Review of Silent Rage (1982) by Rich M — 16 May 2009

Another title of this movie could be "Chuck Norris vs. Michael Myers". Chuck is a small town sheriff who tangles with a psychotic killer, only to watch him be fatally gunned down by his deputies.

At the hospital, the killer is saved by an unscrupulous doctor that injects the man with an experimental chemical that causes any wounds to instantly heal, basically making him unstoppable. This makes a great cross between action and horror, as only the 80's could deliver.

There are, of course, the token scenes of Chuck strutting his martial arts prowess, this time all over a bar full of bikers, and during his subsequent confrontations with the killer. What adds to the movie is a surprisingly solid performance by Norris, not known for being anything but monotone.

Nothing award winning mind you, but strong enough to make his character seem like an actual person. Animal House's Stephen Furst plays Chuck's deputy, and milks the fat guy charm for all it's worth.

Ron Silver gives a strong performance as the psychiatrist who knows more than he wants to about what is keeping the killer alive. Steven Keats is perfectly slimy as the glory hungry doctor that creates the killing monstrosity.

When it comes to action and horror movies, there's nothing like the 80's. Both genres were in their prime. Horror movies were gory, and action heroes were tough. This is a good meeting of the minds, and for me, one of Chuck Norris' best.