The Glimmer Man

The Glimmer Man (1996)


Runtime: 91 minutes


Directed by: John Gray


Starring: Steven Seagal, Keenan Ivory Wayans, Bob Gunton, Brian Cox


From: Warner Brothers


Here is a random movie I watched on Encore HD late last night; in fact it's been on the Encore channels quite a bit as of late. I figured I should see it as I've never given it a viewing before; this is with knowing that a lot of people say it's no good. This is an oddity as this is not the standard Steven Seagal film where mostly on his own he kicks a lot of ass. Not only does he get paired up with a wisecracking partner (Wayans) but the elements of a Seven-style thriller are present.


To copy and paste from the IMDb: “Jack Cole is a soft spoken, mystical, new age New York cop with a checkered past. He is transferred to Los Angeles to help Los Angeles cop Jim Campbell solve a series of brutal murders in which the victims are crucified. The murders that have happened since Jack arrived in Los Angeles just don't sit right with him. When the killer, known as the "Family Man", kills Ellen DunLeavy, who happens to be Jack's ex wife and the mother of his two kids, and Ellen's husband Andrew DunLeavy, it becomes personal - especially when Jack's prints are found on Ellen's body. Jack meets with his military mentor Smith, not knowing that Smith is in cahoots with local crime boss Frank Deverell.”


The problem with this movie is that much of the comedy falls flat as it isn't that funny and the Seven-style elements... I prefer watching Seven or another movie that actually does it well. By the end it becomes a typical action movie anyhow. At least the action in this movie ended up being entertaining (even if preposterous at times), Seagal was fine at fighting (although those scenes are shot too closely; maybe a double was used already due to Seagal's age and portliness) and there are some cool explosion and villain deaths. So, this wasn't a total waste of time; the movie just isn't that good and is really a product of its mid-90's time. At least they did make fun of his wacky Eastern-inspired dress.



Also, a product known as POWDERED DEER PENIS was mentioned. It was said to be an old Chinese thing and it resulted in dumb jokes but I still chuckle at the general idea. I'll be back Wednesday night.