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Prison

For those who want to oogle Viggo Mortensten

1988

Director: Renny Harlin

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Lane Smith, Chelsea Field

I'd save it.

THE SETUP:

They release the ghost of this guy who was electrocuted in prison and he torments people without reason or motive.

DISCUSSION:

I bought this movie for $2.50 at the flea market as it looked fairly cheesy. Imagine my surprise when I got home and looked carefully at the box to discover that it was directed by Renny Harlin [Cliffhanger, Deep Blue Sea, wretched then-wife Geena Davis movies] and starred Viggo Mortensen, soon [well, relatively soon] to move on to more dignified roles. Subsequent IMDb research revealed that Chelsea Field [that’s a person, not a place] was a former SOLID GOLD DANCER!!! Actually, knowing that fact is pretty much the best thing about the movie.

The plot concerns the ghost of this guy who was electrocuted who is getting revenge on the warden who condemned him. However, the ghost pretty much strikes whoever he seems to feel like totally willy-nilly. The killings are Final Destination-type things where inanimate objects come to life. The story doesn’t make any sense, there’s not much that is very hootworthy, and an overwhelming aura of lameness surrounds the entire proceedings. I was surprised to see a majority of comments on IMDb proclaiming it “a little gem,” so take that as you may…

It seems to me that the primary interest here is as gay study. Sure, we’re in a prison, but there is more than a smattering of barely-concealed homo interest. One big bearded fellow implies that his roommate will have to sexually serve him, then later Viggo subdues the bearded bully by grabbing the bully’s crotch and squeezing for a long time. Those who like looking at redneck ruffians with mustaches will find lots of eye candy in the prisoners, but the camera’s real attention, and it does offer long, loving attention, is directed at Viggo Mortensten. Viggo is fetishized throughout, with adoring close-ups, an extended shower scene, nude solitary confinement… to the point where the oogling of him becomes the main contribution this movie has to make.

Other than that, you know, could be worse. But probably not by much.

Lessons learned from this movie:

• The black guy really does die first.
• When stealing a prison bus in order to escape, it helps to just drive aimlessly in circles.
• When escaping while hanging from bars and making loud grunting noises, the guards walking about five feet away won’t notice.
• A ghost appearing as a brilliant light was only effective in Poltergeist.
  

SHOULD YOU WATCH IT?

Only if wishing to oogle Viggo or excited by the whole prison scene.