Watch Messenger of Death

In the movie Messenger of Death, Charles Bronson plays Garret Smith, a newspaper reporter from Denver who is tasked with investigating the brutal murder of an entire family in a small Colorado town. The family was part of a religious cult led by the charismatic Eugene Scott (Laurence Luckinbill), who has a significant following in the area.

Smith discovers that there is more to the murders than meets the eye. He begins to unravel a web of corruption and deceit that involves powerful businessmen, politicians, and law enforcement officials. As he gets closer to the truth, he puts himself in danger, and his investigation becomes increasingly personal.

Trish Van Devere plays Jastra Watson, a woman who was once part of Scott's cult but left and became a successful businesswoman. She becomes an ally to Smith as he tries to uncover the truth about the murders and the cult. As they work together, they develop a romantic relationship.

The movie is a typical Charles Bronson action-thriller, with plenty of gunfights and chase scenes. However, it also has a more subdued tone than some of Bronson's other films. This is partly due to the fact that his character is a journalist, rather than a vigilante or cop, but it also reflects the seriousness of the subject matter.

The film explores themes of religious fanaticism, corruption, and betrayal. It portrays the cult as a dangerous and destructive force that preys on vulnerable people and turns them against their families and society. It also shows how powerful people can use religion to manipulate and control others for their own gain.

The performances are all solid, with Bronson in his usual stoic but effective mode. Van Devere brings some warmth and vulnerability to her role, and Luckinbill is suitably creepy as the cult leader. The supporting cast includes recognizable character actors such as Daniel Faraldo, Marilyn Hassett, and Laurene Landon.

The script by Elmore Leonard is based on his own novel and is well constructed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged. Director J. Lee Thompson, who worked with Bronson on several other films, delivers some tense and suspenseful sequences, especially in the climactic showdown.

Overall, Messenger of Death is a solid entry in the Charles Bronson canon, with enough thrills and chills to please his fans, but also enough substance and nuance to make it an interesting and thought-provoking crime drama. It may not be one of his most iconic films, but it is certainly worth a watch for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or action flick with a bit of depth.

Messenger of Death is a 1988 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.