Hit the Dutchman (1992)

Powerful

Highly Overrated But Still Good

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Most of the unknown actors in this film are doing quite well in their careers!! Matt Servito was a regular on "The Sopranos".Bruce Nozik is on Boston Legal.Jenny McShane stars opposite Keanu Reeves and James Spader in "The Watcher'.Also Menahem Golan replaced the director and directed and acted in "Hit The Dutchman" which was iconic in itself!Menahem Golan was responsible for giving many of our icon actors today their first breaks.Those actors include Sylvester Stallone, Mickey Rourke, Faye Dunaway, and the list goes on.

I really enjoyed Bruce Nozick as Dutch Schultz in this fun gangster flick. Nozick's Dutch Schultz is one wild character and he makes this movie a treat. I was looking for some fun B movie escapism and this flick delivered. It's got a good cast, great musical score, and fine cinematography. Nozick's Dutch is one wild character! The scene in the grocery store is unforgettable! The exploding plate of spaghetti assassination is a hoot! The armored fortress like vehicle is a blast! Don't take this too seriously or expect it to be a documentary. Love B movies? Give Hit the Dutchman a try. I'm giving it such a high score because I had so much fun watching it.

"Dutch Schultz", AKA Arthur Fleggenheimer, was a real person and his rather nasty life is fairly well documented. This movie which purports to depict his life should have used a fictional character, because the overdramatized events are too strong a departure from the facts and the chronology. Not only that, it ignores some interesting details which other versions have included such as the public relations fiasco in upstate N.Y. and his religious conversion. It is true that he was executed by Luciano, Lansky, et. al. but that's as far as it goes. The exploding plate scene which represents Luciano carrying out the execution of Bo Weinberg in his own home, assisted by his own mother is rediculous. Also, there is the scene in which Dutch approaches his own mother to pay protection to Legs Diamond. It just doesn't work. The character of Mrs. Fleggenheimer doesn't work either. This movie does not need a doting Jewish mother for comic relief. The lame representation of Legs Diamond was humorous enough. I'm sure the man is turning in his grave. And, by the way, Dutch did in fact personally kill people, but, he was not Rambo or 007. The scene in which he wipes out the brewery is absurd. I don't know. Maybe it was supposed to be a comedy and I just didn't get it.

Guns, explotions, boobs, foul language, crappy dialog. It's typical B filmmaking, with an unusally good score. This was shot back to back with Killer Instinct, aka Mad Dog Coll, using a lot of the same cast, same set, but Killer Instinct is much better. It has it's moments... again Chris Bradley is good, as is Ed Bowz, and Sally Kirkland, but the film is not gripping. And Bruce Nozick begins to grate on the viewers nerves in this picture.