Gary Daniels found himself in minor roles in films like Ring of Fire and Deadly Bet before landing a meaty role in 1993’s Firepower, aka Fire Force. It came out at a time when PM Entertainment was beginning to find its footing. Richard Pepin directs the film and would serve as my own personal introduction to the production powerhouse that continues to fascinate me. Fokus Media is bringing many of PM Entertainment’s movies to Blu-ray, and this is the next one I’ll be taking a deeper look at.
In 2007, crime rules in most metropolitan areas, such as Los Angeles, with specific areas being designated as a “Zone of Personal Freedom.” It’s referred to by most as a “Hell Zone.” Created to help ease the strain on the police and their budgets, it has now turned into a cesspool for the lowest of the low, especially gangs, and the police have no jurisdiction.
Two officers, Sledge (Gary Daniels) and Braniff (Chad McQueen), are on the hunt for The Swordsman (Jim Hellwig), a notorious criminal who has escaped custody and taken refuge in the “Hell Zone” where he competes in the Death Ring. These fights to the death are sanctioned by Drexal (Joseph Ruskin), a criminal mastermind who also happens to be behind the sale of a counterfeit AIDS vaccine, which is doing more harm than good.
Braniff and Sledge are both willing to risk everything to go undercover and not only infiltrate the Hell Zone but the Death Ring as well. They’ll have to put their fists and feet to the test when battling the most vicious fighters known to man while trying to keep their real identities a secret. While Sledge is single and on the prowl, Braniff has a wife and son whom he has sworn to protect. Should the truth about who he is leak, not only his own life will be in danger, but that of his family as well.
RELATED: ‘Arcade’ (1993) Blu-ray Review: Albert Pyun Was Ahead of His Time
Firepower is an excellent showcase for both Gary Daniels and Chad McQueen. While this film really belongs to McQueen, there’s no denying the impressive screen presence of Daniels. 1993 was a busy year for the performer, with appearances in a total of five films, including Albert Pyun’s Knights and City Hunter, starring Jackie Chan and Richard Norton.
During the late 1980s and early 1990s, McQueen had a fairly solid run as a leading man in B-action pictures. In fact, in 1992, he starred in the film Death Ring with Don Swayze (brother of Patrick) and Mike Norris (son of Chuck), at a time when it was cool to cast lesser-known family members of big stars in films together.
Daniels and McQueen have great chemistry, and both actors really seemed to be enjoying themselves. This film is also of note since Art Camacho actually has a meaty and memorable role as Viper, another fighter in the Death Ring who strikes up a friendship with Sledge and Braniff while they’re undercover. Even though he had more responsibility as an actor here, he still had time to work behind the scenes as the fight choreographer.
Also of note, Firepower would be the first and only feature film appearance of Jim Hellwig, aka The Ultimate Warrior, one of the biggest stars ever to do battle in a wrestling ring. He has very little dialogue in this film, but he’s able to project his larger-than-life persona into a memorable villain.
There’s never a shortage of action in Firepower. It’s loaded with martial art action, car chases, explosions, and shootouts. Since it’s set in a near-future, some of the weaponry his futuristic, including weaponized police motorcycles. There’s a beautifully shot explosion with two cars flying and flipping through the air, engulfed in flames. This is grade A entertainment and a highlight in the PM catalogue.
RELATED: ‘Guardian Angel’ (1994) Blu-ray Review: A Transfer that Leaves Fans Breathless
This transfer is the best the movie has ever looked. It really takes the viewing experience to another level. The Fokus Media release comes in different covers and packaging, but it’s the mediabook that’s what collectors will want. Very similar to the release of the Ring of Fire trilogy, this 2-disc set also includes a German-language booklet that’s attached in the center of the case with an essay by Thorsten Hanisch and some great archival photos. The bonus features include memorials to Chad McQueen and Jim Hellwig, interviews with Daniels, Art Camacho, Gil A. Wadsworth, trailers, and more. This is a Region ‘B’ release, so know that you’ll need a region-free player to view it.
The movie itself is an exciting, futuristic, martial arts actioner brought back to life by Fokus Media to introduce to a new generation of fans.
Learn more about this release and others on the official Fokus Media website.
We’re hardworking geeks who love to geek out, but we can’t do it without you! If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it, please consider tipping our writers. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
