Review of Death Journey (1976) by Real G — 20 Apr 2004

This is a surprisingly effective film. Nevermind the overtly simple plot, the action from scene to scene gradually push this film to an abrupt end. Although the action is incredibly fake, there is enough twists and turns to keep the film moving.

What this film has that many of Williamson's don't is chemistry between character A and character B. The plotline goes as follows; an ex-cop is hired to bring an informer from New York to Los Angeles in 48 hours to testify against the mafia.

Ok, yes, mindnumbingly simple plotline, but the execution of it is well done. The chemistry between Williamson and the informer is believable and something resembling Jules and Vince Vega in Pulp Fiction or Ramsey and Doug in Lady Cocoa.

There comes a point in the film where Crowder (Williamson's character) seems to be killing everybody left and right for no reason, i.e. the public bathroom scene and it seems after that Williamson decided there was no where else to take the story and it just ends.

I suppose it works for this film, but give the script to a more reknown director and I'm sure the ending would have been altered some. Still, Death Journey is what pop culture critics refer to as a good "popcorn movie.

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