Fire Down Below

Fire Down Below 1997
Director: Felix Enriguez Alcala
Writers: Jeb Stuart and Phillip Morton
Starring Steven Seagal, Marg Helgenberger, Stephen Lang, Kris Kristofferson, Harry Dean Stanton, Levon Helm, Mark Collie, Richard Masur, John Diehl and Ed Bruce

Fire Down Below is probably one of Seagal's last good action films. He plays pretty much the same archetype that he does in all his films, a man on the right side who is almost superhuman on what he can do. This is also another film in Seagal's canon that almost beats you over the head with it's views on environmentalism just like On Deadly Ground did. This film really shines in the action department though. When it gets past all the politics that Seagal is trying to pass through you are left with a highly entertaining action film with some really vile villains that you cannot wait to get their comeuppance. Seagal is his usual stiff self, but I have to say the best acting in the film is done by Helgenberger and Stanton. They are both extremely entertaining whenever they are on screen. Kristofferson makes a cocky and smarmy villain and that works really well against Seagal's holier than thou protagonist.
The plot basics are this, After FBI agent Jack Taggert (Seagal) hears about the mysterious death of a friend and colleague of his in a small Appalachian community he decides to go and investigate. His friend was investigating what he believed was illegal toxic dumping in the community's water reservoirs. Jack goes undercover as a carpenter and his investigation uncovers that a local company run The Hanner Coal Company, run by Orin Hanner (Kristofferson) is behind it all and is doing whatever it takes to keep their dumping going and also keeping the townsfolk quiet. They plan to stop Jack but he has his own plans up his sleeves once he discovers their nefarious plans.
This is a solid action film. Alcala's direction is solid and he has beautiful cinematography of the Appalachian region. He also does a superb shot of shooting the fight sequences of Seagal. The best example of this is the big fight and shoot out in the mine. That is a gripping and entertaining scene to watch. The script is mediocre at best. The characters are paper thin with little or no drive behind what they do other than that is what the writers want them to do. Also, the heavy handedness of the environmental message can make a viewer get frustrated, especially if they just want to see a rousing action film. The cast is decent. Seagal is his usual stiff self, but he still has phenomenal martial arts talents which is what makes him work in the action hero mold. Kristofferson as the smarmy and egotistical villain is a hoot and a delight to watch in this role. Helgenberger is very good as the dowdy and withdrawn romantic interest who is hiding a secret from Seagal. Stanton is also very good as a local bumpkin who aids Seagal in his quest. The action sequences are outstandingly done. The aforementioned coal mine scene is one and the bar fight toward the end is another great scene. Many bones are broken and plenty of teeth fly, for those who love that kind of carnage like me. The country soundtrack also works well for the locale and the down home feel of the film. This was probably one of Seagal's last A efforts and well worth seeking out for action and martial art film fans.
This one gets 3 out of 5