Review of Desperate Measures

Introduction

Michael Keaton is always worth watching and he`s the best thing in this fairly run-of-the-mill action thriller. Keaton plays a homicidal sociopath (McCabe) who happens to be the only DNA match for Frank Connor`s (Garcia) son. Most of the film takes place in and around the hospital where the bone marrow transplant is to be performed.........

The movie crashes along at a fast pace, running from one action sequence to another with the odd convoluted plot hole (or do I mean twist?) in between.

Video

Being a recent movie, the transfer is excellent with no banding or blurring of colours, even in fast-paced sections. The feature is anamorphic widescreen as one would hope!

Audio

Dolby Digital 5.1 is used rather well through the feature, especially during the action sequences when gunshots and explosions roll around the room nicely. The helicopters are also rather well represented. Voices are always crisp and distinct. No complaints.

Features

A short featurette containing very little in the way of content and a trailer are all you get. To be honest the featurette is really just an extended trailer anyway.......

Conclusion

Not bad if you like the film or you are a fan of the cast. Garcia is flat and not at his best with the ropey script and characterisation but Keaton does a good job of being a (very) nasty man indeed. There are plenty of explosions, lots of running around, a car chase and pretty much everything you`d expect from a generic Hollywood action flick. The idea promises much but the plot is a holey as a Swiss cheese and never quite reaches what could have been a rather good film.

Nevertheless, it`s good mindless entertainment but I`d watch this one on video first. It`s also nice to see the price being reduced to £14.99.