On B List of Movie Reviews
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Beyond the Law (1993)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
10/11
10/11:
A better film than Harley Davidson and the Marlboro Man,
Beyond the Law provides an interesting
but mundane insight into an undercover cop infiltrating the underworld of drug-dealing bikers.
Why I say the word "mundane" is that I've seen it all before, starting with probably
Serpico. So, the topic is nothing
new. Also, Charlie Sheen fails to achieve depth for his character and doesn't pass for an authentic outlaw biker because
he looks too clean.
Another issue is it's not convincing. If director Larry Ferguson could bring out the authentic biker look like how
Michael Mann did with the prisoners from Folsom State Penitentiary for
The Jericho Mile, the film would earn respect from me.
So, it's disappointing to be cheated this way.
Yet I like Beyond the Law, regardless, because the subject matter is interesting and Charlie Sheen makes it fun. His
anger seems to be for real. Of course, he has a long history of alcohol and drug abuse and woman-beating
ways. On the other hand, Linda Fiorentino does nothing remarkable except to offer a gratuitous sex scene.
All in all, Beyond the Law requires authenticity to pass muster.