In 'Messenger of Death' Charles Bronson and Cannon Films attempt to do for fundamentalist Mormonism what 'Witness' did for the Amish, only it doesn't quite work because its Charles Bronson, Cannon Films and fundamentalist Mormonism. That being said it's pretty good for what it is, a low budget mystery thriller with one or two memorable set pieces.
Bronson is a Denver based newspaper reporter who covers the massacre of a polygamists family, and then decides to help his friend the chief of police (Daniel Benzali) who is coming up short on leads and just kind of needs the story to go away as he prepares his run for Mayor. Bronson wades into the middle of blood feud between dueling prophet brothers Jeff Corey and and John Ireland, with the help of their lapsed Mormon cousin played by Trish Van Dever. A water company owned by major supporters of Bronson's friends mayoral candidacy also seems to be in play some how, so from these elements you can probably piece together largely how this story goes.
Helmed by J. Lee Thompson who directed Bronson in a total of eight films, the movie has the quality of something made by people perhaps a little too comfortable working together. But the film was just smart enough to keep my attention, and at 91 minutes is a pleasant watch. **1/2
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