The peaceful California town of Elk Hills is in trouble. The oil workers called in to drill the oil fields have basically taken over the town, killing, robbing and stealing on a daily basis to the point where no one in town is safe. Single father and business owner, Ben Arnold (Jan-Michael Vincent), is asked by the town's committee if his brother, Aaron (Kris Kristofferson), would agree to come in and clean up the town. A Vietnam vet who survived three tours, Aaron agrees, bringing in a four-man mercenary crew to help him get the job done. The problems get cleared up, but Elk Hills has bigger problems now. Aaron and Co. are on a power trip.
Stumbling across this 1970s cheapie on late night Spanish television probably says a lot about the quality of the movie....for those who were wondering about it at least. Granted, there is a certain nostalgic memory from the movie as I spent a couple years tracking it down. There was more of a 'so bad it's good quality' that stuck with me since watching the last 15 minutes of 'Vigilante.' The picture of Kristofferson and his "gang" decked out in band uniforms shooting it out with an overall-clad Vincent and his crew of fed-up townspeople was too much to even consider forgetting. So what's the verdict now that I've seen the whole movie?
It's a dud, and overall a pretty lousy movie, but it is entertaining. Directed and written by George Armitage, 'Vigilante' has that cheap, low budget feel that I often think of as synonymous with the 1970s. Clearly not made with much of a budget, it has the look of a studio backlot with characters, story and gunfights thrown into a blender. Whatever sticks, that's what makes it into the final version. Top it off with an oddly-toned soundtrack heavy on a light banjo theme, and you've got a winner.
So many years later, the ending is by far the best thing going for 'Vigilante.' And I don't mean that as some sort of backhanded compliment like 'The movie's over...that was the best part.' The build-up to that final confrontation can be a tad on the slow side, but Armitage must have decided he'd had enough. A power-hungry Aaron has gone too far so brother Ben must stop him no matter the cost. Automatic weapons, bazookas, grenades, and did I mention Kristofferson dressed up as a band leader, complete with red and gold braided outfit. On the oddity scale, it's close to a 10, especially with Vincent chasing him wearing overalls. I guess they were comfy and meant for a good chase/gunfight.
If you're looking for great acting, first off a movie titled 'Vigilante Force' should have been a clue you were watching the wrong movie. Second, it's fun to see Kristofferson and Vincent play off each other. Kristofferson's Aaron is the cool Vietnam vet who with the snap of a finger basically goes insane. No explanation provided, he just wants money. He spends most of the movie shirtless standing around being shirtless. Not an actor with the most range to begin with, Vincent is a bit stiff with his delivery, but let's face it. I can't rip him too much. The script doesn't exactly give him much to do or work with. Also look for Bernadette Peters and a pre-Dallas Victoria Principal as the love interests, Brad Dexter as the Elk Hills mayor, and Judson Pratt as the can't win sheriff.
Mindlessly dumb movie, but one I still enjoyed for what it is...a mindless dumb movie. Nothing more, nothing less so don't expect much, and you'll moderately enjoy it.
Vigilante Force <---trailer (1976): ** 1/2 /****
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