Here where I live in Southeast Asia, people love films like Bring Him Back Dead. They don’t give a crap how clever the writing is or isn’t, how low the budget, how unknown the actors – they just want an easy watch with some action sequences and Western world scenery. If this description conveys your current viewing mood, this crime/actioner might be worth a casual click on your On-Demand menu.
A half dozen dirt bags plot a diamond heist from a jewelry store – after which, they will meet up in a nice cabin in the woods to turn over the stolen goods to Trent, their gang leader (Louis Mandylor). As you might imagine, the robbery does not go smoothly (if it did, we wouldn’t have a movie, right?) and people are killed and one of the robbers is gravely wounded.
Nevertheless, they show up at the cabin only to learn from Trent that they still have to wait a few hours more before getting paid, as a buyer is en route with a briefcase full of cash to make the exchange.
Much bickering and double-crossing ensues during this waiting period. Without spoiling the how and why, Alex (Gary Daniels) takes the loot and Trent’s daughter, Lisa (Katie Keene) and they head into the woods and on the run, which sets off a plot twist or two and some awkward chases involving two ATVs and a horse. Trent has ordered the lackeys to rescue his daughter and, yes, to bring back Alex dead.
Although cast with mostly B-movie veterans, the many characters make a mark and each have their own distinct traits that make them interesting to watch. Poor Daniel Baldwin, a really good actor who’s had some personal difficulties over the years (he’s the brother of Alec and the other Baldwin family actors) gets about 5 minutes or so of screen time. He’s got such an impactful screen presence, but he’s more visible on the poster than in the movie. The other actors are giving the low budget production more than its money’s worth, too.
The fight sequences are really, really bad. And I only mention this because there are many of them, and several of the actors are experienced and even noted fighters/martial artists. But the choreography is so clumsy and stagey that you might just smile during what are meant to be intense flashes of action.
I found myself, just like the characters, waiting for the pay off, and kudos for a few unforeseen twists in the final act that made it worth the wait. It isn’t high art, but my Indonesian neighbors (and maybe you?) will dig it.
Bring Him Back Dead is currently available on digital and video on-demand platforms| 2 out of 4 Stars