Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder

(John Flynn, 1977)

Rating: 3/5

Reviewed by Dave Lancaster

Summary: Gritty revenge thriller with a solid lead role from William Devane as a war vet who finds the real battle at home.
 

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Paul Schrader whote 'Rolling Thunder', which owes a lot to 'Taxi Driver' which he penned around the same time. Both have a Vietnam vet returning home from the war to clean up the filth that remains on the urban battlefield of home. 'Taxi Driver' is without a doubt a stronger film, but 'Rolling Thunder' is no mere knock-off.

William Devane tackles a rare lead role well as Major Charles Rane. He's been away for years. Many, including his wife, assumed he was dead, so when he gets released from a POW camp and finally shipped home, his welcome isn't what he hoped (much like the first, sensible 'Rambo' film).

He's given a few prizes for his time - notably a case of silver dollars, one for each day of imprisonment. When some thugs break in to steal them, disfigure him and kill his family in the process, Rane opts for brutal revenge using the skills he acquired in the war.

With a bust up hand with a hook in its place as well as his icy stare and penetrating power, Devane is memorable is vengeful vet but a plodding second act with an underdeveloped romance plot bogs the film.

By the third act, all hell breaks loose as Rane and his pal (an early role for Tommy Lee Jones) gang together to take out the canon fodder. Impressive, but ultimately hollow entertainment.

 

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