Bullet Points: Convict 762
Sometimes I wonder if the writers of movies think about what they are doing. Do they intentionally further negative stereotypes or are they clueless to the damage being done? This question resurfaced after I watched the 1998 film Convict 762. Just for fun, what do most of you think of when the subject of women drivers is brought up? They are terrible. While we know this is not true, you were all quick to answer because there is a stereotype that women are inferior drivers and are horrible with directions. Convict 762 features an all-female crew of a spaceship, and excellent premise for a movie, but they manage to get lost due to a navigational mistake and end up running out of fuel. C’mon, Convict 762! The world has progressed to a point where strong independent women can pilot a spaceship but they can’t do it without getting lost? Luckily, I am able to overlook such blatant sexist writing and can enjoy an entertaining action film. So please join me in a journey to Convict 762, directions provided.
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The crew of the Alexandria get lost and inadvertently run into an asteroid field and are forced to jettison their damaged fuel cells. Now running low on fuel, Nile (Shannon Sturges) the captain of the Alexandria and her all female crew are forced to land on a penal colony in order to refuel. (I hear you tittering in the background. An all female crew and penal. That is not where this movie is going.) When the Alexandria lands they find only two men alive, Mannix and Vigo. At different times either Mannix or Vigo are captives of the Alexandria, while the other is on the loose.
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Mannix and Vigo both claim to be the prison guard while asserting the other is the prisoner, the titular Convict 762. The rest of the penal colony has already been murdered which gives the penal colony a haunting atmosphere and keeps productions costs down by only having a cast of eight. The crew of the Alexandria is systematically killed off by Convict 762, but both the rest of the crew and we as the audience are not privy to who the actual killer is. The filmmakers possibly gave us a couple of hints by the casting of the two male characters. By casting Billy Drago (Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection) as Mannix the filmmakers wanted you to think that Mannix is a bad guy. By casting Frank Zagarino (Airboss IV: The X Factor) as Vigo the filmmakers wanted you to think that Vigo is a terrible actor. Of course the filmmakers could have been planning a double reverse with a twist so I will not tell you who is the real Convict 762.
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It takes nine hours for the Alexandria to fill up with enough fuel to reach safety. This give the crew ample time to get into all sort of trouble as the try to find out the truth. The women of the Alexandria are experts in splitting up and leaving individuals behind to make easy prey for the murderer. Not that I am complaining because it also gives the audience plenty of chances to see some pretty decent fights and explosions. However, I will give some free advice for the dead crew of the Alexandria and anyone reading who might find themselves stranded on a penal colony with only two people living. If you can’t determine which one is the prison guard and which is the prisoner, just shoot them both and get on with your day.
Do not let the sexist premise of Convict 762 deter you from watching this entertaining action thriller. It might not have the biggest budget or the best special effects or a high level of quality acting or realistic props or a soundtrack that you don’t want to mute or anything but lighting that is just bright enough to see some shapes but Convict 762 is a surprisingly enjoyable action film that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the mystery. If you are still lost, here are some Bonus Bullet Points that everyone can enjoy.
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Luca of All Trades: Convict 762 was directed by the multi-talented Luca Bercovici. This is a man who has had his hands in many of my favorite works. If you are under the inclination to watch non-action movies, I must recommend two works written and directed by Bercovici, Ghoulies and Rockula. Bercovici also has acted in a wide range of films including Drop Zone and Mission of Justice.
- Frankly, I Don’t Give a Damn: Frank Zagarino doesn’t have a high reputation at Bulletproofaction.com, but he does an admirable job and doubles as the second unit director on Convict 762.
- She Is Doing What We Are Thinking: If you ever wanted to see a woman barf immediately after having a sex scene with Frank Zagarino, Convict 762 is the movie for you.
