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Cadence (1990)

1990 • 1h 37m • Drama • PG-13
On September 23, 2026
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All reviews

John Chard on Cadence

7/10 · Aug 30, 2019

I despise everything you represent. Cadence (also known as Stockade) was directed by Martin Sheen and written by Dennis Shryack. The cast includes Martin Sheen, Charlie Sheen, and Laurence Fishburne. Georges Delerue composed the music, and Richard Leiterman handled the cinematography. Following his father’s death, Pfc. Franklin Bean (C. Sheen) gets drunk and attacks a military police officer. He is then sentenced to ninety days in an army stockade overseen by MSgt. Otis V. McKinney (M. Sheen), who is portrayed as a prejudiced bully. Bean quickly realizes he's the only white prisoner in the facility... Visually, it’s better than it should be, and the film rises above what seemed like shallow ideas on paper; Cadence ultimately proves to be an enjoyable character study. The beginning initially suggests that the movie will be ninety minutes of Charlie Sheen exaggerating his “brat packer” persona, but thankfully, things improve once he encounters his father and is incarcerated with the "Soul Patrol Brothers" led by Laurence (credited here as Larry) Fishburne. It’s true to say a familiar pattern emerges: Bean struggles to fit in with his new cellmates while remaining isolated, much to McKinney's growing frustration. There’s no chance that Bean will allow McKinney to defeat him; the gruff warden's harsh treatment of his adopted brothers only serves as a catalyst for some black and white unity—a force that can be powerful if given the opportunity. A broken windmill acts as a symbol of hope for the prisoners, though we know where the story is headed, and it will form the basis of the final third of the film, as things inevitably worsen before a glimmer of optimism appears. It’s all very predictable and obvious, but Shryack's screenplay gives the characters depth, with considerable emotional detail afforded to the main protagonists. A bonus is that the supporting roles don't simply exist as background elements; they significantly impact events—something uncommon in prison or institution-based movies. The soundtrack is also well done, featuring Harry Stewart (Sweetbread Crane) performing his own beautiful song "End of My Journey," which resonates deeply and lingers long after it’s heard. Charlie Sheen has rarely been better without Oliver Stone's influence, likely spurred on by his father's presence both in front of and behind the camera. However, Martin Sheen's direction is only safe and unremarkable; his acting is the film's weakest point. It seems clear that after this experience, Martin Sheen decided directing wasn’t for him, as combining acting and directing proved to be a step too far for the otherwise very talented performer. Fishburne delivers a strong performance, while F. Murray Abraham shines in one of the smaller roles. A drama with comedic elements and full of good intentions to inspire hope, Cadence is a very good movie—provided you can accept it on its familiar terms. 7/10

Source on TMDB