Synopsis
A powerful bomb explodes in downtown LA law office. The authorities suspect terrorism,but former FBI agent (now officer for the Bureau of Postal Investigation) Randall Batkinkoff hashis doubts. Politics interferes with his investigation, but he gradually becomes involved asanother bomb goes off. Evidence points to violent survivalist, but is he really the right man?
The rebellious investigator who’s always right. The politically-motivated chief investigatorwho hamstrings th… search. The surfer-dude computer whiz. And so on, and so on, and so on. Ithas all been done before, and better, many times. The dialogue is risible in the extreme, and leadsBatkinkoff and Elizabeth Berkley are impossible to buy as hardened police officers. There area decent number of (obviously CGI) explosions, though, and the story does move along with paceand economy.
Audio
Most of Velocity’s straight-to-video action fare is limited to 2.0, but this release has a 5.1track as well. The separation of the sound effects is good, with lots of activity and movementbetween left and right, and front and rear. The bass notes in the main theme are most impressive,and the kabooms and roar of flames are in full, enthusiastic surround. Some of the surroundeffects aren’t placed appropriately, but generally this is a solid track.
Video
The fullscreen image is not as soft as is the case with a lot of these DTV releases, thoughthe sharpness could still be improved. The colours and blacks are strong. The print grain isminimal, but there is some digital artifacting that takes its place. Edges tend to break up, andsome of the pans look jerky.
Special Features
The trailer, and that’s it. The main screen of the menu is scored.
Closing Thoughts
A middling production, entertaining enough for 90 minutes, but nothing more.
Special Features List
- Trailer
