Band of the Hand was executive-produced by Miami Vice creator Michael Mann, but this violent relic of the '80s begs for a smarter script and Mann's directorial flair. Instead it's got TV's "Starsky"--Paul Michael Glaser--s... more »eemingly asleep at the wheel, barely controlling a rainbow coalition of bad actors as punky Florida jailbirds, given a second chance when they're dropped into the treacherous everglades and whipped into a crack unit of urban warriors by a gruff marine (Stephen Lang) who supervises their juvenile "reform." One of the reluctant recruits has a girlfriend (fresh-faced newcomer Lauren Holly) who's tied up with local drug lords (Larry Fishburne, James Remar), and the inevitable showdown offers guerilla warfare in pastel shades. Wretched dialogue and lackluster action don't stop this from being a Vice-like guilty pleasure, populated by garishly costumed stereotypes and ending like the pilot for a TV series that never happened. Even the DVD liner notes admit the movie is "infamous"; accepted on those terms, it's a hoot. --Jeff Shannon« less
Chris Letempt | Marietta, GA United States | 02/16/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a great movie. At the time, Miami Vice was king (still is to me)and this has the same flavor, just with a coming of age storyline. The charachters are kind of like a group from the Magnificent Seven and the Dirty Dozen combined. All in all, a fun action movie with some good messages just under the surface. Biggest thing about this movie is the incredible soundtrack! Used to have the tape, and would kill for a cd."
One of the Best 80's Movies
montapena | Richton Park, IL | 02/17/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie was great. I laughed all the way through it. The acting was passionate and heartfelt, not to mention the awesome soundtrack! I love to watch this movie! If anyone should know how I can get a CD Version of the soundtrack, please e mail me. The actor who playes Nestor, James Remar, is great! Where has he been since? He was wonderful in Miami Vice also."
Pure 80's goodness!
Jonathan Helig | Panama City beach, FL | 05/18/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"So long.....I have waited so long for this movie to be released on DVD. Last year, I was forced to buy a well used and badly warn VHS copy on Ebay. Forced, you say? Yes, Forced. This movie is goodness. That's all there is to it. I saw it on cable when I was a kid and it quickly became one of my favorite movies of all time.
Please, do yourself a favor and buy this movie. As some people have said above, they really do not make them like this anymore. It's got that special something that modern movies lack...and I'm not just saying that because I'm older now, and that's what older people are supposed to say about things from their chldhood. It's a fact. My praises cannot do this movie justice. You have to watch it to understand. Band of the Hand is hidden and forgotten treasure. Those who call it corny, or say the acting is "bad" simply do not get it. I get it, and I hope you do too."
They Don't Make Them Like This Anymore
Ronald Matusky | Niles, Ohio United States | 12/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This would be my all time favorite movie. I first saw it when I was 16 and watch it whenever I get the chance. It has a nice Miami Vice feel to it and I always get a kick out of Lawrence Fishburn's hair cut. This movie truly defines what should be done to keep out of control youth in line. It is a shame that this movie didn't get the exposure or credit it deserved, it has a great cast and a fantastic story line. I even bought the soundtrack on cassette. < I probably need help..lol. Own this movie in your collection, you won't be dissappointed."
Heartfelt character drama
Dana T Sweeney | Albuquerque | 06/02/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie bears several marks of its '80's roots--the clothes, the lifestyles, the hair, certainly; but more importantly, this is a film with the optimism and faith in humanity that got swept away in the cynicism of the '90's. Band of the Hand is a sophisticated character study with an eye toward the building of self-esteem and loyalty."