Review of F.I.S.T.

Introduction

F.I.S.T. was made in 1978 and stars Sylvester Stallone as an ambitious truck driver longing to better the lives of his co-workers climbs his way up through the ranks of his labour union (The Federation of Interstate Truckers). But as he moves up in the world, he begins to sacrifice his ideals for expediency and even accepts mob assistance in his quest for power.

Stallone made F.I.S.T. after he hit super-stardom playing Rocky, and he also co-wrote, ensuring that his portrayal of Johnny Kovak was in-keeping with his new found super star status. Stallone followed F.I.S.T. with Paradise Alley, Rocky II, Rocky III and First Blood amongst others as his career went from strength to strength.

Video

The video is presented in the original theatrical ratio of 1.85:1 and is of above average quality, bearing in mind that the movie is now 25 years old, there image is relatively free from film grain and dirt, although does look a little grey at times.

The film is set in the 1930s Cleveland and the visuals are surprisingly strong with excellent sets and locations and the costumes, vehicles and surrounding all looking very authentic.

There is also plenty of action, including large-scale on-street battles as the labour movement fights against employers desperate to break the financially damaging strikes. This action is well filmed and quite convincing, although obviously nowhere near as brutal as today`s movies.

Audio

The soundtrack is presented in Dolby Digital 2.0, and whilst a Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack would have been preferable, the sound is adequately reproduced.

The dialogue, music and effects are all clear and the film has an appropriate score which adds to the feel of the movie.

Features

As usual with MGM back catalogue releases, F.I.S.T. only features the film`s original theatrical trailer, accessed through dull but functional menus.

Conclusion

I don`t remember seeing F.I.S.T. before, and found it to be a well made entertaining movie, although after the first three quarters of the film it begins to lose its way somewhat.

Stallone gives a good performance as Johnny Kovak especially given his wooden acting style and dubious command of the English language - and makes some typically passionate speeches during the film. The supporting cast also gel together quite well, which combined with the biopic nature of the film keeps things interesting.

The video and sound are of a reasonable standard, and the film is very well made, but sadly no extras are included - a making-of or some documentary footage of the 1930s labour movement would have been nice.

Overall, a surprisingly enjoyable film that is worth a watch.