12 Ridiculously Macho Movies You Must See

Vigilante is one of the better examples of the raft of Death Wish imitators that followed the series’ rising popularity. Fred Williamson plays Nick, the leader of a Vigilante group who patrol the streets of New York, doing what the cops can’t and putting a stop to gang crime, drug dealing and muggings.

When Nick’s friend Eddie (Robert Forster) is asked to join, he finds the moral arguments to refuse, until his wife is assaulted and his young son murdered by a gang. Following what is one of the more ridiculous court scenes in cinema - the corrupt judge presiding over the case lets the gang leader off with a suspended sentence. Eddie loses it in court and is given a jail sentence for contempt Once out he decides the only way he will see justice is through Nick’s gang.

Vigilante is gritty and authentic and the direction by William Lustig is reminiscent of his work on Maniac. He shows the same dangerous New York streets, overrun with criminals and drugs. The main highlight however, is Fred Williamson, as dependable as ever as the judge, jury and executioner.