Watch Pass the Ammo

Pass the Ammo is a 1987 American comedy film directed by David Beaird and starring Bill Paxton, Linda Kozlowski, and Tim Curry. The film follows Reverend Ray Porter (Bill Paxton), a charismatic preacher who becomes the unlikely leader of a group of churchgoers who are forced to take up arms against a gang of robbers. The movie opens with the congregation of the Church of the Third Testament, a charismatic church in a small town in the American southwest. The church is headed by Reverend Ray Porter, who is adored by his congregation for his charismatic preaching style. One day, he is visited by a sleazy televangelist named Rev. Ray Porter (Tim Curry), who is attempting to gain control of Porter's church. Porter is initially wary of Rev. Ray, but eventually agrees to a partnership when he is given promises of wealth and fame.

Meanwhile, one of Porter's followers, a down-on-his-luck songwriter named Jesse Wilkes (Annie Potts), is going through a tough time. She has been dumped by her husband and is struggling to make ends meet. When her ex-husband and his gang of robbers hold up a bank in town, Jesse finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous situation.

The robbers, led by Lenny (David Alan Grier), take Jesse hostage and demand a ransom from the townspeople. When they realize that no one is willing to pay, the robbers hold the entire town at gunpoint. Porter must rally his congregation, who are mostly pacifists, to take up arms against the robbers and protect their town.

The film is a satirical take on the televangelist movement of the 1980s, as well as a commentary on gun culture in America. It pokes fun at the greed and hypocrisy of some televangelists, while also highlighting the potential dangers of a society that is heavily armed. The movie offers a message of tolerance and unity, as the diverse group of townspeople band together to defeat the robbers and protect their community.

The cast of Pass the Ammo is stellar, with standout performances from Bill Paxton as the charismatic preacher, Linda Kozlowski as his loyal wife, and Tim Curry as the slimy televangelist. David Alan Grier also shines as the leader of the gang of robbers, bringing both humor and menace to his role. Annie Potts delivers a heartwarming performance as Jesse, the struggling songwriter who finds herself in the middle of a dangerous situation.

The film's comedic elements are well-executed, with many laugh-out-loud moments throughout. However, it also has moments of suspense and drama, as the robbers become increasingly violent and the townspeople are forced to fight back. The film strikes a good balance between humor and tension, keeping viewers engaged and entertained.

The movie's soundtrack features original music by Tom Scott, and the songs are a highlight of the film. Jesse's song "Bitch in My Heart" is a standout, showcasing Annie Potts' impressive vocal range.

Overall, Pass the Ammo is a fun and entertaining satire that offers both laughs and heart. It offers a message of unity and tolerance, while also addressing serious issues like gun violence and religious extremism. The film may have flown under the radar when it was released in 1987, but it is definitely worth a watch for anyone who enjoys a good comedy with a message.