Above the Law (1988)

Born To Watch - A Movie Podcast

Hey there, fellow Watchers! Welcome back to another episode of the Born to Watch Podcast. This week, we took a trip down memory lane with the 1988 action flick "Above the Law," which many of us remember fondly from our teenage years. However, revisiting it now, we found that it didn't quite hold up as well as we expected. Let’s dive into why this Steven Seagal debut might be better left in the past.

"Above the Law" was directed by Andrew Davis, who later found success with films like "The Fugitive." This movie marks the debut of Steven Seagal as Nico Toscani, a martial artist turned cop. In our youth, the film's explosive action and gritty storyline seemed groundbreaking. But watching it with fresh eyes, the cracks in its veneer are hard to ignore.

The movie opens with a flashback to Nico’s Vietnam history, where the CIA recruits him. This backstory is meant to give depth to his character but ends up feeling clichéd and overblown. Fast-forward to present-day Chicago, where Nico, now a police officer, stumbles upon a conspiracy involving corrupt officials and drug trafficking. The plot seemed so gripping years ago but now comes across as convoluted and lacking in real substance.

One of the biggest letdowns is the film’s action sequences. While Seagal’s real-life martial arts skills may be considered at the time to be undeniable, the fight scenes feel repetitive and lack the excitement we remember. The choreography, once thrilling, now seems sluggish and poorly executed. The realism Seagal brought to the action genre in the late '80s has been eclipsed by more dynamic and inventive fight scenes in modern cinema.

Seagal’s performance as Nico Toscani also falls flat on rewatch. His stoic delivery and limited range of expressions make it hard to connect with his character. What once seemed like a cool, zen-like demeanour now feels more like wooden acting. Seagal’s physical presence is still impressive, but it’s not enough to carry the movie.

The supporting cast, which includes Pam Grier as Nico’s partner, Delores ‘ Jacks Jackson and Henry Silva as the villainous Kurt Zagon, does their best with what they’re given. Grier’s charisma is undeniable, but her character lacks depth and is often relegated to the sidelines. Silva’s portrayal of Zagon is menacing, but his role as the rogue CIA operative is a caricature of villainy, lacking nuance.

The cinematography in "Above the Law" also doesn’t hold up as well as we’d hoped. Chicago's gritty, urban landscape is still a highlight, but the film’s overall visual style feels dated. The practical effects and real locations, which once added a sense of realism, now seem low-budget compared to today’s standards. Andrew Davis’s direction, while competent, lacks the flair that would make the movie visually engaging.

The soundtrack, composed by David Michael Frank, does little to elevate the film. The music, which once seemed tense and driving, now feels generic and forgettable. It neither enhances the action nor adds to the emotional weight of the scenes.

One of the most disappointing aspects of revisiting "Above the Law" is its socio-political themes. The movie attempts to tackle issues of governmental corruption and abuse of power, but these themes are handled with a heavy hand and lack subtlety. What seemed like a bold commentary in our teenage years now comes across as preachy and superficial.

Moreover, "Above the Law" relays a bygone era in action cinema. Steven Seagal’s debut may have established him as a new kind of action star, but his style feels outdated. The film set a template that Seagal would follow in many of his future movies, but that template has not aged well. Modern audiences demand more complexity and innovation, which "Above the Law" fails to deliver.

In terms of cultural impact, while the film did pave the way for a more realistic portrayal of martial arts in Western cinema, its influence has waned. The once groundbreaking portrayal of Aikido is overshadowed by more dynamic and varied martial arts depictions in contemporary films.

Revisiting "Above the Law," it’s clear that nostalgia can be a double-edged sword. The film, which once held a special place in our hearts, now feels like a product of its time, struggling to stay relevant in today’s action landscape. It’s a reminder that not all movies age gracefully, and sometimes, our memories of them are better than the reality.

In conclusion, "Above the Law" might have been a thrilling ride back in the late '80s, but it doesn’t hold up under the scrutiny of a modern rewatch. Its dated action, flat performances, and heavy-handed themes make it a tough sell for today’s audiences. If you’re a die-hard Steven Seagal fan or have a soft spot for '80s action flicks, you might still enjoy it. But for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that not all cinematic memories are worth revisiting.

So, fellow Watchers, if you’re thinking about rewatching this one, you might want to think twice. Sometimes, it’s better to let our teenage memories stay in the past. Until next time, keep watching and remember that some things are best left above the law.