a_chinn
Roger Ebert called the film "a scummy little sewer of a movie" and that will either prompt you to stay away or will do the exact polar opposite. I love the cheap 80s Golan/Globus Cannon films and this one is probably their best Bronson vehicle, which is plot-wise boils down to being Dirty Harry versus Ted Bundy. Bronson is a cop who plays by his own rules and is partnered with straight laced Andrew Stevens. Both are on the trail of serial killer Gene Davis, who gets naked before he killing his female victims, but he's not getting naked for kinky reasons. He does it so as not to leave behind any evidence (these were the days before DNA evidence). Given that set-up, you can imaging this is a pretty lurid and kinky of crime picture, which includes one scene where Bronson interrogating Davis pulls out a sex toy confiscated from his apartment and states, "You know what this is for, Warren? It's for JACKING OFF!" Yes, this is that kind of a movie. Bronson's character is so tough he doesn't even know what quiche is:Laurie Kessler: That's some lunch, Dad. Coleslaw and quiche?Leo Kessler: (looking down at his food grimly) I hate quiche.Canteen Cashier: Then why did you get it?Leo Kessler: I thought it was pie!Director J. Lee Thompson delivers nasty villains, righteous heroes, and an ending that blew my mind when I watched this on TV as a kid, though today it's pretty corny (even tough I still dug it). Overall, this isn't in the same league as "Mr. Majestic" or "The Mechanic," but it is better than most of Bronson's 1980s and 90s output.
stellbread
Few actors have been typecast to the extent Charles Bronson has. He was moviedom's knight in shining (but dented) armor; a pseudo-chivalric gunslinger who killed for sport, and was the personification of noble cause corruption, all under the guise of protecting womanhood. From Paul Kersey (the Death Wish films) and Charlie Congers (Love and Bullets) to Jack Murphy (Murphy's Law), Bronson's squinty-eyed machismo was second only to that of Clint Eastwood.In 10 to Midnight Bronson plays the same ol' vigilante (Leo Kessler), who this time must protect his daughter and her college coed friends from a serial killer. This film, however, does not feature an avalanche of killing and is deeper on plot than any of his later Death Wish films.At best, 10 to Midnight is a guilty pleasure. At worst, it is a cinematic cliché that men never grow tired of.
utgard14
Cannon greatness starring Chuck Bronson and directed by Bronson's frequent collaborator J. Lee Thompson. Bronson plays a grizzled detective out to nab a psycho that killed a woman for rejecting him. The problem is the killer covered his tracks well so Bronson has to resort to less-than-legal means of getting him. When this backfires, Bronson's own daughter becomes the psycho's next target.One of Charles Bronson's best movies from the '80s. As with most of his output that decade, it's sleazy and violent but it's also undeniably fun in a cheesy sort of way. Bronson gives his usual one-note performance. If you've seen his Death Wish movies, you know what to expect here and whether you'll like it or not. Gene Davis makes for a memorable pervert psycho. He also appears naked quite a bit, as do many other people (women and men). Lots of T&A in this one. Lisa Eilbacher is Bronson's pretty daughter and does well. Andrew Stevens holds up his end as the young detective who can't condone Bronson's methods. The rest of the cast includes Geoffrey Lewis, Wilford Brimley, Ola Ray, and a young Kelly Preston. The lady playing Davis' boss takes the honors for worst performance. Her "Betty's dead!" scene should be taught in acting schools.It's a fun movie if you're not the type who takes everything seriously and gets easily offended. The cheesy elements will please many, as will the voyeuristic stuff. Bronson takes it all very seriously which makes it all the more enjoyable when he's spouting lines like "You know what this is for, Warren? It's for jacking off!" This is a great '80s thriller with a lot of things going for it, including a terrific ending.
Rainey Dawn
"10 to Midnight" is my favorite Bronson film - next to "Death Wish". I often think of how this movie scared me when it came out - I was 11 years old at the time. Why did "10 to Midnight" horrify me so much? I was just starting to "look a boys" at 11 years old (coming-of-age era) and thought about being hurt or worse by the person I may date one day.This movie is very thrilling and may frighten women more than men to watch due to the nature of the film. Although the scenario in the movie has been rehashed several times over each of this type has it's on uniqueness about it - and "10 to Midnight" is no exception.If you like crime-thrillers and have not seen this movie - try it one night you may like it! 8/10
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