Watch The Zebra Force
- R
- 1976
- 1 hr 19 min
-
4.6 (266)
The Zebra Force, a 1976 action-thriller, is a classic example of film-making from the era of exploitation cinema. Directed by Joe Tornatore, the movie stars the notable actors Mike Lane, Richard X. Slattery, and Rockne Tarkington in the lead roles. The story follows a group of Vietnam War veterans, who call themselves the "Zebra Force" and have now returned to America to seek justice against corrupt politicians and businessmen.
The Zebra Force begins with a scene of the group of veterans, who have now disbanded, receiving distressing news from one of their members who has come to know about a drug cartel operating in their country. The leader of the group Joe "Zebraman" Perry (Mike Lane) decides to take action and rounds up his old teammates, including the wise Solomon (Richard X. Slattery), as well as the fresh-faced recruit Chad (Rockne Tarkington), to put a stop to the cartel's malpractices.
The Zebra Force's mission is to retrieve evidence of the drug cartel's dealings with corrupt politicians and used as leverage to take them down. Through a series of tense action sequences and thrilling car chases, the team uncovers the drug traffickers' nefarious connections to the highest levels of government. In their quest for justice, they take down corrupt cops, crooked judges, and even drug kingpins.
The movie's production values may not be up to par with today's standards, but the sense of urgency and excitement emanating from the script more than make up for it. The action sequences are well-crafted, with the fight scenes showcasing some solid choreography. The car chase sequences are genuinely thrilling, and the film's editing keeps the momentum going.
The acting, too, is serviceable, with the lead actors turning in performances that fit their characters. Mike Lane, known for his work in professional wrestling, brings his larger-than-life persona to the table, making Joe "Zebraman" Perry a charismatic and likable figure. Richard X. Slattery, who has worked alongside greats like Marlon Brando and Burt Lancaster, impresses as the wise and experienced Solomon. Rockne Tarkington, a lesser-known actor, does a decent job playing the new recruit Chad, bringing a sense of youthful energy to the team.
The movie also touches upon issues of racism and discrimination, with the veteran group's members coming from distinct backgrounds, and each member's experiences and afflictions during the Vietnam War. However, the film doesn't delve deep into these themes, and they feel like shallow attempts at social commentary.
Overall, The Zebra Force is a movie that, despite its flaws, delivers an entertaining and engaging watch. It's a movie that encapsulates the spirit of revenge-themed action films from its era, with its unflinching portrayal of justice-seeking vigilantes against corrupt politicians and businessmen. It's a movie that's perfect for those who crave pure, unadulterated, and unapologetic action. So grab your popcorn, buckle up, and enjoy the ride with The Zebra Force.
The Zebra Force is a 1976 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.6.