same sense as the Michael Douglas' "Falling Down" when Polly goes through the day as if she were out shopping and doing errands. She buys a shotgun at a gun shop in Cherry Hill (very funny dialog) and terrorizes a pretty young lady at knife point in a bathtub.
The police and FBI are two steps behind Polly and the gunman. Agent Paul Lane (Christopher Mann of HBO's The Wire) thinks Polly might have lost her mind and heads to Jersey. Detective Vic Bell (veteran character actor Jerry Lyden of "Goodfellas") holds the fort in Philly. The story jumps the rails into a bizarre twist when Polly meets a tough dyke bartender (Maria Soccor looks like Russ Meyer's star Tura Santana) and barfly Finney (Hilarious Ed McCool is a real find). It's off to a biker bar and a halfway showdown with a gang called "The Hawks", lead by a hulking goon named Carlo (T.J. Glenn does a good impression of Big Bill Smith) as bartender Bill Romeo (Johnny 'Roastbeaf' Willaims hit's the right tone)tries to keep order when all hell breaks loose.
Not to give it all away, but lets just say that there are a few subplots involving the mob, fixer henchman, corporate lackeys, and a mystery man who pulls the strings. When you think you know what's going to happen, you don't. The action is very brisk, and the setting is right in the heart of Jersey. The ending is a fine wrap-up with a suggestion of a sequel.
The actors are first rate, with Blanche Baker leading the pack. She owns the role, with sly touches of crazy humor along with good dramatic moments. Big Bo Svenson is at his best, in a part tailored for his stature- BOOO HISSSSS! Newcomer Steve Giambattista is truly menacing as a biker thug out to stop Polly. Christopher Mann as the FBI guy on the track is very commanding, and his scenes with Jerry Lyden (alway fun) are pure gold, great chemistry. Watch for Gervase Peterson ("Survivor Season 1" reality TV)as a lackey and Brian Anthony Wilson as "Jules" the enforcer (big as a house).
The real pleasure is John Hunt's fun script (with lines pulled from Billy Jack) and great low budget value. Very talented but the budget shows with some goofy performances and slapped together set pieces. It's Blanche Baker who makes the movie a real treat, a steady role for the petite and pretty "Soccer Mom Avenger" with a shotgun. The audience filled with real bikers from Reading PA were roaring with belly laughs. Hunt was on hand to thank the actors who came out to be part of the screening. I had a ball!
Soccer mom leaves her pristine world for justified revenge
woodja85 August 2007
As a local to where the film was shot, this "revenge thriller with a twisted edge" was lots of fun to watch. Blanche Baker really did a bang up job balancing her role as revenger and a Christian 'soccer mom' after seeing her husband gunned down on the streets of Philly. The characters that showed up in her life after that in the next 24 hours made the plot come alive. Maria Soccor's performance sizzled as the sexy bad-ass bartender who had a couple of great tricks up her sleeve. I'd love to see her in more leading roles! Another actress that I really enjoyed in her cameo role as Gun Lady was Mary Mooney who was great at her sales job. I joined the audience as we laughed at the hilarious one-liners and the prize goes to the cameo couple in the biker bar who mentioned something funny about their kids. Thanks to the intense acting and the great directing by John Charles Hunt the bad guys were easy to hate and the good guys drew you in as we couldn't help root for our heroine's success. Go see Jersey Justice and walk away with a new spin on what you would do if you were pushed to the edge.
Fun movie with a lot of twists
jeannette_radtke18 July 2007
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It had a great balance of action, emotion and humor. I would not recommend it for children under 17, because there are intense scenes, as well as violence, language and adult situations.
It was much funnier than I had expected - I laughed throughout most of the movie. The scene with Polly, dressed in preppy, conservative clothing, toting a golf bag containing a rifle, was absolutely hilarious. The lead detective had me in stitches, with his tough, streetwise one-liners. The "coffee vs latte" scene was a particular favorite.
The "Justice, Jersey Style" scene, was surprising, funny, outrageous, and a fitting revenge. This film is a "must see" for anyone who enjoys action & comedy, and doesn't mind a few violent scenes.
It was much funnier than I had expected - I laughed throughout most of the movie. The scene with Polly, dressed in preppy, conservative clothing, toting a golf bag containing a rifle, was absolutely hilarious. The lead detective had me in stitches, with his tough, streetwise one-liners. The "coffee vs latte" scene was a particular favorite.
The "Justice, Jersey Style" scene, was surprising, funny, outrageous, and a fitting revenge. This film is a "must see" for anyone who enjoys action & comedy, and doesn't mind a few violent scenes.
Cult Movie Status Alert! Jersey Justice is HOT!
DjangoTrinity17 July 2007
I read about Jersey Justice in my local paper, and thought I might check it out to see what all the fuss was about. Saw a whole lot of indie movies in Jersey and most are small little movies made by some young guys and a bunch of wannabe actors and cute kids from the suburbs. "Jersey Justice" is the first real movie I've seen in a long time that has a plot and real actors and great moments of real thrills.
Its like a revenge movie that has an old school approach, no frills. John Charles Hunt wrote/produced/directed this movie with a real heartbeat. The characters are stock roles but have an original mark of distinction. Polly O'Bannon is the 'soccer mom avenger' from Bucks County who chases some killers into the hell-holes of Jersey to get some old time JUSTICE! I liked the references to Jersey in the script and the bar fight is one of the most outrageous 15 minutes I've ever seen in any movie (big budget or small).
Blanche Baker stars in this indie and I hope I see her do bigger roles like this in the future. She is brilliant and clever in the lead. Jerry Lyden and Chris Mann are on their game and the flatfoot and the FBI honcho on the trail of a crazy lady with a mission. Good to see big ass Bo Svenson again and he is great as ever. TJ Glenn is very good in the bad-guy lug biker role. The bald headed monster with the tattoos (Steve Giambattista) adds just the right amount of villain juice to his part. Maria Soccor is hot and watch out for the hot sauce! Finney (Ed McCool) is funny as hell and every time he is on screen, I know I'm having a good time. Helluva good movie!
Its like a revenge movie that has an old school approach, no frills. John Charles Hunt wrote/produced/directed this movie with a real heartbeat. The characters are stock roles but have an original mark of distinction. Polly O'Bannon is the 'soccer mom avenger' from Bucks County who chases some killers into the hell-holes of Jersey to get some old time JUSTICE! I liked the references to Jersey in the script and the bar fight is one of the most outrageous 15 minutes I've ever seen in any movie (big budget or small).
Blanche Baker stars in this indie and I hope I see her do bigger roles like this in the future. She is brilliant and clever in the lead. Jerry Lyden and Chris Mann are on their game and the flatfoot and the FBI honcho on the trail of a crazy lady with a mission. Good to see big ass Bo Svenson again and he is great as ever. TJ Glenn is very good in the bad-guy lug biker role. The bald headed monster with the tattoos (Steve Giambattista) adds just the right amount of villain juice to his part. Maria Soccor is hot and watch out for the hot sauce! Finney (Ed McCool) is funny as hell and every time he is on screen, I know I'm having a good time. Helluva good movie!
Every time I watch it I see something different
khunt-78 July 2007
Wow! Just came back from the 5th screening and every time there is something else that makes me laugh! I think one of my favorite lines is when one of the biker thugs asks if he thinks the cops have called his house. His friend and fellow in crime replies, "If you're a cop, do you think you're going to call ahead? You're just gonna go to the house with your guns drawn man!" I have great expectations for this movie. We just have to keep spreading the word!
And did you check out Polly's face in the gun shop while she's buying a gun? Notice when the clerk goes to pick out a gun for her, Polly looks around like a little kid in a candy shop, like she's waiting for her birthday present and Christmas all at once. Look at it again, if you're still not trying to wrap your head around two women in a gun shop!
And did you check out Polly's face in the gun shop while she's buying a gun? Notice when the clerk goes to pick out a gun for her, Polly looks around like a little kid in a candy shop, like she's waiting for her birthday present and Christmas all at once. Look at it again, if you're still not trying to wrap your head around two women in a gun shop!
I'm So Surprised....Good Movie in JERSEY!
BigMister14 July 2007
I did not expect a movie called "Jersey Justice" to be as good as it could well be. The title is generic and the premise has been done before, but John Hunt's 'movie-movie' is just as entertaining as any huge budget 'star driven' flick that Hollywood throws at us. The pleasure is watching the actors (most are great, some are wooden) doing the best roles they ever had done before. I love Blanche Baker in the lead, and she is perfect...she looks like a soccer-mom from every middle class neighborhood. When she loses her mind, Blanche makes the viewer care about her and what she might do next.
The detective on the crime scene, Vic (Jerry Lyden)is the everyman cop but is written funny. Vic and FBI guy Paul (Chris Mann)are so good in their scenes because you believe they are friends. Felix and Finney (Maria Soccor and Ed McCool)are written as annoying people but they are fun to listen to as they get on each others nerves. The bad guys (Steve Giambattista and Eoin O'Shea) are played as lifelong buddies. That's what makes John Hunt's "Jersey Justice" so good, the roles and actors are played out so we can go along with the story and believe them.
I am a Bo Svenson fan from way back, and Tolliver is a great part for his 'star power'. We all hate the "Enron/Halliberton/BlackWater" type characters and Bo delivers it. Wait for the end credits for the big pay-off! As a director, John Hunt is very talented (I hope he does this again) and his pride in the movie is a story in itself. Good low budget movies are hard to find but John's movie is a hoot, the best scenes are in the middle (at the Biker Bar), damn funny and fast action. The movie does look cheap at times but not all the time considering it was done in his hometown and at the shore in Jersey.
The soundtrack is excellent, Jack Faulkner's score and camera-work by Abe Holz are a plus. I hope this movie does well enough to see more from these guys!
The detective on the crime scene, Vic (Jerry Lyden)is the everyman cop but is written funny. Vic and FBI guy Paul (Chris Mann)are so good in their scenes because you believe they are friends. Felix and Finney (Maria Soccor and Ed McCool)are written as annoying people but they are fun to listen to as they get on each others nerves. The bad guys (Steve Giambattista and Eoin O'Shea) are played as lifelong buddies. That's what makes John Hunt's "Jersey Justice" so good, the roles and actors are played out so we can go along with the story and believe them.
I am a Bo Svenson fan from way back, and Tolliver is a great part for his 'star power'. We all hate the "Enron/Halliberton/BlackWater" type characters and Bo delivers it. Wait for the end credits for the big pay-off! As a director, John Hunt is very talented (I hope he does this again) and his pride in the movie is a story in itself. Good low budget movies are hard to find but John's movie is a hoot, the best scenes are in the middle (at the Biker Bar), damn funny and fast action. The movie does look cheap at times but not all the time considering it was done in his hometown and at the shore in Jersey.
The soundtrack is excellent, Jack Faulkner's score and camera-work by Abe Holz are a plus. I hope this movie does well enough to see more from these guys!
Just a Good Old Time Revenge Flick
JoJoZilli11 July 2007
The Asbury Lanes screening of "Jersey Justice" was just fun and music in a package night. The real fun was watching and joining in on the vibe of watching a really enjoyable movie. There are some small problems that go along with low-low budget DVD, like bad acting and production miss-steps. Jersey Justice has some goofs, but the main characters and actors save this fast paced movie from being "bad-good" and just fun. John Hunt is a pretty good movie maker, and know the crowd. Bikers, Middle aged Mom with a shotgun, Hit Squads, Broken and Ripped off fingers, and George W Bush! Add a drunk with more guns than Rambo and a hot looking Lesbo named Felix and it's just my style.
Blanche Baker is just right in a real big role for her. I loved when she goes into a twist after her husband gets killed, some creepy moments of real demented acting. Love that Bo Svenson...he is a good addition to the mix of great character actors. Maria Soccor is a good looking woman (and her scenes in the biker bar are engaging). Ed McCool is terrific as crazy old Finney. The Vin Diesel looking guy (Steve Giambattista) steals the movie....what a bad MOFO! Hats tipped to John Hunt and his wife Kathi for making a fine and dandy old school movie for the people who like beer and hot wings!
Blanche Baker is just right in a real big role for her. I loved when she goes into a twist after her husband gets killed, some creepy moments of real demented acting. Love that Bo Svenson...he is a good addition to the mix of great character actors. Maria Soccor is a good looking woman (and her scenes in the biker bar are engaging). Ed McCool is terrific as crazy old Finney. The Vin Diesel looking guy (Steve Giambattista) steals the movie....what a bad MOFO! Hats tipped to John Hunt and his wife Kathi for making a fine and dandy old school movie for the people who like beer and hot wings!
Bo Svenson and Blanche Baker Face-off in Jersey Justice
valvv8 March 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"Jersey Justice" is a bit like New Jersey itself – anything goes! Justice is a fast moving revenge thriller with a crooked corporate executive, murders, an off-her-rocker soccer mom armed with a bible and a shotgun, biker gangs, vigilantes, inept mod flunkies, and two overworked, coffee-swigging detectives who have the unfortunate task of sorting the whole mess out.
When her son Derick is beheaded in Bagdad, Bucks County housewife Polly O'Bannon (Blanche Baker) is quick to place the blame squarely on his father-figure boss, W. W. Tolliver (Bo Svenson). But when Polly storms into his office and confronts him, W.W. is forced to up his game. Setting up a meeting between his cronies and the O'Bannon's at a fake office in Philly, W.W. is hoping a payout will make the media storm go away. Polly, however, doesn't even give them a chance to start before she grabs her husband Jack (Ken Schwarz) and storms out the door.
Lost in conversation as they walk down an alley, Jack and Polly step right into the path of a car driven by two mobster wanna-bes, Mikey (Steve Giambattista) and Robbo (Eoin O'Shea). Seems the pair just "accidentally" killed two of their boss's capos. When Jack gets in Robbo's face, Mike calmly shoots him in the head. However they make the fatal mistake letting Polly live. As the car speeds off, Polly spies Mike's cell phone on the ground and something in her snaps. Dripping with Jack's blood, she calmly gets up, retrieves the phone and hurries away – responding to a passerby's offer of assistance with a threatening glance.
Minutes later Homicide Detective Vic Bell (Jerry Lyden) is on the scene, responding to the man's 911 call. He's soon joined by his former wise-ass partner Agent Paul Lane (Christopher Mann). As the man is describing the crazy blonde woman he saw pursuing two men in a black SUV, another officer discovers the bodies of capos Angelo and Barry Lincoln. Now they not only have insufficient coffee, but three murders to solve and an alleged crazy woman on the loose.
Meanwhile at a NJ sports store, Polly walks up to the counter toting some golf clothes, clubs, cable ties, and a bible – then tells the clerk she'd also like to take up hunting and asks her for a recommendation on a fast loading shotgun. "Duck or turkey?" the clerk asks. "Bigger," replies Polly smiling. "I'd like to get a couple of wild boar." Locked and loaded, Polly tracks down Mike's girlfriend Tracey and threatens to carve up her face until he reveals where Mike and Robbo are headed: Mrs. J's Roadhouse to meet up with Carlos and the Hawks Motorcycle gang and then on to Atlantic City.
Leaving Tracey hog-tied, Polly decides to stop off in a small bar for a burger before hitting Mrs. J's. There she finds kindred spirits in an Irish bar-fly Finney (Ed McCool) and resident bartender Felix (Maria Soccor). Finney buys Polly a drink soon she's stunning them with the tales of Derick's and Jack's murders. When Felix begs her to go to the police, Polly tells her that "I'm gonna do this, me. I am gonna finish this today. Now why don't you help me? " With that, Polly shows them a picture of the men she's after. They both recognize Mike as the man who drugged Felix so that Carlos could rape her. Announcing the bar is closed, Felix dresses Polly in ad-ass biker leathers. Then with Finney asleep, in the back seat, the trio roar off to Mrs. J's to deal out some justice -- Jersey style. Mike, Carlos, and W.W. – run while you can!
John Charles Hunt has assembled an all-around solid cast of actors who bring off this high energy tale of revenge to the screen with just the right amount of humor. As William Wendell Tolliver, Bo Svenson is a force to be reckoned with. As smooth as the Teflon Don himself, Svenson glides between W.W.'s Jekyll and Hyde persona with ease. Heck, he could probably even sweet talk Republicans and Democrats into seeing eye-to-eye. Blanche Baker is so convincing enough as gun-toting, crazed Polly that you expect to see her on "Momsters" – plus she plays well off her vigilante buddies McCool and Soccor. Lyden and Mann could easily be homicide partners with their natural good-natured sparring – and the rest of the gang garnishes it all with the requisite blood and bar fights.
When her son Derick is beheaded in Bagdad, Bucks County housewife Polly O'Bannon (Blanche Baker) is quick to place the blame squarely on his father-figure boss, W. W. Tolliver (Bo Svenson). But when Polly storms into his office and confronts him, W.W. is forced to up his game. Setting up a meeting between his cronies and the O'Bannon's at a fake office in Philly, W.W. is hoping a payout will make the media storm go away. Polly, however, doesn't even give them a chance to start before she grabs her husband Jack (Ken Schwarz) and storms out the door.
Lost in conversation as they walk down an alley, Jack and Polly step right into the path of a car driven by two mobster wanna-bes, Mikey (Steve Giambattista) and Robbo (Eoin O'Shea). Seems the pair just "accidentally" killed two of their boss's capos. When Jack gets in Robbo's face, Mike calmly shoots him in the head. However they make the fatal mistake letting Polly live. As the car speeds off, Polly spies Mike's cell phone on the ground and something in her snaps. Dripping with Jack's blood, she calmly gets up, retrieves the phone and hurries away – responding to a passerby's offer of assistance with a threatening glance.
Minutes later Homicide Detective Vic Bell (Jerry Lyden) is on the scene, responding to the man's 911 call. He's soon joined by his former wise-ass partner Agent Paul Lane (Christopher Mann). As the man is describing the crazy blonde woman he saw pursuing two men in a black SUV, another officer discovers the bodies of capos Angelo and Barry Lincoln. Now they not only have insufficient coffee, but three murders to solve and an alleged crazy woman on the loose.
Meanwhile at a NJ sports store, Polly walks up to the counter toting some golf clothes, clubs, cable ties, and a bible – then tells the clerk she'd also like to take up hunting and asks her for a recommendation on a fast loading shotgun. "Duck or turkey?" the clerk asks. "Bigger," replies Polly smiling. "I'd like to get a couple of wild boar." Locked and loaded, Polly tracks down Mike's girlfriend Tracey and threatens to carve up her face until he reveals where Mike and Robbo are headed: Mrs. J's Roadhouse to meet up with Carlos and the Hawks Motorcycle gang and then on to Atlantic City.
Leaving Tracey hog-tied, Polly decides to stop off in a small bar for a burger before hitting Mrs. J's. There she finds kindred spirits in an Irish bar-fly Finney (Ed McCool) and resident bartender Felix (Maria Soccor). Finney buys Polly a drink soon she's stunning them with the tales of Derick's and Jack's murders. When Felix begs her to go to the police, Polly tells her that "I'm gonna do this, me. I am gonna finish this today. Now why don't you help me? " With that, Polly shows them a picture of the men she's after. They both recognize Mike as the man who drugged Felix so that Carlos could rape her. Announcing the bar is closed, Felix dresses Polly in ad-ass biker leathers. Then with Finney asleep, in the back seat, the trio roar off to Mrs. J's to deal out some justice -- Jersey style. Mike, Carlos, and W.W. – run while you can!
John Charles Hunt has assembled an all-around solid cast of actors who bring off this high energy tale of revenge to the screen with just the right amount of humor. As William Wendell Tolliver, Bo Svenson is a force to be reckoned with. As smooth as the Teflon Don himself, Svenson glides between W.W.'s Jekyll and Hyde persona with ease. Heck, he could probably even sweet talk Republicans and Democrats into seeing eye-to-eye. Blanche Baker is so convincing enough as gun-toting, crazed Polly that you expect to see her on "Momsters" – plus she plays well off her vigilante buddies McCool and Soccor. Lyden and Mann could easily be homicide partners with their natural good-natured sparring – and the rest of the gang garnishes it all with the requisite blood and bar fights.
Fun movie with a lot of twists
sirstuff8 March 2015
Just saw this movie recently and I agree with most of the reviewers here. A great first effort here by director John Hunt, and a good mix of drama and comedy. Probably doesn't hurt that a good part of it was filmed not only in South Jersey but also Doylestown, PA, areas where I lived for many years and am familiar with, so I recognized a number of the locations and of course that made the movie even that more enjoyable to me.
I particularly enjoyed Bo Svenson's character's quick flip from a (supposedly) caring father figure to a typical greedy corporate executive who cares only about the bottom line.
The only thing I really found implausible was Blanche Baker's character Polly doing an instant 180 degree flip from a concerned, then mourning mother to a gun-toting fanatic out for revenge at any cost, but it didn't detract form the overall theme.
I particularly enjoyed Bo Svenson's character's quick flip from a (supposedly) caring father figure to a typical greedy corporate executive who cares only about the bottom line.
The only thing I really found implausible was Blanche Baker's character Polly doing an instant 180 degree flip from a concerned, then mourning mother to a gun-toting fanatic out for revenge at any cost, but it didn't detract form the overall theme.
Seriously?
flloyd_l_lloyd22 December 2020
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