Review of Under Siege (1992) by Marlene G — 14 May 2009

Under Siege definitely stands as one of Steven Seagal's greatest films ever. It holds up fairly well to this day and can compete and win against Seagal's last 20 films, hands down. The story concerns the infamous U.

S.S Missouri battleship, which takes off on its last voyage. It's led by its loyal captain (Patrick O'Neal, in his last film role), his second in command (Gary Busey), and an assortment of Navy seamen.

The ship also contains a former Seal, now ship cook (Seagal) whose wisecracks and bad attitude forced him in that position. Anyways, the ship is having a surprise birthday party for the captain arriving via helicopter to the ship, consisting of a Playboy playmate (Erica Eleniak, who shows off her big, glorious titties briefly), caterers, and a band (led by Tommy Lee Jones).

Save for Eleniak's character, the entire crew on the helicopter are actually terrorists that hijack the ship, kill the captain and start making deals to sell off the missiles and nukes on board. It's up to Seagal's character to stark karate choppin' and killing their asses in several inventive ways.

This is definitely a man's movie, with lots of action, as well as some occasional humor to boot, thanks to top notch direction from then-growing director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive, Collateral Damage).

Seagal's action hero is complimented well with not one but two excellent villains in Jones' and Busey's characters. Busey pretty much plays himself, a tactless and snotty bastard who you just love to hate, but Jones' really goes out there and presents us with a real monster who can switch from standard to maniac to sheer lunatic in a heartbeat.

Great performances from those two. This is a fun film and it really certified Seagal as one of the top action stars of the early 90's. Great film. One of my favorites.