Under Siege (1992)

Steven Seagal can consider himself lucky if he ever makes a better movie than this one, which was appropriately dubbed "Die Hard on a battleship" when released in 1992. Seagal handles the heroic duties with his usual wooden efficiency, but the movie's greatest assets are a punchy script and the scene-stealing performances of Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. The two play leaders of a terrorist group who take over the venerable battleship USS Missouri during its final commissioned voyage. They're crazed psychotics who seize control of the ship's nuclear arsenal, but they don't know that Seagal--as the ship's cook, no less--is a former Navy hero, lurking in the shadows and waiting to spoil their nefarious scheme. Director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive) helms the action with skillful style, and as the cheesecake stripper who proves handy with a hand grenade, Playboy Playmate-turned-actress Erika Eleniak gives Seagal another reason to strut his macho stuff. Under Siege is hormonal hokum for gun-happy viewers, but as action movies go, this one's a definite guilty pleasure. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Not yet viewed

Hove not yet viewed this DVD, but it arrived in a timely manner. Interestingly enough, there is no picture on the disc itself, merely the title printed around the inner circle.... July 2, 2008

Don't spit in my soup!

Casey Ryback (Seagal) is a lowly cook aboard the battleship USS Missouri. The only reason he's the lead cook and not in jail is the fact that the captain likes him, oh, and because he's a former Navy Seal.

In the blink of an eye, the insubordinate second in command, Commander Krill (Gary Busey), has orchestrated the arrival a team of mercenaries disguised as busboys led by William Strannix (Tommy Lee Jones), and Ryback is forced to use his killing skills to save the crew, the ship, and possibly millions (the battleship still has nukes).

Seeing as how Krill and Ryback already hate one another, evident from earlier events typified by Krill spitting in Ryback's soup the morning of the siege, the tension and buildup to the eventual battle is palpable. Both Krill and Strannix are psychopaths, who kill on a moment's notice, and desire to sell the nuclear weapons to Russians with evil intentions.

The battle ensues between Ryback and the evil mercenaries, as Ryback uses the ship, his cooking tools, a microwave, some crew members he frees, and various other means to take on and kill the bad guys. Along the way Erika Eleniak makes a topless, albeit pointless appearance and contribution, providing nothing more than a couple eye-rolling moments.

Filled with nonstop action, great Seagal lines, and a satisfying ending, it may not be great cinema, but it's a wonderful action movie good for mindless, carnal viewing. June 29, 2008

Worthwhile for Seagal Fans

This is one of Seagal's better films (funny how it still rates only 3 stars). Not quite as hardcore as some of his early fare, and not as preachy as his later films. A good mid-ground piece by a less-than-stellar actor. Still all the action and martial arts makes up for the lack of substantial plot. Clearly worth a watch. May 11, 2008

The Perfect "Guy Movie"

Let's not get confused here: There is one un-sung hero here, one reason to see this movie that calls for a little emphasis. No, it's not the very convincing Martial Arts skills displayed by Seagal, no it's not the deliciously creepy and calculating evilness expertly brought to life by Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busy and no it's not the over the top scenario of terrorists trying to steal cruise missiles from the US Navy, and no it's not even the breathtaking bombshell beauty of Ms. Eleniak's stunning topless scene. NO! The true star of this quintessential Guy's movie is BB 63! Mighty Mo, Baby! Iowa class fast Battleship. There are gorgeous interior and exterior shots (Including firing a full broad side, of course. Wow!, talk about your "money shot!!") of both the actual USS Missouri and a "stand in" Battleship which every red-blooded Military loving American male will connect with on a soul-deep level. I own this movie and can't rate it highly enough. March 27, 2008

grainy with a capital G

Worst blu-ray disc I've seen so far.It so grainy I actually stopped watching it.I own the standard Dvd and that's almost perfect.
This is a total ripoff.Don't buy it. March 7, 2008

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