Fled (1996) – Review

Where to watch Fled

1 1/2 Stars

Fled is one of the most forgettable action thrillers of the 1990’s. It lacks compelling stars, an intriguing story, or any action set-pieces. It’s directly inspired by the success of films like 48hrs, Lethal Weapon, and The Fugitive. All of which are far superior entertainments than this D.O.A. theatrical release.

Luke Dodge (Stephen Baldwin) is a convict in the Georgia penal system. He’s imprisoned for his hacking activities and has been sentenced to work day labor on a chain gang. While toiling in the sun, a rogue inmate stages an escape which results in the death of four officers. Dodge fleas the scene handcuffed to a fellow convict, Charles Piper (Laurence Fishburne). The two men are complete opposites, Dodge is a Caucasian white-collar criminal, Piper is a black prisoner with street smarts. Together they must stay alive while being hunted by a double-crossing federal agent (Robert John Burke).

There is a lot of talk about a computer disc and the link between the info Dodge obtained in his hack on a cartel honcho. It all adds up to very little in the way of comprehension. Baldwin and Fishburne don’t have any real chemistry and their bickering, macho posturing, and taunting is forced and unconvincing. Director Kevin Hooks has turned in competent and exciting work within the genre before with Passenger 57, but Fled is a minor and unmemorable exercise in genre conventions. Look for Salma Hayek in one of her earliest roles.

Director: Kevin Hooks
Stars: Laurence Fishburne, Stephen Baldwin, Will Patton

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