Hellbound (1994)

Synopsis

Frank Shatter and his partner, Calvin Jackson, follow a lead to Jerusalem to track down the man who murdered Rabbi Shindler. They're in for more than they bargained for when they find out who the murderer really is.

Thoughts

Over the years we've been treated to endless Chuck Norris jokes, Walker, Texas Ranger and all the roundhouse kicks we could ever want. I could care less about his politics because they're just a giant pissing contest that I'd rather have no part in. I enjoy him as an actor, don't know him personally, therefore, don't care. 

Hellbound is one of the many random horror films of the 90's. One of the "if you blink, you missed it" films. If you're a fan of Chuck Norris, the probability of you seeing it is pretty high. For those who have missed it, strap yourself in for some classic Chuck, stereotypical funny sidekick and roundhouse kicks that can defeat anything, even the supernatural. 

Apparently, the director, Aaron Norris, is a fan of Star Wars because the film opens with the slanted scrolling upward text that provides a brief background. For a director, Norris' brother isn't too bad. He's sure as hell isn't Tarantino, or Nolan, but he did a decent job with this. He's actually directed a handful of his brother's films: Sidekicks, Delta Force 2 and quite possibly the greatest Chuck Norris film of all time, The Hitman. 

The acting is nothing the academy would take a second look at, but Norris, Calvin Levels an Christopher Neame do a somewhat damn good job. Surprising, right? Levels is most notably known for his carjacking thug role, Joe Gipp, in Adventures in Babysitting. Norris and Levels are a good fit on screen as Frank Shatter and Calvin Jackson. The buddy cop banter doesn't come off as entirely cheesy it seems. Neame, who plays Lockley has this menacing voice that comes out when the demon is in control of his being. I love a haunting voice. It just sticks to you. Oh, and his eyes. In '94 it was a neat effect and it still is. Take the eyes of a goat and somehow make them creepy.

Now, let's talk story. Simple and not hard to follow. Well, an action horror film shouldn't feel like a brain teaser anyways. So, don't expect to feel enlightened or that you've just increased your I.Q. You're going to have a bad time if you do. There is a head scratching moment though. How in the hell did Shatter not recognize Lockley in Jerusalem? Yeah, it was dark when Shatter took a beating from Lockley, but he had to have seen some remnants of his face? Something. Anything. Whatever. 

If you haven't seen Hellbound, you're not missing much really. But, it is quite a fun action horror flick that keeps your attention and doesn't slow down. So, if you come across it in a bargain bin, or better yet, comes across the triple feature that includes The Hitman and Forced Vengeance, go ahead and pick it up. Not the worst way to waste 95 minutes.

IMDB: 4.7/10

Rotten Tomatoes: ?/10 (Audience 2.9/5)

WeFLM: 5/10

Come for the roundhouse kicks. Stay for the roundhouse kicks.

-kp