Jeff Speakman is in Rare and Ultimate Form in ‘Running Red’ (1999)

By
John Acquavita
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A surprisingly solid Saturday night actioner!

Before streaming channels like Amazon Prime, Hulu, Netflix and scores of others popped up, Blockbuster Video ruled supreme. But before Blockbuster opened its doors, those of us of a certain age can vividly remember the anxiety we felt in locally owned stores with fewer rental selections. We were anxious because we didn’t really have a lot of information to go on when renting a movie. We based our decisions on genre, box art, and the actors within the movie. After that, we rolled the dice and hoped for the best.

That was my attitude when I recently saw 1999’s Running Red, starring Jeff Speakman and Angie Everhart (currently streaming for free on Prime). Many people would agree with my assessment that Speakman, for better or for worse, unquestionably peaked with his debut, 1991’s The Perfect Weapon. It was as close to a flawless action movie as one can hope for. Based on that knowledge and Everhart’s stunning beauty, I decided to devote a Saturday night to Running Red. I am pleased to report I’m not disappointed by my decision at all.

Jeff Speakman is the Perfect Action Hero in The Perfect Weapon (1991)

Jeff Speakman in Running Red

Running Red incorporates a lot of action movie tropes and clichés, but fortunately, does it well. Speakman plays Grigori, a Russian soldier who’s “the best”. On a mission to destroy a chemical plant, his brother is killed by a baddie named Mercier. In addition, Grigory refuses an order from commanding officer Alexi to murder a child in cold blood. Alexi does it himself, but Grigory realizes at that point that he’s done with the military life.

Eleven years later, Grigory is now “Greg” and married to the lovely Katherine, played by Everhart. They live in Sherman Oaks, Calif., and have a daughter who doesn’t add much value to the plot, except to show how much softer Greg has become since living a normal life in the American suburbs.

But as many an action movie fan can attest, our heroes don’t live normal lives; they just take a hiatus until their old lives catch up to them. And Grigory’s life certainly does. Closely mirroring the events of 2005’s A History of Violence — where “Tom Stall,” married to a former high school cheerleader, thwarts a small-town robbery, becomes a local celebrity, and people from his past learn his location and drag him back to his old gangster lifestyle — Grigory/Greg thwarts his daughter’s kidnapping with flashy kenpo that is recorded by a bystander and shown on the local news. When Katherine (a former high school cheerleader) sees it, it sets off a series of whirlwind events.

Alexi, now a realtor, hires Grigory (blackmailing him by threatening to reveal his past deeds to his wife) to do a job whereby he’d get his revenge on Mercier — permanently. But that job leads to another, and another, and soon Grigory/Greg is thrust back into his old career, against his better wishes.

‘Street Knight’ and the Rise of Jeff Speakman as an Action Movie Star

A UAMC Worthy Saturday Night Viewing

I queued up Running Red with zero expectations, and it was a far better actioner than I had anticipated. Speakman puts in his usual solid outing. While the movie had less kenpo scenes than The Perfect Weapon, what hand-to-hand combat he displayed was spectacular, as was his firearm marksmanship. Speaking of spectacular, Everhart (who would be the perfect Scarlett in a mid-90s G.I. Joe movie), has never looked better. Unlike several of her other DTV films, she didn’t reveal much of why she was selected to pose in Playboy, but the role didn’t call for it. (It wouldn’t have exactly advanced the plot.)

While I haven’t seen many Speakman movies to date, I certainly will try to uncover more of them after being pleased with his output in Running Red. If you’re looking for a solid action movie without a lot of filler, you can certainly do a lot worse.

FUN “RUNNING RED” TRIVIA: There are two nods to The Perfect Weapon within the movie. In one scene, Speakman wears a t-shirt advertising kenpo gear. Astute viewers will catch the second reference. I won’t spoil it, but I can assure you it’s quite well done!

(For another review of Running Red, be sure to check out Ty’s write-up on Comeuppance Reviews here. His comprehensive site is one of the best ones online and has inspired me to write reviews, so I always try to refer folks there when I can.)

Let us know your thoughts on Jeff Speakman’s Running Red on our Facebook page!

This Bruce Willis Look-a-Like Aims to Play Young John McClane

By
Jourdan Aldredge
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Meet Jeremy Sande and his viral attempt to play young John McClane in upcoming Die Hard prequel ‘McClane’.

You can’t blame a guy for dreaming the ultimate action movie dream, can ya? The Ultimate Action Movie Club received a message from one Jeremy Sande regarding his personal online push to portray a younger version of Bruce Willis‘ John McClane in the in-the-works Die Hard prequel project – McClane.

And, we have to give the guy some ultimate respect for trying! So, let’s meet Jeremy Sande and examine his credentials to play the ultimate role of a lifetime.

Bruce Willis is Back for ‘Die Hard’ Prequel – ‘McClane’

Bruce Willis’ John McClane

Originally released in 1988, Die Hard was one of the greatest action movies of the golden era of Ultimate Action Movies. Written by Steven E. de Souza and Jeb Stuart – based on Roderick Thorp’s 1979 novel Nothing Lasts Forever – and directed by John McTiernan, Die Hard vaulted Bruce Willis to UAMC legendary status (while also giving the action genre its pinnacle achievement for ultimate bad guys with Alan Rickman’s Hans Gruber).

The Most Villainous Bad Guys in Ultimate Action Movie History

Die Hard has gone on to spawn a franchise that includes four sequels – plus this upcoming prequel McClane – and a number of spinoff video games, comic books and pop culture memorabilia.

However, while Bruce Willis was 33 when the first Die Hard came out, he has definitely felt the weighty touch of age as he’s been tasked with keeping the franchise’s legacy living on. The man will be pushing 65 when this latest version hits theaters.

Jeremy Sande as Young John McClane

As we’ve reported before on the project, this new Die Hard prequel McClane will in fact feature both an aged John McClane played by Bruce Willis, as well as flashbacks to a young John McClane. The exact extent of this role is still unknown, but it could be substantive based on just how great of a role it provides.

Sande is working hard to get himself noticed to get a chance to impress attached director Len Wiseman for the role. Sande has been honing his acting and action chops over the years with roles in productions like Deepwater Horizon, Nashville and Attack of the Southern Fried Zombies.

Die Hard’s Reginald VelJohnson Isn’t Ruling Out a Return For Sergeant Al Powell

Does He Have What it Takes to Die Hard?

What impressed us here at the Ultimate Action Movie Club was Sande’s self-produced “demo reel” short film which is basically his audition for the John McClane role. It’s a little rough production-value wise, but you can be the judge for yourself if Sande is worthy of consideration for the role – or nah.

Regardless, as one ultimate action movie fan to another, we wish him the best of luck as we anxiously await this latest Die Hard project – and hope it doesn’t suck. Or, you know, we’ll just watch the original again and feel damn good about it.


Let us know your thoughts on this Die Hard hopeful’s chances!

The JCVD Diet: Jean-Claude Van Damme Reveals His Dietary Secrets

By
Jack Beresford
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We might as well call this the official UAMC diet plan…

Jean-Claude Van Damme has lifted the lid on the diet secrets that have helped him stay in shape well into his 50s and they are pretty extreme. The Ultimate Action Movie Club legend continues to defy the ageing process thanks to an effective combination of diet and intense exercise. While other action stars of the 80s and 90s are starting to show their age, JCVD is in the prime of his life.

Watch: Rare footage of Jean-Claude Van Damme Fighting For Real

The Van Damme Diet

Now, in an interview with GQ, the Muscles from Brussels has revealed the diet secrets that have helped him stay in same shape for the past 30 years. “I think you should eat what makes you feel good,” he tells GQ.

“Not necessarily cream cheese, cake and chocolate all the time. Your body knows what it wants. After so many years, my body knows what it wants to eat. Believe it or not, I can feel it.”

11 Ultimate Facts About Jean-Claude Van Damme’s Bloodsport

Get Bloodsport Fit

It turns out Van Damme’s body wants the Belgian to eat vegetables. Lots and lots of vegetables. Preferably with the skin removed, too, which is…different.

“You have to peel the tomatoes. You have to peel the peaches. You have to peel the apples, not just wash them,” he tells GQ, stopping short of listing every vegetable or fruit that needs peeling.

“In our eyes it’s microscopic, but the skin of the tomato is a protective wall.”And when it comes to starting the day with a bang, Van Damme reckons berries hold the key to enjoying a great breakfast. “Blueberries, strawberries, all kinds of berries with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories,” he said.

The 10 Best Jean-Claude Van Damme Action Movies Of All Time

Get Ready for Your Gratuitous Butt Shots!

Interestingly, Van Damme avoids eating meat and doesn’t touch egg whites. He prefers foods rich in Omega 3 – but he’s not all that keen on fish. “You don’t need fish, you can have Omegas with vegetable or fish oil,” he explains.

Van Damme also eats six to seven small meals a day, with the emphasis on quality rather than quantity. He also drinks a ton of water, which kind of goes without saying.

Does the system work? Take a look at the 58-year-old Van Damme and decide for yourself.

Let us know your thoughts on the Van Damme diet!

Luc Besson’s New Assassin Actioner ‘Anna’ Looks Ultimately Awesome [First Trailer]

By
Jack Beresford
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Get ready to get your butts once again ultimately kicked by a girl in ‘Anna’ (2019)!

French action movie maestro Luc Besson is back on familiar territory with his latest effort, the female assassin-led thriller Anna.

After the unmitigated disaster of his big-budget blockbuster Valerian, Besson has returned to the kind of filmmaking where he first his name with the likes of Leon and La Femme Nikita.

Written and directed by the French filmmaker, Anna centres on another femme fatale, Sasha Luss’s Anna and her extreme exploits as a gun-for-hire.

Make Sci-Fi Action Movies Ultimate Again!

Sasha Luss is in Ultimate Company

Coming off like a more intense and inventive version of Atomic Blonde, the film also represents Luss’s first starring role following a career as a supermodel.

The Russian appears to be in her element though as the slick trailer demonstrates. She’s ably supported too with a cast that includes Helen Mirren, Cillian Murphy, Luke Evans, Lera Abova, Alexander Petrov, and Anna Krippa.

Big, brash and pretty ballsy, it’s the kind of movie Besson made back in the 90s but cranked up to 10.

Triple Threat: An Ultimate Martial Arts Movie for the Ages

Luc Besson Knows Intense Action

The official synopsis reads: “Beneath Anna Poliatova’s striking beauty lies a secret that will unleash her indelible strength and skill to become one of the world’s most feared government assassins.

“An electrifying thrill ride unfolding with propulsive energy, startling twists and breathtaking action, Anna introduces Sasha Luss in the title role.Anna is both written and directed by French filmmaker Luc Besson, of La Femme Nikita, Léon, The Fifth Element, Angel-A, Adèle Blanc-Sec, The Lady, Lucy, and Valerian most recently.

“Featuring music by Éric Serra. This has yet to premiere at any film festivals or otherwise. EuropaCorp will release Luc Besson’s Anna in theaters starting on June 21st, 2019 coming up this summer.”

That can’t come soon enough.


Let us know your thoughts on Anna up on our Facebook page!

‘No Chance’: The Ultimate Action Movie Sequel/Spoof to ‘Commando’

By
John Acquavita
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Arnold’s ‘Commando’ deserves the ultimate legacy that is ‘No Chance’ (2017)

Action movies from the 1980s are a special breed unto themselves. Not only did they elevate stars such as Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal and others to otherworldly fame, they left permanent impressions on the psyches of those lucky enough to watch the films. An entire generation of movie-goers were motivated and inspired by the otherworldly exploits showcased by larger than life cinematic heroes.

Nobody among us would argue that 1985’s Commando should be etched permanently on the Mount Rushmore of action movies. It’s safe to assume you’ve not only seen this movie multiple times, but can recite lines from this classic off the top of your head.

On that last note, I highly suspect Jason Chilton is one such person. He wrote 2017’s highly entertaining No Chance, which is equal parts sequel and spoof to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Commando. (No Chance is now streaming for free on Amazon Prime.) But where Commando left off (with Schwarzenegger’s John Matrix responding “No chance” when his former commanding officer, Major General Franklin Kirby, asked if Matrix would be interested in rejoining the U.S. Army), No Chance picks up.

The 10 Best Arnold Schwarzenegger Ultimate Action Movies!

Meet John Manntrix

No Chance opens with a flashback to the events of Commando, albeit reenacted by its cast. However, due to copyright issues with the 1985 original, characters’ names have been slightly altered (Mantrixx; Chennie, Kerbey etc.). In the psychiatric ward of the Rambo Hospital — incarcerated with John McClane and John Rambo — John Manntrix learns his daughter Chennie is about to get married. However, he suspects something is awry and then uses his considerable brawn and skills to break out of the hospital.

Trust me when I tell you what follows is a humorous ride that will leave many UAMC readers sufficiently satisfied. What would one expect from an unofficial sequel to Commando? One-liners? Check. Gratuitous violence? Check and check. Continuity? Check, check and check. All of the following situations are explained and incorporated seamlessly into the script of No Chance: how Bennett survived being impaled by a steam pipe; how Sully walked away from being dropped off a cliff; what happened to the sons of the Val Verde ruler and the guy killed by a pitchfork, etc.

The Ultimate List of the Best Action Movie Hero Names

No Arnold, No Problem

What makes No Chance even more enjoyable is the lead character. While IMDB and the movie’s credits both list him as his character’s name “John Mantrixx,” whoever was in the role had a better than average resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger. But what made it even more enjoyable were his grunts, groans and mannerisms when fighting combatants and shooting weaponry. If you walked by the room and glanced at the TV while No Chance was playing, you’d think it was Schwarzenegger.

Another running joke that crept up a lot throughout No Chance was explaining Bennett’s fashion choices in battle and effeminate mannerisms. These were gold! I won’t get into any here for fear of spoilers, but needless to say, they were done. Speaking of spoilers …

UAMC Interview: ‘Commando Ninja’ Kickstarter Creator

‘Commando 2’ Delivers the Goods

SPOILER ALERT: Vernon Wells’ character of Bennett in the original film was half the fun of watching the movie. Perhaps no other time in the history of action movies has an antagonist been so overmatched against the protagonist (usually it’s the other way around). Somehow, someway, Wells was coerced into making an appearance in No Chance, and like in the original, absolutely eats up the scenery. I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it’s an homage to his role in the 1981’s classic The Road Warrior.

In conclusion, should anyone reading this miss a golden opportunity to reminisce about Commando yet appreciate an update of sorts to this classic among classic?

NO CHANCE!

Let us know what you thought about No Chance on our Facebook page!

UAMC Reviews: ‘The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot’ (2018)

By
Iron Fist
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Sam Elliott embodies the legacies of the great men of action past.

If ever there was a title that sold a movie it was this one. What a batshit crazy concept. And it just arrived with little fanfare in VOD. I was wondering what I would get. Would it be the inspired insanity of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter? Or would it be the missed opportunity of Bubba Ho-Tep. I am happy to report to you all that The Man Who Killed Hitler and Then the Bigfoot transcended both movies and takes its place alongside the characters of Robert Duvall and Michael Cain from Secondhand Lions.

Have any of you ever wondered where our action heroes go to grow old? What are their lives like after they have won the war to end all wars, after they have saved the world for the unpatch time or rescued the damsel in distress? Well, here comes your answer.

Sam Elliot at His Finest

The hero of our tale goes by the name of Calvin Barr, played in his older years by Sam Elliott. He lives his life as many a septuagenarian does. He lives alone having outlived many of his peers. He wakes in the morning to eat a simple breakfast and takes his medication out of a plastic pillbox. He then meticulously dresses himself and heads into town to pass the day. His day ends in the local tavern sipping a whisky and reminiscing. But reminiscing about what?

Well, it turns out this old man is the killer of Hitler. Not the doppelganger killed in the bunker that only prolonged the war, but the actual Fuhrer. Turns out Calvin left behind a promising career in hat sales and his girl to enlist in the army to go off and fight the Nazis. Selected and trained by the US government, in his youth -played by Aidan Turner – he went behind enemy lines and infiltrated the Third Reich until the opportunity presented itself to kill the Fuhrer. 

It is said that Mr. Barr became a legend in certain circles with missions only hinted at. At some point in the intervening years, he returned to the town of his birth.  His girl has long since moved on and he has outlived most of his family and friends. Mr. Barr is just passing the days…

Until the government comes calling for one final mission he is uniquely qualified for. A deadly virus is about to jump species and patient zero is hiding in the Pacific Northwest. Everybody that has been sent has failed to return. Mr. Barr may be humanity’s last hope. Recognizing that a hero’s journey is never over, Mr. Barr gears up with a scoped rifle, a big ass knife and a genetic immunity to the virus, he sets off on the hunt. His target is the legendary creature known as The Bigfoot.

UAMC Reviews: Why No One Is ‘Cooler’ Than Patrick Swayze in ‘Road House’

The Legacy of Great Men

Sam Elliott may be the only 74 year old actor that can make you believe he can go Mano el Mano with Sasquatch. This was the man who mentored Dalton in Road House then went on to do the same with the Ghost Rider. He has literally appeared in every Western ever made.

The characters he portrays don’t hang out in any weight room. They are more likely found out riding his horse wrangling cattle and helping neighbors raise barns. A man’s man from a bygone era. When he was nominated for his first academy award last year, his response was “ It’s about fucking time.” This is a man who will give the noble Bigfoot the death he deserves.

80’s and 90’s Action Stars That Are Classically Trained Actors

The Greatest Action Generation

Damn do I love this movie and this character. More than most in recent memory, it deserves a sequel. What was Mr. Barr doing in those years since WWII? Repelling an alien invasion at Roswell? Fighting Communists during the 1950’s. Founded the SEALs and Green Berets. Led the Bay of Pigs invasion. Warned about our involvement in Vietnam. The possibilities in filling in those missing years are endless.

This is a great movie to share with a parent or a grandparent. Let them regale you of tales of when men were men and what’s wrong with this generation. But the lesson all of us should take from this movie is that old man driving with his turn signal on or is counting change in the checkout lane used to be more of a badass then you will ever be. And you should give him a wide berth and the respect he deserves.

This author wishes to maintain his secret identity goes by the name of his favorite comic book hero Iron Fist. When he’s not collecting comics from his childhood, watching action movies or raising his three kids, he works a a police officer, trains Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Needless to say, he takes poor martial arts or sloppy gun handling skills personally. And he lives and trains in Chicago.

Let us know your thoughts on our Facebook page!

The Heroism, Pluck and Action of ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’ (1989)

By
Emily Stephan
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Nothing beats the warm action adventure feelings of Indiana Jones and his most ultimate crusade!

I think our favorite movies can say a lot about us, or at the very least, our tastes. Same when it comes to the Indiana Jones movies.

Those who treasure Raiders of the Lost Ark tend to love the unfiltered sense of gritty adventure. Those who prefer Temple of Doom love its eccentricity and willingness to venture into dark territory. Those who name Kingdom of the Crystal Skull their favorite (yes, they do exist) love the way Indiana Jones is thrust into the nuclear age and the dynamic of the Indy-Mutt relationship.

I’m among those who love The Last Crusade most of all. In the original trilogy, it isn’t as tightly-constructed as Raiders and compared to Temple it plays things very safe, in some ways just rehashing scenarios from Raiders. But it is by far the funniest and most warm-hearted of the three due to the father-son chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery.

Indiana Jones at his Most Ultimate

For those unaware, this film has Indy (Harrison Ford) teaming up with his estranged medieval studies scholar father Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery) and smoldering Austrian archaeologist Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody) to find the Holy Grail. As in Raiders, they have the Nazis to contend with as they trek across Europe and Africa to achieve their goal.

It’s strangely fitting that Connery plays Indy’s father, as James Bond was one of the inspirations for Indiana Jones the character with his suaveness, lady-killer ways, and physical prowess. His bantering with Indy is gold in just about every scene. The scene where the two are tied up back-to-back and have to escape a Nazi-packed castle is utterly hilarious and must be seen to be appreciated. I also have to give a shout-out to the airplane fight scene where the hapless Jones Sr. accidentally shoots the tail off Indy’s plane, only to tell him mid-flight, “I’m sorry, son… they got us!”

5 Reasons ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ is Absolutely an Ultimate Action Movie

The Humanism of the Last Crusade

The father-son relationship also adds a good deal of emotional depth to the story and allows the audience to get a glimpse of a more vulnerable Indy. While no one would ever argue the Indiana Jones movies are exactly compelling portraits of human relationships, the way Henry Jones Sr. and Jr. reconcile over the course of the adventure really makes the ending moving in an odd way. Last Crusade certainly possesses a sweetness not to be found in the first two IJ movies, though it never delves too far into Spielbergian sentimentality.

As an action movie, Last Crusade ranks among the best of its generation. Packed with all the spectacle you’d expect, Last Crusade also features amazing stunt work and chase scenes. The action is paired with comedy constantly, and keeps the film going at a brisk pace.

The Polarizing Legacy of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

The Most Epic of the Trilogy

Compared to Raiders or Temple, this movie just feels bigger all around, from the bigger set-pieces to the amount of places the heroes travel to on their journey. The tank battle in the desert is just amazing, with Indy having to shoulder so much of the weight as all the supporting characters become incapacitated. (Some dated CG effects hamper it a little, but not much.) So overwhelming is Last Crusade’s scale and sense of adventure that it’s on my list of “favorite movies I NEED to see in a theater before I die.”

Among action films, Last Crusade’s definitely a feel-good flick, one that never fails to leave me thrilled and smiling by the time it’s over. I have a sister who likes to put it on when she’s stressed out and needs to escape to that old-fashioned place where heroism, pluck, and familial love win out.

And where tanks explode and many a face is punched. That’s a plus too.

Let us know what you think about Raiders of the Lost Ark on our Facebook page!

Thomas Ian Griffith Deserves our Ultimate Respect for ‘Excessive Force’

By
Iron Fist
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One of the greatest action performances of the 90s is T.I.G. in ‘Excessive Force’ (1993).

In 1993, the best ax kick in movies belonged to a former soap opera star named Thomas Ian Griffith, who parlayed his black belts in Kempo and Tae Kwon Do into a series of starring roles in action movies that began with Excessive Force.

“Action has a new name!” A Review of Excessive Force (1993)

Thomas Ian Griffith Gets “Excessive”

From a script he actually wrote, Griffith plays Chicago cop Terry McCain, who’s hot on the trail of a mobster played by Paulie from the Rocky movies. During a drug bust where McCain literally kicks and shoots everybody in attendance, three million dollars in a duffle bag walks off, and the mob wants it’s money back.

Members of McCain’s team start turning up dead, and he gets suspended from the force. But not before being told to go do what’s he needs to do. What follows has McCain spin and crescent kick his way through his adversaries in the longest sustained violence that wasn’t topped until Steven Seagal walked into a bar in Out For Justice and asked “Anybody seen Richie?”

I don’t think I would be ruining the movie by telling you McCain was betrayed by a couple of dirty cops in bed with the mob. But in the end, everybody pays a steep price with the main villain getting fly kicked off a roof. Blink and you’ll miss the Don’t Mess With The Zohan kick.

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An Ultimate Action Classic

EXCESSIVE FORCE, Charlotte Lewis, Thomas Ian Griffith, 1993, (c)New Line Cinema

The critique of action movies is usually in the acting. Not so here. If there were Oscars for action movies, this one would have won a slew. Griffith pulled off a mullet, an earring and lines like “Die with a little dignity” with ablong. In addition to Burt Young, he was joined by James Earl Jones and always creepy Lance Henriksen. The movie was also filmed in Chicago rather than Toronto, which makes it dear to my heart.

If he looks familiar, in addition to a couple of years on the soap opera Another World, Griffith played the corporate bad guy in Karate Kid 3, took on Kevin Sorbo in Kull the Conqueror, and stared in a bunch of straight to video action movies that even I don’t care to review. Last I remember seeing him was as the bleach haired villain in Timecop 2.

‘Street Knight’ and the Rise of Jeff Speakman as an Action Movie Star

Bring Excessive Force Action Back!

We do need a reunion movie of martial arts actors that we thought were the coming thing, but failed to live up to their potential. In addition to Griffith, I would cast Jeff Speakman, James Ryan, Lorenzo Lamas, and Brian Bosworth. Hell, add Mickey Rourke and even Steven Seagal to that list. After all, everybody loves a comeback!

This author wishes to maintain his secret identity goes by the name of his favorite comic book hero Iron Fist. When he’s not collecting comics from his childhood, watching action movies or raising his three kids, he works a a police officer, trains Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, Kali and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Needless to say, he takes poor martial arts or sloppy gun handling skills personally. And he lives and trains in Chicago.

Let us know your thoughts on Excessive Force!

Why ‘GoldenEye’ is The Ultimate ’90s James Bond Movie

By
Ultimate Action Movies
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Pierce Bronsan gives us the ultimate 90s James Bond performance.

James Bond has been tested in many films. He has never had any shortage of women in his life. We’ve seen his friends and his enemies. He has always been able to rely on both in his adventures. He never had to question the likes of who was around him. MI6, for example, was a safe haven for him throughout his entire life. He has his constants: M, Moneypenny, Felix Leiter of the CIA, and others. Yet, it’s in GoldenEye where all that he knows is tested. The allegiances of his friends come into question as a serious crisis causes him to go back into action once more.

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Eye, GoldenEye

In stellar fashion, the film opens with Bond and his cohort, Alec Trevelyan (006), on a mission in Arkhangelsk, USSR. While seeking to infiltrate a chemical weapons facility to plant explosives, things seem to go alright for a while until Trevelyan gets captured and killed by Colonel Arkady Grigorovich Ourumov. “For England, James!” Trevelyan yells before he is shot. Bond is able to escape with the facility exploding. This was in 1986. Nine years later, however, things are much different for Bond.

The Soviet Union has disbanded. He is in Monte Carlo. He is having fun doing his usual thing with a member of the Janus crime syndicate, Xenia Onatopp. She kills a Canadian Navy admiral with her thighs during sexual intercourse with him. Ourumov takes the Canadian Navy admiral’s credentials and board a French Navy destroyer with Onatopp. They both steal a Eurocopter Tiger helicopter and fly to a base in Severnaya, Siberia. Once in Siberia, they kill all of the staff and escape with the GoldenEye satellites’ control disk.

It’s here where Natalya Simonova, the lone survivor, comes into the film. She has a particularly rough journey throughout the movie, going from Siberia to St. Petersburg. Here, she attempts to meet up with the computer programmer who was kidnapped by Janus, Boris Grishenko. However, she is betrayed by him and given over to Janus. She is probably the character with the toughest time during the film. Though, Bond is about to face evil, which he has never seen before.

After being assigned to investigate the attack by M, he goes off to St. Petersburg and meets with Jack Wade of the CIA. He suggests Bond goes to meet with Valentin Zukovsky, a business rival of Janus. He is able to arrange a meeting for Bond with Janus. While at the Grand Hotel Europe, Onatopp attempts to seduce and kill Bond but he is able to stop her. This is where Bond’s past comes back to haunt him. When he sees Janus in the flesh, he finds out that it’s his old friend, Trevelyan. Why would Trevelyan fake his death and betray Bond? This is where a little more of the shroud is pulled back for us.

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Bond vs Trevelyan

Trevelyan is a descendant of the Cossack clans that worked with the Axis Powers. He vowed vengeance after the British betrayed his people. This shakes Bond to the core. He does not know what to think. “I trusted you, Alec,” Bond tells him. One of the tropes in Ian Fleming’s novels and the later films is who can Bond trust. It’s something that is present in this era and the Daniel Craig era too. The fact Trevelyan betrays Bond causes the latter to question the allies he has in his life.

Bond does not let his emotions cloud his judgment. He remains focused on killing Trevelyan but is unable to do so before he is shot with a tranquilizer dart. He is tied up in a helicopter with Simonova. The helicopter has also been programed to self-destruct at a certain point. They are able to escape but are taken for questioning by the Minister of Defence Dimitri Mishkin to the Russian military archives. Simonova tells Mishkin about Ourumov’s part in the Siberian massacre and the second satellite existence before Ourumov kills him.

As Bond and Simonova escape once more, the latter is captured, and the former takes a tank to pursue Ourumov in the streets before the good general is killed. The two are next locked in a train that is set to self-destruct. Before the train explodes, the two escape again and take off for the Florida Keys. While Bond cannot trust his old ally, Trevelyan, it seems he can most certainly trust Simonova because of the difficult journey she has been on throughout the course of the film. She is also the only person who can turn the GoldenEye off.

Once given a flight to Cuba, the search for the GoldenEye’s satellite dish starts before Onatopp comes from a helicopter and attacks Bond. Shortly thereafter, she is killed by her helicopter that crashes and the collapsing tree trunks around her. The rest of the film plays out quite quickly after that. Trevelyan captures Bond for a time, telling him his plan to rob the Bank of England and erase financial records concerning the second GoldenEye. This makes its theft concerned and allow for the British economy to be destroyed.

Simonova is able to program the satellite to initiate re-entry, destroying itself in the process. When Trevelyan is able to capture her, Grishenko accidentally triggers an explosion because of Bond’s grenade pen. This gives Bond the chance to be free and sabotage the antenna, creating a system overload. Bond turns his attention to Trevelyan next. He probably never would have guessed he would be fighting Trevelyan like this. Especially since they worked together for an undetermined period of time, there was a trust and working relationship that built up.

Yet, this is the present and Bond, ever focused on the mission, keeps his head clear enough to get the job done. He focuses on fighting Trevelyan. Both men are on the suspended platform of the antenna. Bond is successful in stopping him. Trevelyan falls to the bottom of the dish before the satellite crashes and kills him. Bond and Simonova are able to escape before being rescued by Wade and the US Marines. This film raises a number of questions when you start to think about it.

Pre-Bond Brosnan Goes Ballistic in Taffin (1988)

The James Bond Mythos

The biggest is whether you can trust someone you work with or not. It’s a pretty good question all of us can reflect upon but something essential to the James Bond mythos. He is betrayed again and again by people throughout the course of his life. So, why does he keep trying again and again? He doesn’t try much and frankly, he does not need to. It would be going against his character if that was the case or not. For our hero, he also has to contend with what Simonova has to say about the 007 life.

“How can you act like this? How can you be so cold?” Simonova asks Bond. “It’s what keeps me alive,” Bond tells her. That goes to the core of the Bond character. He is a person who is not so warm toward others since he just had his friend and partner betray him. Maintaining his coldness is what allows Bond to remain unattached and unemotional. That’s not to say he does not express his emotions but he can be very reserved in a way to keep himself from making mistakes.

Remo Williams: Fred Ward as America’s James Bond

The Exploits of a Modern James Bond

Bond has a focused mind that needs to keep one step ahead of his enemies. This is how MI6 trained him and how he’s become. The biggest challenge for Bond is whether or not he can trust the women in his life. Because of being betrayed by the love of his life, Vesper Lynd, when he was in his first year as 007, he has never let any other woman into his heart except Tracy Bond, who becomes his wife before being killed by Ernst Stavro Blofeld, his archenemy.

Bond is a fascinating character to analyze and understand. He has many facets to him and is never someone that leaves his audience bored. This film’s study of Bond proves fascinating. The best action is in the Cradle sequence. It’s always one that’s memorable. The direction by Martin Campbell and score by Eric Serra go beyond the call of duty. Because of its fascinating plot, interesting characters, and engaging cinematography, this film is definitely the ultimate film for any Bond fan out there.

About the author: Tommy Zimmer is a writer whose work has appeared online and in print. His work covers a variety of topics, including politics, economics, health and wellness, consumer electronics, and the entertainment industry.

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It’s Dolph Lundgren vs Zombies in First Trailer for ‘Dead Trigger’

By
Jack Beresford
-

The Living Dead can’t stop the Dolphster in ‘Dead Trigger’ trailer!

Dolph Lundgren has gone up against some major Hollywood heavyweights down the years.

From Sylvester Stallone, through to the Skeletor, the Big Swede has been there and done that.

But one thing Dolph hasn’t had many dealings with, as yet, is an army of the living dead.

Thankfully, that’s about to change with the release of Lundgren’s latest brilliantly B-movie effort, Dead Trigger.

The Big Swede is Back!

Out on May 3rd, the movie’s premise couldn’t be simpler: a virus has transformed humanity into flesh-eating zombies, and it is up to Lundgren to straighten things out.

He plays an elite soldier leading a team of fellow badasses in a fight-to-the-death battle with a big old bunch of zombies with a hankering for a bite of Dolph.

These walkers chose the wrong man to mess with though, as the trailer demonstrates.

Dolphs vs. Zombies

The film represents a noticeable departure for Lundgren, who has even dyed his luscious blonde locks and decidedly darker shade for this effort.

Our favourite Swede has some decent reinforcement backing him up this time around too with Autumn Reeser, Romeo Miller, and Isaiah Washington also starring.

A bloody but fun looking effort, Dead Trigger is directed by Mike Cuff and Scott Windhauser, and written by Heinz Treschnitzer.

One thing is for sure: he will break them.

Dead Trigger is out May 3.

What are your thoughts on the Dolphster in Dead Trigger? Let us know on our Facebook page!

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