Bad Day on the Block

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Bad Day on the Block
Film poster
Directed byCraig R. Baxley
Written byBetsy Giffen Nowrasteh
Produced byChris Chesser
Alan Beattie
StarringCharlie Sheen
Mare Winningham
David Andrews
Noah Fleiss
John Ratzenberger
CinematographyDavid Connell
Edited bySonny Baskin
Music byGary Chang
Distributed byLargo Entertainment
Release date
  • 1997 (1997)
Running time
88 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Bad Day on the Block is a 1997 American psychological thriller film directed by Craig R. Baxley. It stars Charlie Sheen and Mare Winningham.

Although intended to be released in theaters, it was ultimately distributed direct-to-video. However, it was released in theaters in some regions under the title Under Pressure. The film initially premiered in Turkey. The film is sometimes also known as The Fireman.

Plot

The film opens with a fire. Lyle Wilder (

flashbacks, it shows his violent tendencies, like playing Russian roulette
with his wife and he being angry on his son's birthday (stemming from his own strict disciplinary upbringing). In another flashback, it is shown that Lyle left the mother of the baby to die in the fire because he considered her negligent.

Lyle still loves his wife and wants to ruin the Bravertons' life, because of their happiness. One day, the Bravertons' refrigerator malfunctions, and they call a repairman who gets the wrong address. The repairman, Ron, arrives at Lyle's house, who makes racist remarks (as Ron reminds him of a slum lord, whose negligence of a gas leak led to many fatalities). A slanging match ensues a fight, which ends with Ron's death; his mouth is

scripture
). Later, Reese goes over to talk to Lyle, who savagely beats him. After tying him up, Lyle throws Reese through the Bravertons' kitchen window.

Lyle begins to play Russian roulette with the Bravertons, explaining how his late father taught him its history (along with numerous other disciplinary methods by which he abides) prior to his luck in roulette expiring. Zack stabs Lyle with a pocket knife, which only makes Lyle angrier. Catherine tries to talk to Lyle, pretending to be his ex-wife. While he is confused, Reese attacks Lyle from behind. After a brief fight, Lyle (distraught that he is being blamed for his actions) is shot by Catherine (branding him a coward). As he dies, Lyle stares at the engraving his wife inscribed on his watch (a sign of happier times). The film ends with the Bravertons spending some time as a family, trying not to notice a billboard displaying Lyle representing the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Cast

External links