Search - Johnny Firecloud/Bummer! on DVD

MPAA Rating: R Movie Release: 2002 DVD Release: 02/12/2002 Format: DVD - Enhanced Wide Screen Letterbox for 16x9 TV Edition: Dual Layered,Restored/Remastered Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 3 hrs 8 mins Studio: Image Entertainment Members Wishing: 9

David F. Friedman, mighty monarch of movie exploitation, produced this solid B picture that borrows its Native American revenge angle from the popular Billy Jack series, and ups the sex and violence ante. Fans of Friedman's more salacious work may be disappointed to learn that the film's prurient parts are relegated to brief nude scenes involving Christina Hart as Colby's lascivious daughter, and Sacheen Littlefeather (who accepted Marlon Brando's 1972 Oscar), who is involved in an ugly rape. Still, even without the easy sell of sex, Johnny Firecloud features a decent share of action and suspense, a competent script and direction by sexploitation director William Allen Castleman, and a terrific cast of hateful villains led by a dissolute but still menacing Ralph Meeker (character actors George "Buck" Flower and John Tull are among the gang members). 20th Century Fox obviously thought the film was competent enough to distribute it in theaters, and Johnny Firecloud should surprise and satisfy fans of '70s action and exploitation. Something Weird Video and Image Entertainment's widescreen DVD pairs Johnny Firecloud with another Friedman/Castleman collaboration -- the sleazy rock-star exposé Bummer! Trailers for both films are included among a substantial selection of softcore coming attractions and a pair of short subjects (one is a public service announcement for theater owners warning against "blind bidding" for films). There's also a commentary track featuring Friedman with Something Weird Video head Mike Vraney and Basket Case director Frank Henenlotter, which, like all of Friedman's commentaries, is salty, fun, and very informative for exploitation students and novices alike. ~ Paul Gaita, All Movie Guide