merklekranz
"Hit" is an interesting revenge on Marseilles drug kingpins film, that one can't help comparing to "French Connection 2". I found "Hit" to be the better film. It does require some patience though to sit through the entirely too long buildup to the all to brief, violent conclusion. Of course the whole recruiting of the "magnificent seven assassins" is improbable, but Williams laconic charm holds things together. If perhaps 30 minutes wound up on the cutting room floor, the movie definitely would have benefited. While the payoff may not quite live up to expectations, there are moments of clever violence, and the cast is likable, especially Richard Pryor's character, and the pair of "senior citizen killers". - MERK
juliaarea
First viewing of this 70s movie: I was impressed with the depth of the characterizations. One feels in tune with each of the group's well defined personalities, in examining their weaknesses, strengths and limitations. It was if you knew the individual personally, what made them tick. As you grow with them, you believe as do they, that ordinary people can accomplish what they purpose. This diverse group of people brought shading and depth to the plot, drawing you into the events as they played out in an international setting. Tension and suspense is palpable with every individual character's actions. You feel the adrenaline and excitement as the plot builds to multiple crescendoes. Yes, plural! Timing becomes critical. A touch black hero-ish, a bit dated (hence a 9 rather than a 10)but so very well acted and clever that it holds one's attention throughout. Yes, it would benefit from a better format.
Kilamofo
Billy Dee's Daughter dies in heroin overdose. While beating the hell out of the dealer, he realizes that killing him won't solve the problem so he sets his sights high... At the top of the food chain.This film runs at about 2 1/2 hours and final "Hits" take about ten minutes, so the rest of the film is setup and much of that is implausible and unfortunately very slow to develop. Billy Dee Williams however was an electric presence, very hard to take your eyes off of while on screen. A very menacing cool. Richard Pryor... What can you say, the man is an artist. While watching the film you know he was given one line and the rest he made happen with his own special magic. Just watching the guy is enough to make you laugh.You would have expected more from the director of 'Lady Sings the Blues', but it was stellar considering the same gentleman also directed 'Superman IV'
John Seal
...and in fact, Hit! is an ambitious mixture of action and character study. At 134 minutes, one might suspect the director of overweening pride, but in fact there's little in the way of flab here. Billy Dee Williams proves that he should have been a major star and Richard Pryor is, as always, brilliant. Add a terrific supporting cast (Warren Kemmerling, Paul 'They Came From Within' Hampton, Sid Munson), a host of slimy French drug dealers, and a heaping dollop of revenge for a thoroughly satisfying blast of 70s-style crime dramatics.
AD
