Director: Larry Peerce•Genres: Thriller, Horror, Action, Crime
A deranged Vietnam veteran, armed with a high-powered rifle, takes up a sniper's perch in a crowded Los Angeles sports stadium. With two minutes remaining in the championship football game, he begins a deadly countdown, picking off spectators. As panic erupts, a police detective and a stadium security chief race against time to identify and stop the shooter before he can complete his massacre.
This disaster/thriller film received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often found its premise gratuitous and its execution somewhat uneven, though some acknowledged its tension and star power. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the suspense and others criticizing its violent and bleak outlook.
Despite a star-studded cast, the film often feels exploitative and lacks substantial character development.
The suspense builds effectively at times, but the plot relies heavily on shock value and a somewhat contrived scenario.
The portrayal of the Vietnam veteran as a sole perpetrator of senseless violence was a common point of contention.
Google audience: Audience reviews are sparse and generally indicate a film that was seen as overly violent and somewhat forgettable, with some appreciating the tension but many finding the premise disturbing and lacking in depth.
Charlton Heston, known for his heroic roles, played a character who is ultimately a victim in this film, marking a departure from his typical on-screen persona.
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