VFW is the latest horror/action hybrid to act as an '80s throwback in the wake of the popularity of hit show STRANGER THINGS. This one feels more like a tight '70s thriller in some respects, with ASSAULT ON PRECINCT 13 in particular an obvious inspiration. A squad of former soldiers find themselves holed up in a bar and under attack from drug-addicted gang members who come on in waves. Our heroes have to use their skills and their wits in order to survive the relentless onslaught.
In filmic terms, this is basic stuff, with indifferent direction and action sequences that aren't the best or most exciting you'll see. There's a plethora of gore effects, but sometimes such moments are handled in a slightly fumbled way. The bad guys are rather ridiculous and the plotting is basic indeed, so don't go looking for much insight or cleverness there.
Where this does excel is the cast, which is an ensemble of old-timers doing their bit: Stephen Lang is assured as the on-edge hero; Martin Kove brings a bit of darkness; William Sadler recalls the glory days of DEMON KNIGHT in a rare hero turn; David Patrick Kelly and George Wendt are fun in bit parts; best of the bunch is the great Fred Williamson, pretty much reprising his FROM DUSK TILL DAWN part. Not a great film, then, but a great cast goes a long way in making this fun.
In filmic terms, this is basic stuff, with indifferent direction and action sequences that aren't the best or most exciting you'll see. There's a plethora of gore effects, but sometimes such moments are handled in a slightly fumbled way. The bad guys are rather ridiculous and the plotting is basic indeed, so don't go looking for much insight or cleverness there.
Where this does excel is the cast, which is an ensemble of old-timers doing their bit: Stephen Lang is assured as the on-edge hero; Martin Kove brings a bit of darkness; William Sadler recalls the glory days of DEMON KNIGHT in a rare hero turn; David Patrick Kelly and George Wendt are fun in bit parts; best of the bunch is the great Fred Williamson, pretty much reprising his FROM DUSK TILL DAWN part. Not a great film, then, but a great cast goes a long way in making this fun.