Review of 52 Pick-Up (1986) by David S — 07 Jan 2008

Director John Frankenheimer's cinematic output during the 1980's was certainly lacking, producing no substantial film of any real importance. That being said, this is probably Frankenheimer's best work during this lackluster period in the director's career.

Indeed, the script is rather routine, filled to the brim with unnecessary sleaze and over-the-top melodramatics, but there are several aspects that elevate standard material to a higher level.

The strongest of these is Frankenheimer's solid direction - he adds a realistic grittiness and palpable intensity to the proceedings that works in drawing the viewer in, even if the script doesn't.

Another aspect is the performances, namely that of John Glover as the villain. Probably most known today as Lionel Luthor from Smallville, Glover adds potent sliminess and authentic ruthlessness to his character that the viewer will just love to hate, thus making the confrontation between Glover and Scheider all the more intense.

Last, but not least, is the score. Admittedly, it is certainly dated within the 80's, but it adds a somber mood to the film and avoids going for shocks and alternating levels of intensity - it's subtle and makes the film seem classier that it really is.

Be warned, however, that there is nothing original here at all. It's routine material just well executed, nothing more and nothing less. If you enjoy thrillers involving blackmail and revenge (and don't mind a little sleaze), then this will fill the bill nicely. Others should check out Frankenheimer's more prestigious films, such as his masterpiece of cold-war paranoia "The Manchurian Candidate", his World War II actioner "The Train", or his sci-fi thriller "Seconds".