Pass the Ammo

Pass the Ammo is an eccentric and entertaining comedic offering from 1987, featuring the talents of Bill Paxton, Linda Kozlowski, and Tim Curry in pivotal roles. As a satire that takes aim at corrupt televangelists and unscrupulous religious practices, the film proves to be a unique cocktail of comedy, romance, and action, bound together by a sharp-witted script and engaging performances.

The plot introduces us to slick and slimy televangelist Reverend Ray Porter, played to perfection by Tim Curry. Always in the pursuit of financial gain and popularity, Porter uses his televised church services to exploit the faith and generosity of his flock. Porter's empire seems to be an impenetrable castle of influence and control until a vagabond couple, Jesse Wilkes (Bill Paxton) and Bonnie (Linda Kozlowski), decide to take on his corruption and duplicity.

Jesse and Bonnie are essentially a modern-day Robin Hood duo, continuously working to expose such graft. Wanting to lead a more responsible life, however, they plan one final grand scheme targeting Porter's televised charity event. Their plan gets complicated quickly, turning their well-thought-out scheme into an explosive fiasco. A myriad of humorous and unexpected escapades ensues, teetering on the brink of farce as it spirals into a live broadcast hostage situation that covers the rest of the film.

One of the strengths of Pass the Ammo is the characters and the performances of the actors who play them. Bill Paxton, best known for his roles in films like Titanic and Aliens, delivers a solid performance as Jesse. He brings a sense of natural charm and charisma to the part, making Jesse a likable character the audience roots for. Linda Kozlowski is equally good as Bonnie, deftly blending sass and intelligence to stay one step ahead of the calamity surrounding them.

The true scene-stealer, however, is Tim Curry as Reverend Ray Porter. Curry, known for his theatrical prowess in roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in Stephen King's It amongst others, is on top form here, infusing the hypocritical televangelist with a blend of smarmy charm and devious intelligence. He creates an amusing portrait of a man who uses religion as a guise to manipulate and control his followers.

Pass the Ammo also boasts a capable supporting cast, which includes Annie Potts and Dennis Burkley, who add further vibrancy to the quirky ensemble. Directed by stalwart Hollywood director David Beaird, the film has an entertaining tempo, buoyed by a perfectly tuned dark humor and witty repartee.

The movie's themes are as relevant today as they were in the 1980s. Its satirical take on religious hypocrisy and corruption, intertwined with a lively romantic comedy, avoids sermonizing while providing both laughter and food for thought. The film also gives audiences a glimpse into the world of 1980's television evangelism, and its narrative is a commentary on the manipulation and exploitation embedded in certain aspects of religious and public life.

Pass the Ammo maneuvers well between physical comedy and dialogue-driven humor, keeping the humor intact while touching on issues of morality and deception. Despite the gravity of these underlying themes, the film never loses its light-hearted appeal, often using irony to balance stern subjects with its comedic undertones.

So, if you're in the mood for a hilarious trip back into the world of 80's satire, Pass the Ammo is a genuine, must-see treat. Despite its agedness, it still holds an appealing lure and unabashedly delivers the entertainment, intrigue, and social commentary. It showcases early performances from some great actors and reminds us once again why satire can be one of the most effective weapons at our disposal to target societal issues and corrupt practices. Delightful, thought-provoking, and filled with great performances, Pass the Ammo is as relevant today as when it was first released.