Review of Under Siege (1992) by Gregg P — 17 Sep 2009

Casey Ryback (Steven Seagal) is a navy cook on a soon to be decommissioned Battleship, when terrorists take over the ship they discover soon as do we that Ryback is a former Navy Seal who was demoted for striking an officer and is serving out his tour. With the shipâ??s crew held hostage Ryback has only one ally Jordan Tate (Erika Eleniak) a stripper hired for the Captains party to help him stop the terrorists and rescue the hostages.

Steven Seagal performances have never been overly impressive but the low key approach here works for the character and the film, likely better than in any of his other films. Both Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey the principal villains, arguably considerably more talented actors go much more over the top which again works for the film although it wonâ??t likely be cited as being amongst their best work. Not to be outdone we also have a supporting turn from Colm Meaney who apparently takes his cue from Jones and Busey.

The humor and action mix from director Andrew Davis who would go onto to make â??The Fugitiveâ?? the following year is perhaps the biggest reason for the films success. Both Seagal and Eleniak neither of which is well known for their comedic talents, never the less deliver some very funny lines. The effective action scenes and the setting upon a ship at sea also serve to make this an enjoyable film, as long as you arenâ??t looking for nuanced performances or a depth of story.

The films sequel "Under Siege 2: Dark Territory" without director Davis or any of the principles except for Seagal was far less successful and much inferior. Though it did attempt to mimic the successful formula by retaining the terrorists but changing the location from a Battleship to a train.