Rod Steiger lights up the screen as a butcher turned preaching vigilante who captures convicted murderers and stores them in his own makeshift "death row" to await execution in a homemade electric chair in this uproarious black comedy. After a crooked politician, Stanford (a good role for Lyman Ward) murders an ex-lover and frames a common thief for the deed, Steiger just may execute his first innocent man, or will sweet, naive, wide-eyed Kimberly (Heather Graham) stop him in time before the sorry victim gets fried and the corrupt Stanford gets elected Governor? This is loaded with sarcasm, puns and in-jokes that poke enormous fun at religion, politics, and the judicial system, and it never takes it self seriously enough to offend. Steiger is pure excellence as he spews out hammy dialog about the importance of justice and humanity while he cooks his hapless prisoners. Plenty of twisted logic played for laughs (the electric chair is designed for comfort, and it has giant wings to prepare for the repentants' departure for heaven.), and Issac Hayes is hilarious as Aloysius, Steiger's priest and assistant. Also, lots of good character actors join in the fun such as Lauren Hutton as a bitchy wife , Mitch Pileggi as a wisecracking prisoner, Earl Boen and Zelda Rubinstein as a maid who "plants bugs". The best is yet to come as you will be "electrified" and appreciative at the surprise twist ending thats in store. Anyone who gets offended by this little gem of a movie needs a little "shock" therapy themselves. It's a shame that such a "jolt" of a funny film has gotten a bad rep, and has been shelved and forgotten. It is definitely in need of re-discovery.

Very few people have seen this film or are even aware of it. I was fortunate enough to be living in Los Angeles in early 1992 when it was briefly released at one theater and played for only one week. Because I am a great admirer of the brilliant character actor, Rod Steiger, I was thrilled at a chance to see a movie made in recent years in which he carried the lead. A rare casting choice that wouldn't likely happen anymore. I don't know why this film didn't get officially released, but I loved it then, and now finally revisiting it on DVD, I appreciate it even more.It's a black comedy, at times completely wacky, at times profound when it raises moral questions, and at times it turns into somewhat of a superhero comic book story. Steiger's performance is amazing and it's a shame nobody saw it. He portrays his character with passion, depth, and you totally believe this guy and his mission. He has a lengthy monologue in which he describes the tragedy of his past that provoked him to take on his godly quest of bringing justice to the world. The scene is very moving and richly played by Steiger. It was perhaps the last great performance of a long impressive career. Isaac Hayes gives a hilarious supporting performance as does most of the main supporting cast.If you admire Rod Steiger, if you like dark comedy with a point and a brilliantly classic twist ending, you really should do yourself a favor and check this puppy out. I showed it recently to my best friend, a fellow film enthusiast, and he loved it. There are some moments of acting and clever cinematography that burn an image into your mind that is unforgettable. Most of you will totally disagree with me on my view of this film. But it's worth it to me to share my love of this film for those few who do see it and do appreciate it. Thanks for reading! DSS

This is a strange film. It is a black satire that reminds me of a cross between Roger Corman's "Black Scorpion", Wes Craven's "Swamp Thing" and Alfred Hitchcock's "Family Plot". The casting is eclectic with Rod Steiger, Lauren Hutton, Heather Graham, Isaac Hayes and Zelda Rubinsten and deserves an A. The acting, however, is uneven and gets a B. The story (we've been here before) is a C. Not much of the budget is on the screen. With better production values it would have been a very interesting movie. As it is, the production values gets only a D.The look of the film is that of a poor man's direct-to-video. That's too bad. With more texture to cover the obvious staleness of the story (ex: Tim Burton's "Batman") this could have been a remarkable film. Still, it's worth a look even if it never reaches it's potential. I don't know if you can blame the budget or the director, but it just misses. Still, certain moments do transcend the film's problems. Rod Steiger, Isaac Hayes and Heather Graham make this film worth a look even if in the end it is a disappointment.

I really enjoyed this movie. Rod Steiger and Isaac Hayes give wonderful performances. Steiger plays Ben Killan (great name) a man who kidnaps paroled murderers and executes them in a homemade electric chair. In the middle of one execution the power goes out before the prisoner is dead and Ben has to finish him off with a gun. The movie has a great surprise ending.