Review of Cohen and Tate (1989) by Jessica H — 27 Oct 2010

Its a generation gap for mafia hitmen as they drive a child back to their employer. After killing the boy's mother and father in a rather gruesome opening scene, the film has a terrific start.

Roy Schieder unfortunately isn't a good guy in this one but he's worth watching as he's a better person than his young hot head partner Tate (Adam Baldwin).

Cohen and Tate are two mafia hitmen who don't exactly hit it off. Cohen is an old pro, a cold-blooded killer who is all about business. Tate is a young hot-head who kills for fun. Together, they kidnap 9-year-old Travis Knight, an eyewitness to a recent mob rub out.

Now, they've got 24 hours to deliver him to Houston for interrogation and elimination. Realizing their mutual hatred is his only hope, Travis plays this lethal odd couple against one another. But when their volatile words explode into a fiery gun battle, he's caught in the crossfire.

The obviously more talented Scheider is so much better than Baldwin, who over acts as a psycho. Having the boy outwit these two is of course, pure fiction and hurts credibility. But still, who knows what goes on in such a tense filled situation.

The saving grace of the film is Roy Scheider, the aging but still professional. With hearing aid and all, he lets us know who's boss.

I heartedly recommend this tense thriller for all that love criminal action flicks. Its a long ride to Houston in this ride to hell.

Original Release Date: Jan 27, 1989.

Cast.

Roy Scheider.

Adam Baldwin.

Harley Cross.

Cooper Huckabee.

Suzanne Savoy.

Crew.

Director: Eric Red.

Writer: Eric Red.

Producer: Antony Rufus Isaacs.

Producer: Jeff Young.

Cinematographer: Victor J. Kemper.