Review of Code of Silence (1985) by Steve E — 17 Mar 2009

OK, first off. Some people here have said that Norris is stiff as wood, with his acting. He certainly appears like that sometimes, but maybe it's just incidental, which I think it is. Meaning ; His characters are always pretty macho, and he just has this stoic tough image, and I think it comes off as wooden sometimes, but it's not because he's searching for his lines.

I like his acting, in this film there's nothing wrong with it. I think he gives a decent performance, add his presence and stature, and it becomes outstanding. Dennis Farina, and Henry Silva, also give outstanding performances.

This film also has Superb Classic Norris fight scenes, a great 80's style action film music score with synthesizers, one of the greatest most sadistic crime lord, it's shot in beautiful Chicago, and we see the great tall Sears Tower building dominating the city from different angles.

I really think this film was the blueprint for 'Above The Law', which came 3 years later. They both share many similarities. Unfortunately I can't rate it more than three stars, mainly because of these two reasons ; average photography, and a bit slow moving in certain parts.