A pure-raw action movie, in the desert, with motocross hordes
Added 8/17/2009
Eye of the Tiger (1986) has Gary Busey as the main drawing card,
coupled with an action-film content or genre. It is notable and
above the mainstream, from its pure-raw scenarios, having viewers
"connect" to the action, with suspense, tension and a euphoria that
is buildt from start to finish. At the same time, there's a surreal
"hero" and "against all odds" story.
Here, a Joe Schmoe rises above the gangster element present in the
small town, that is bullying the local impassive sheriff, played by
Seymour Cassel. Cassel's character is outplayed time and again by
the gang leader, who doesn't negotiate, or take into consideration
earlier agreements, according to which he would left the town folk
alone in exchange for 'carte blanche' in operating an airfield that
deals in substances.
At the outset, Busey's character is released from a sentence from a
run-in with that same gang, occurred from lack of willingness of the
town folk to testify against the gang.
When Busey settles in once more, his inpulse to set things right in
terms of a multitude of gang abuses (rape, aggression, intimidation,
kidnapping) results in the use of a double barreled shotgun and
vigilantism.
Yaphet Kotto is caught in the middle, between desiring his
retirement pension from the force, months away and his friendship
with Busey and doing what's right from a job point of view and
human, as well.
Kimberlin Brown (spouse) and Denise Galik (nurse) are low-key,
which is appropriate, as to now overshador Busey.
The cinematography is some of the best I've seen in DVD releases,
with the wide-screen and audio above and beyond a crystal clear
quality, reminiscent of Enzo G. Castellari's filming quality which
is always incredible.
The surreal aspect is underlined with Busey's 4x4 vehicle, in the
tradition of Kit from Knight Rider, that has mortar and grenade
launchers, machine guns and bullet proofing built-in the pickup,
with the commands all reachable from the driver's seat.
Being a Vietnam vet, Busey pulls a few rabbits from out of his hat,
such as trip wires, decoys, remote detonated IED's, and skill in
man-to-man combats, facing William Smith.
The lesson learned, is not necessarily that vigilantism is
appropriate or that it works, but rather, that in a group, there
will always be the wild-card element, that perhaps it's only a
matter of time before an equal and opposite reaction is generated in
response to a gangster action, with town folk coming to a consensus
on the need for change.
Motocross fans will especially appreciate the stunts shown by the
horse of 25+ bikers.
For those seeking a raw, outdoor, filmed mostly in the desert action
movie (think Genghis Khan), this is a good one.
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What a deal
Added 11/3/2008
This was a great movie that my stepparent had told me about so I got it for him for a gift and ended up watching it myself it is a great movie and for the fast shipping and price that just made it even better. Thanks.
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A Fun Movie! In my opinion, it's possibly Busey's best role.
Added 7/31/2008
I recently purchased this, well not purchased, but my dear mom was nice enough to buy this DVD at Ross today for the low price of just $4.00. At first, I actually had no freakin' idea that this was on DVD to begin with. I thought the only available copy was the OOP VHS from USA Home Video (Which is now Lions Gate). It had a cooler cover than the DVD, but before I get back to the movie, I would just like to make a little rant about how the big Hollywood studios (And the greedy sharks that own them) keep changing the cover art (Or force the art department to do so) for DVD releases. This one's a good example. The cover art for the original VHS of this movie made it look fun and imo, somehow dramatic, but this cover looks like it's been made over at MGM using Photoshop. It just doesn't make the movie look good to a buyer. It seems like these studios could really care less about nostalgia and just only care about making it appeal to today's youth. I guess you could also say that the cover for this made it look like a Transporter Rip-Off or a John Woo-type movie from 2001.
Anyway, back to the movie. It's about a Vietnam Vet/Ex-Con (He had been convicted for a crime he didn't commit) named Buck Matthews (Played by Gary Busey in as I stated, quite possibly his best role.) who had just been granted parole and he goes back to his hometown to move on with his life and his family, his wife Christie (Played by Denise Galik) and Jennifer (Played by Judith Barsi from the awful "Jaws 4: The Revenge", may god rest her poor soul). We then see Buck at the police station, where he meets the corrput sherrif (Played by Seymour Cassel) and meets up with J.B. (Played by Yaphet Kotto) Also, Buck encounters a biker gang (The leader Blade, being played by the always awesome William Smith from "Maniac Cop") attacking a nurse, and saves her life and he becomes a town hero. However, it isn't long before the gang attacks Buck's house and kills Christie. Then, the movie starts to move into Death Wish territory.
I do not feel like going further for the moment (I really don't want to spoil anything for anybody), but I will say the rest gets more exciting every minute. That's just my opinion though.
As for the DVD itself, there really isn't much, although MGM did do a good job with the very beautiful widescreen quality. There is a trailer, but that's pretty much it for extras. There could have been like a director's commentary or even a commentary by either Busey or Kotto or all 3, but I really don't know.
Feel free to comment.
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Another Gary Busey and William Smith classic!
Added 7/30/2008
Busey is one pissed off dude. Coming home after having been in prison for a crime he didn't commit (by Seymour Cassel as a corupt sheriff -- he hasn't aged like fine wine from the days of COOGAN'S BLUFF, where Clint slaps himself across the head for for trying to determine Susan Clark's cup size), his wife is murdered. With the aid of Yaphet Kotto and serious firepower from a prison body he strikes back at the biker gang (who do comply with current helmet laws) -- led by the one and only WILLIAM SMITH. Carnage and decapitations ensue and after a climatic battle all is right once more. It's a guilty pleasure. Watch it when no one is looking!
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I always liked this movie.
Added 2/10/2008
I like this movie even though it is old but if the Eye Of The Tiger song by Survivor wasn't part of the film, then I wouldn't have thought much of it. Gary Busey has always been a good actor though and I am surprised that he never made it to the 'A' list as an actor in hollywood. It is a fun movie to watch only once but after a few times it gets boring so if you are picky with your movies...I suggest you don't choose this one. I hope one day there will be a remake of this movie as Eye Of The Tiger (song/movie)deserves to be re-born again.
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