Mickey Spillane's gritty private eye series enjoyed great success in the 1940s and '50s as novels, on radio, and at the movies before being adapted into a brilliant, edgy television show starring Stacy Keach in the 1980s. That series was popular during its first season but was hobbled coming out of the gate when Keach was busted for cocaine possession in the U.K. and did a nine-month stint in jail. An attempt was made to keep the series going, but its audience had moved on and the show's second season was its last—until 10 years later, when Keach stepped into the role one more time. A bold idea that unfortunately failed on virtually every front—milking the clichés of the genre instead of tapping its lifeblood—the full 26 episodes from the 1997-98 series compiled here veer more towards accidental parody than inspired revival. While Keach manages to keep his head just above water, ultimately he is defeated by ridiculous storytelling, inept supporting actors, and production values that are laughably shoddy and cheap. Slow and tired, this incarnation of Mike Hammer lacks the grit and charm of the earlier version: in the '80s, Hammer was tough as nails; in the '90s he was tough like an overcooked piece of meat. DVD extras include a new interview with Keach and a photo gallery. Not recommended. (G. Dowell)
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, Private Eye
Tango, 4 discs, 1,200 min., not rated, DVD: $49.98 Volume 20, Issue 6
Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer, Private Eye
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