Death Ring [DVD]

This is one of the best B Movies I have ever seen. A stellar B movie cast of stars who are relatives of big name actors (McQueen, Norris, Swayze) and a really enjoyable none too serious plot. Billy Drago stars as the sadistic hunter orchestrating a death ring tournament (bit like Battle Royale). Dom Swayze is a guy who survived a previous death ring hunt and is now living in a cave wearing the same clothes for 6 months. Norris is the expert they call in to be hunted this time around, and Chad McQueen is his mate Skylord Harris who wants to come to his rescue. Although it's nonsense this is the most enjoyable kind of nonsense. Action packed, funny and reasonably well acted. B movies don't come much better than this.

In 1992, the film world was graced with the creation of the greatest movie ever. Well, maybe not to conventional moviegoers, but to real men and B fans everywhere, Death Ring is the definition of humans living that one moment when they achieve perfection. Chad McQueen and Don Swayze are the dynamic duo that are to B what Redford and Newman are to real movies. Swayze's contorted faces and McQueen's tough attitude and sleeveless denim vest(yeah, they're snaps) make this the best B effort yet. Then when you throw in Mike Norris and his wonderful overacting (take special notice to the completely unnecessary shoulder roll at the end of the movie- One of our favorites)and the always terrible Billy Drago. Drago's character, Denton Vachs, is the diabolical mastermind behind a human manhunt in which he kidnnapps Norris and offers the world greatest hunters(including the immortal Apache) a bounty to kill Mr. Collins on Vachs's private island. Is this the perfect premise for B? Come on. Does Sid the Elf jump out of a stocking? The planets just aligned on this one. So, if you're looking for a life-altering 90 minutes, involvig human safari, watch the best movie ever:Death Ring. It is hands down the winner of the Sid the Elf Lifetime Achievement Award for Best B Action.

Pushing a good 15 years of great times will always have it's foundation with 1993 release of Death Ring. Sure we would've gotten along o.k without it, but surely this has been the inspiration for so so many great memories. We often discuss how tragic it would have been late that Saturday evening if we passed on Death Ring for it's lack of vavum. Imagine if we actually clicked it off during the opening while Mike Norris tears down the mountain on his Huffy earning his place as the worlds ultimate specimen. Honestly it's a scary thought. Thankfully for us that evening we decided to put our usual childhood quest for soft-core to the side to discover the true art of B at it's finest. Even Santa had to awake from his slumber on the recliner and partake in the laughs. It's what started our addiction to the beauty of movies "so bad they're good," and after 15 years (and at least 30 viewings) it leads the pack with no signs of fatigue.

For those poor souls out there who haven't experienced the ultimate action experience known as Death Ring we will give you a little synopsis to clear things up. It opens with Matt Collins (Mike Norris), yeah that's right Chuck's son, as he competes in a vigorous battle that only the toughest can complete. No matter how many mullet laden competitors attempt to get ahead they just can't surpass the glory that is Mr. Collins. Not only did his win catch the eye of his sub-par girlfriend and sleeveless denim sporting friend Skylord Harris (Chad Mcqueen), but it happened to make the local news on Death Ring island where the diabolical Danton Vachs takes some interest. He realizes Matt Collins will make the perfect contestant for his twisted game of manhunt led by the immortal Appache, Iceman, and Mr. Chen.

Once Mr. Collins and his old lady are kidnapped they arrive on Death Ring Island where they are told what the daily activities of their stay will be. Matt gets a 2 hour start to haul a** as far as he can before the crew of bloodthirsty hunters are unleashed to rain down blows upon him. Unfortunately for the hunters they don't realize Ex-Green Beret Mr. Collins is ready to drop the hammer with a homemade spear, great mud camouflage, a knights of the round table shirt, and more shoulder rolls then you can handle. Also factor in when he unites with cave dwelling John Blackwell (Don Swayze), yeah Don Swayze you read it right, to form a duo powerhouse that no band of maniacs can overcome. Once Skylord happens to find Death Ring island in his chopper all Vach's bets are off. Cause now it's officially go time!

So obviously we have a huge, most likely the worlds greatest, love for the action B masterpiece known as Death Ring. After all these viewings we've realized it's more then just a great B because it happens to also to be out favorite movie of all time. Over the years it's aged perfectly like a fine wine surpassing and childhood memories we ever had of it. When a film can be watched 15 years later and be better then the first viewing you know you've found the perfect film. Most will read this review and think we are absolutely nuts, and that's perfectly fine by us. We know what this baby means to us and promise if you are a fan of great B action you can't go wrong with Death Ring (that you can find for less then 3 bucks). Not to mention you get to see Mike Norris, Chad Mcqueen, and Don Swayze all together on the same screen! How to you beat that?

Updated "Death Ring" is a spin-off from the 1932 classic "The Most Dangerous Game." The heart of the story is using men as prey for other men. And it's done well in "Death Ring" with Mike Norris (Delta Force III), Chad McQueen (Martial Law), Don Swayze (Shy People) and Billy Drago (The Untouchables). Drago plays a diabolical millionaire who holds a manhunt annually for profit. Norris, a survivalist, falls into the hands of Drago and becomes prey for the most vicious men alive. This is a great film to watch for action and collaboration in a grueling battle to the death. A must see.

All I want to know is why Don wasn't nominated for an oscar in his huge role in this tantalyzing B movie. Don Swayze gives a great performance in Death Ring. He portrays a man who was the target of a sick human version of a safari. However, he had the courage and determination to hide in a cave for six months until the hunt for him was over. He then teamed up with a band of misfits to teach his evil hunters a lesson. The part of the evil hunter was filled with a captivating performence by B-movie veteran Jan-Michael Vincent. The performence of this all-star cast and the elequintly written script makes Death Ring a classic in its own time.