In this adaptation of a Jack Higgins novel, a hilariously miscast Mickey Rourke is Martin Fallon, an Irish terrorist who experiences a change of heart after the accidental bombing of a bus full of young children. He vows, "no more killing". Then, flamboyant mobster / funeral director Jack Meehan (Alan Bates) and his flunkies convince Fallon to do that "one last job". The problem is, Fallon assassinates his target only to be witnessed by a priest, Michael Da Costa (Bob Hoskins). And this time, Fallon sticks to his word about no more killing, and lets the priest live. This just creates problems for everybody involved. Meanwhile, Fallons' old IRA crony, Liam Docherty (Liam Neeson), determinedly tracks him down, for the purpose of either bringing Fallon back to the fold, or killing *him*.
Although the distributor, Samuel Goldwyn, did the film no favors by trying to turn it into a typical action film, the material is still compelling, deriving most of its effectiveness from the relationship between the haunted, regretful former terrorist and the priest. Da Costa is, for a while, sick and tired of Fallon always hanging around his church (Fallon is sweet on the holy mans' innocent, blind niece (Sammi Davis)). But the holy man (who realizes that, with his past, he's not that dissimilar to Fallon) and his sense of compassion compel him to try to save Fallons' soul.
Hoskins is fine in support, with Bates relishing a chance to chew on the scenery, and Christopher Fulford similarly stealing the show as Meehans' creepy, hot-headed younger brother Billy. In addition to Davis, other gorgeous ladies are nicely showcased: Camille Coduri and Alison Doody. Rourkes' performance is passable, while his attempt at an Irish accent is definitely NOT. He sounds like he's warning the rest of the cast to keep their hands off his Lucky Charms.
All in all, *I* thought this was actually pretty entertaining, although it *would* be interesting to see a version closer to what director Mike Hodges & Rourke intended.
Seven out of 10.
Although the distributor, Samuel Goldwyn, did the film no favors by trying to turn it into a typical action film, the material is still compelling, deriving most of its effectiveness from the relationship between the haunted, regretful former terrorist and the priest. Da Costa is, for a while, sick and tired of Fallon always hanging around his church (Fallon is sweet on the holy mans' innocent, blind niece (Sammi Davis)). But the holy man (who realizes that, with his past, he's not that dissimilar to Fallon) and his sense of compassion compel him to try to save Fallons' soul.
Hoskins is fine in support, with Bates relishing a chance to chew on the scenery, and Christopher Fulford similarly stealing the show as Meehans' creepy, hot-headed younger brother Billy. In addition to Davis, other gorgeous ladies are nicely showcased: Camille Coduri and Alison Doody. Rourkes' performance is passable, while his attempt at an Irish accent is definitely NOT. He sounds like he's warning the rest of the cast to keep their hands off his Lucky Charms.
All in all, *I* thought this was actually pretty entertaining, although it *would* be interesting to see a version closer to what director Mike Hodges & Rourke intended.
Seven out of 10.