Raw Deal

I miss these kinds of movies. You know, “old school 80s action” stuff starring Stallone, Schwarzenegger, Willis and to a certain extent, punks like Van Damme and Seagal. Watching this movie again recently brought back those old days, and just got me all nostalgic and shit (I actually remember sneaking into this movie when I was younger and getting a thrill out of that).

I have no idea how people would regard this movie nowadays, but watching it today, I had NO PROBLEM enjoying the hell out of it, particularly since it featured Ahnuld at his peak in both physique and action-shit. He looked great throughout this entire film with white tanktops, shirtless scenes and kick-ass tight suits making him look all that much better. He also sported a cigar in many of the film’s scenes, which made him look cooler– of course, nowadays we know that “smoking kills”, etc…

Unlike most action flicks nowadays, this one also featured a hot blonde on the side, but for some reason, the lead action star doesn’t bang her and instead…only “befriends” her because he’s married and loyal. What’s up with that?!?! But I appreciated that change…was nice.

As for the story and the action, well, I can’t say that the plotline would ever get nominated for “Best Screenplay” at the Oscars, but it did the job, with your typical mob infiltration plotlines, laced with an ex-cop who wants to get back on the force stuff. The action is well paced across the entire movie, with things starting off on a massive shoot-out, and ending on a 15-minute deluge of action, guns, killings and yes…even more guns and killings! In fact, the film’s final act is hilarious in that “Ahnuld” basically gets to the point of being fed up, and decides to LOCK AND LOAD, take part in a montage of himself loading up on guns and ammo (much like COMMANDO) and turning up the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” and driving around town, kicking mutha ass!!! I had a blast with that!

Sure, the directing is pretty standard, the story pretty basic and the settings and actors pretty so-so, but I simply enjoyed myself watching this movie, as an “easy watch”, particularly with the ongoing charms and charisma of Schwarzenegger as the lead (he now reminds me of the Rock), as well as his action rampages, and massive shoot-outs. Oh, and let’s not forget his corny one-liners: “You shouldn’t drink and cook”. Classic fun cheese, especially if you love Schwarzenegger and mindless action. Note: This film always featured the very cool evil actor, Paul Shenar, memorable as Sosa from SCARFACE.

(c) 2021 Berge Garabedian