Watch Extreme Prejudice

Extreme Prejudice is an action-packed movie from 1987 that showcases a remarkable cast of actors such as Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe, and Michael Ironside. Directed by Walter Hill, the movie tells the story of two childhood friends who end up on opposite sides of the law. The film begins with a drug bust in a small Texas border town. A group of soldiers led by Jack Benteen (Nolte), the local sheriff, intercept a shipment of drugs and confiscate it. This prompts a response from a notorious drug lord named Cash Bailey (Boothe), who is furious with Benteen for seizing his shipment. Meanwhile, a group of ex-soldiers under the command of Colonel Styles (Ironside) arrives in town, apparently on a mission to steal the confiscated drugs.

Soon, it becomes clear that the mission of Styles and his men is not just to steal the drugs but to kill Cash Bailey, who is revealed to be one of their former comrades. Meanwhile, Benteen finds himself torn between his loyalty to his childhood friend and his duty as a sheriff. As the tension escalates, the town becomes a battleground, with Benteen and his men on one side, and Styles and his mercenaries on the other.

The movie has all the elements of a classic Western, with its themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal. It draws heavily on the mythology of the American West, depicting the conflict between lawmen and outlaws, and the struggles of individuals caught between competing loyalties. The performances of Nolte and Boothe are particularly noteworthy, with Nolte bringing a rugged charm to his portrayal of Benteen, while Boothe exudes menace and charisma as the ruthless drug lord.

At its core, however, Extreme Prejudice is a movie about friendship and the bonds that tie people together. Benteen and Bailey's relationship is explored in flashbacks, which show them as young boys with dreams of becoming cowboys. As they grew up, their paths diverged, with Benteen becoming a lawman while Bailey embraced a life of crime. However, their friendship endures, even as they find themselves on opposite sides of the law.

One of the most memorable aspects of the movie is its action sequences. Directed by Walter Hill, who is known for his work on films such as The Warriors and 48 Hrs, Extreme Prejudice is a masterclass in action filmmaking. The shootouts are expertly choreographed and staged, with a visceral intensity that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

Overall, Extreme Prejudice is a gripping and entertaining movie that combines the best elements of the Western and action genres. Its stellar cast, strong performances, and impressive action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of both genres. While it may not be a household name, it is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition.

Extreme Prejudice is a 1987 western. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 51.