Exhumed: Sandra Bullock in "Hangmen" [1987]

by Joseph Perry and Mike Imboden

In their “The Good, the Bad, and the Verdict” film reviews, Joseph and Mike normally give their thoughts on a slice of cinema. However, “Exhumed” will focus on the first (or very early) credits of established actors, giving their roles the GBV treatment. For this installment, it’s the stunning Sandra Bullock in 1987’s Hangmen.

Intro

Ah yes, Hangmen — the film that dares to ask, what if we made an action movie with all the intensity of a PTA meeting? This cinematic gem follows a young man (played by Rick Washburn, who also wrote the film — a truly humble feat) as he becomes entangled in a deadly government conspiracy. Sounds thrilling, right? Well, sort of.

The movie has everything you’d expect from a low-budget 80s action flick: gunfights, dramatic confrontations, and villains who look like they moonlight as local mall security. The plot moves forward like a car with a flat tire — slowly, painfully, and with a lot of noise.

The Details

But wait! A bright light shines in this murky thriller: a young Sandra Bullock, in her first credited role. She plays the girlfriend of the protagonist’s best friend, which means she’s mostly there to smile, scream, and occasionally exist. It’s like watching a rock band where one person in the background is clearly destined for greatness — and the rest of the band, well… not so much.

The action scenes? Absolutely realistic — if you’ve ever watched your uncle’s home video of a backyard LARPing session. The special effects budget seemed to cover exactly three squibs and a pack of firecrackers. But hey, who needs realism when you have vibes, right?

The Verdict

So, should you watch Hangmen? Absolutely — if you enjoy watching future A-listers pay their dues in deeply forgettable movies. Or if you’ve got a thing for movies that feel like they were written on a cocktail napkin after two beers. Either way, it’s a delightful trainwreck that reminds you: even future stars have to start somewhere.

Hangmen