Tough, no-nonsense Jason Cootes (superbly played by Mark Lenard) and the equally rugged and more cold-blooded Darmody (an excellent and convincing John Russell) are a couple of mercenaries who are hired to assassinate two gorilla leaders on the war-torn island of Guam. Writer/director Terry Bourke relates the absorbing story at a snappy pace, maintains an appropriately gritty and serious tone throughout, develops a good deal of tension, and stages the rousing action set pieces with genuine skill and flair (the dynamic last third is especially brisk and exciting). The sound acting from the capable cast helps a lot: Lenard and Russell both do sterling work in the leads, veteran character actor Key Luke makes for a cunning villain as the ruthless and formidable Colonel Oong, the fetching Linda Avery is suitably seductive (and provides a welcome smidgen of tasty gratuitous female nudity) as the lovely, but deadly Kalin, plus there are praiseworthy contributions from Bobby Canavarro as the eager Kon, Kim Ramos as the vengeful and overzealous Manding, and Gigo Tevzadze as cowardly village leader Malik. The startling outbursts of brutal'n'bloody violence pack a pretty mean punch. The surprise bummer ending is likewise quite powerful. Akira Mimura's cinematography offers several nice panoramic shots of the verdant Guam locations. Nick Demuth's spirited score marches along to a sturdy marital beat. Well worth a watch.
Review of Noon Sunday
