Review: Nico: Above the Law

Steven Seagal stars as Nico Toscani, a Chicago cop, Japanese-trained martial artist, and former CIA operative during the Vietnam War (!). Nico uncovers a nefarious plot that seems to involve his former CIA associates, particularly former CIA interrogator (i.e. torturer) Zagon, played by Henry Silva. Pam Grier plays Nico’s partner on the force Jackson, Chelcie Ross is one of Nico’s CIA comrades, Ron Dean and Thalmus Rasulala play cops, Sharon Stone is Nico’s wife, and there are cameos by up-and-comers Mark Boone Junior, Michael Rooker, and John C. Reilly.

 

The Aikido master stylings of Steven Seagal were presented here in his first starring vehicle from director Andrew Davis (“Under Siege”, “The Fugitive”). Scripted by Davis, Ronald Shusett (“Alien”, “Freejack”, “Total Recall”), and Steven Pressfield (“Freejack”, Dolph Lundgren’s “Joshua Tree”), this 1988 crime-action pic is one of Seagal’s more critically popular films. Hell, even I’ll admit it probably adds up to being one of Seagal’s better films, possibly third behind “Hard to Kill” and “Under Siege”. It’s a bit better than Davis’ previous Chuck Norris outing “Code of Silence”, too. I still think it’s overrated and needs a heck of a lot more Henry Silva.

 

The film certainly does a good job of presenting Steven Seagal (who co-wrote the story and co-produced the film) and establishing his screen persona. Seagal’s myth-making both on and off screen is kinda clever, but most people eventually figured out the large percentage of bullshit associated with the guy. Hell, even Aikido isn’t as cool as Seagal makes it seem on screen. If you think about it, it’d be useless in an MMA setting or without an element of surprise. All of the usual Seagal tropes are here including the requisite bar fight, a hot wife, and an attempt at a social conscience. I’m not saying the latter is a bad thing, but his two best films – “Hard to Kill” and “Under Siege” – don’t bother with much of a message. As for his acting ability, at this early stage of his career Seagal at least seemed invested enough to be better and certainly more charismatic than several of the other action movie leads of the time. It wouldn’t take long for that investment to disappear along with his once-slim physique, though. Davis (as was the case with the even worse Chuck Norris) is smart enough to surround Seagal with a pretty top-notch character actor supporting cast. Veteran B-grade heavy Henry Silva is immediately perfect as the chief villain here. He’s evil as hell. It’s a shame he’s off-screen for much of the film, as the film really does need his villainous presence a bit more I think. The lack of Silva for me is the biggest flaw and keeps the film from being more than mildly enjoyable. Blaxploitation star Pam Grier is immediately vivacious and lots of fun as Seagal’s colleague on the force. She also gets the best out of Seagal here, and steals her every scene by sheer force of personality. So it’s a shame she’s kinda stuck in a clichéd partner role. I would’ve liked more scenes with another familiar face from Blaxploitation films, the super-cool Thalmus Rasulala. He doesn’t get much to do as the Deputy Superintendent. Davis regular (and frequent player of Chicago cops) Ron Dean is always good value as another cop, ditto Chelcie Ross as Seagal’s former CIA comrade. As for a pre-“Total Recall” Sharon Stone as Seagal’s wife, the duo share anti-chemistry on screen. You can almost taste the hatred. I’ve always considered “Basic Instinct” Stone’s only decent performance and this film doesn’t challenge that assertion. She’s wooden. I can only imagine what it must’ve been like on set with the combined egos of Seagal and Stone. Special mention must go to session musician Ronnie Barron, who is credited as ‘CIA Bartender’, but is basically one of Silva’s goons. The man looks frankly bizarre, a mixture of Joe Pesci, Frank Vincent, and Liberace. Barron gives a thoroughly obnoxious, punch-able performance in the best possible way. You can’t wait for the guy to get a few limbs broken. Look out for an hilarious cameo by Juan Ramirez as the least credible street tough outside of the “Death Wish” franchise. Plot-wise the film is basically “Code of Silence” but a bit better and with a slightly more interesting leading man. Davis certainly knows how to direct action, that’s unquestionable.

 

Steven Seagal back when he gave half a shit. This cop flick isn’t anything special, but the cast is mostly strong, and with a top hand in Davis at the helm, it gets the job done. It’s a solid starring debut for Seagal.

 

Rating: B-