Sunday, June 28, 2009  Vigilante (1983)  The story of
“Vigilante” [1983] starts with Fred “The Hammer” Williamson
(“Mean Johnny Barrows”) in an underground room, surrounded by
several people. He starts to explain to them that he is sick and
tired of being afraid at nights and how they need to take the
streets back from the gangs.  The tone of the picture is
officially set after this one shot.  Soon after, we see for
ourselves exactly what Williamson was talking about. This is the
best “Death Wish” rip-off – one which even manages to surpass
its inspiration.  What separates “Vigilante” from “Death Wish”
is that William Lustig (”Relentless”) directed without concern
for the box-office and attempted to see how far he could push
the audience, resulting in a no holds barred film that manages
to consistently shock its audience.  Simply put, it’s an
exploitation masterpiece.  Robert Forster, (”Walking the Edge”),
is an Oscar-nominated, underrated B-movie veteran who gives a
brave and daring performance in “Vigiliant