Review of Day of Wrath (1943) by Jason G — 11 Mar 2010
Too good to be a "movie"...... but falls just short of being a "film".
DAY OF WRATH's biggest flaw is in casting Christopher Lambert in the lead.
Lambert has been good in one film and one film only. HIGHLANDER. The character he portrayed in that film was just quirky and off-centre enough for viewers to buy Lambert in the part. In many ways... HIGHLANDER was such a perfect vehicle for Lambert, that it ruined him for any other role.
That is certainly the case in DAY OF WRATH.
The rest of the cast is extremely capable and bolstered mightily by excellent cinematography... authentic settings... brilliant lighting and well-paced action. Even the story is intriguing and strong enough to keep you watching...
But then there's Lambert.
The man is just not a good actor. His "Peter Lorre-esque" accent is distracting to say the least and his ability to thoroughly mangle the English language while delivering his lines can't help but make you wince every time he's on the screen.
I will give Lambert credit for delivering what must have been an absolutely draining, physical performance for a man his age but almost anybody else in his role would have made DAYS OF WRATH just that much easier to watch.
At best... a rental for fans of Historical fiction.
This review of Day of Wrath (1943) was written by Jason G on 11 Mar 2010.
Day of Wrath has generally received positive reviews.
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