Where to watch The Force
2 Stars
When a police officer is killed in the line of duty, his soul enters into the body of a young officer to seek revenge for his murder. However, when the spirit takes over, the officer is unaware of what is going on and most think he is in need of a psychiatrist, including the wife of the fallen cop.
While at college in the Santa Barbara area of California, I unexpectedly met Jason Gedrick at an outdoor batting cage downtown. He was there with his young son. I shook his hand and told him I was a fan of “Iron Eagle” and “The Last Don,” somehow neglecting to mention “The Heavenly Kid” and “Backdraft.” He graciously thanked me for saying hello. It was the kind of pleasant encounter one hopes for with someone they have admired on-screen for years. Gedrick often portrays the clean-cut All-American kid, and he embodies a genuine goodness in his performances.
Unfortunately, “The Force” is a dull supernatural cop thriller that combines elements of “Ghost” and “Robocop” into a tedious mix. Despite the limitations of the screenplay, Gedrick delivers a compelling performance. The film struggles because it fails to fully commit to either an action-centric approach or to its mystical themes; as a result, it feels lackluster. While the production values are decent and the budget is sufficient to create something memorable, “The Force” ultimately falls short—it’s not just bad; it’s mediocre and forgettable.
Directed by: Mark Rosman
Written by: Randall Frakes, Steve Kallaugher, Mitch Marcus
Starring: Jason Gedrick, Kim Delaney, Gary Hudson, Jarrett Lennon