Sunday, November 10, 2024

Wanted: Dead or Alive (1987)

Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer) is a former top espionage operative who has become a bounty hunter based in Los Angeles.  For those who watched the 1950s TV show of the same name, Nick Randall is a descendent of Josh Randall (Steve McQueen).  Randall is living well, having a huge building for his office, and a comfortable boat for his home.  He has a girlfriend, Terry (Mel Harris), who might be wife material.  A couple more big jobs and he could invest in a life at sea on his boat.  Yes, life is looking up until his old life intrudes.

Malak Al Rahim (Gene Simmons) is a terrorist who Randall failed to kill during his espionage days.  Malak has arrived in Los Angeles and begun a bombing campaign.  He has also sought to assassinate his former adversary.  Philmore Walker (Robert Guillaume), a former associate when Randall was a spy, hires Randall to hunt down Malak.  Randall agrees as long as he is allowed to work solo.  Director Lipton (Jerry Hardin) views Randall as bait to draw Malak out of hiding; if Randall is killed in the process, Lipton would view that as a bonus.

A standard 80's action flick that hits the normal beats.  There are explosions, gun battles, car chases, and fist fights.  The story is run-of-the-mill, the acting is adequate, and the action is average.  Even so, it is fun to watch.

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