The Most Underrated Action Movies Of The 1980s
Written with Clint Eastwood in mind, Norris plays against the grain in the story of a Texas Ranger who takes on David Carradine's drug lord and arms dealer Rowley Wilkes alone. Director Steve Carver advised Norris to grow a beard and adopt a more disheveled, less dapper look. This, and the film's setting in El Paso, allowed Carver to borrow Sergio Leone's style and create a kung fu western. Norris and Carradine give the fight scenes an extra layer of authenticity, culminating in a final fight in which both actors refuse to use body doubles. The film was a huge success, opening new doors for the actor and ultimately serving as inspiration for Walker, Texas Ranger .
The Adventure of Buckaroo Banzai in the Eighth Dimension (1984)
Screenwriter W. D. Richter used the talents of writer Earl Mac Rauch to create a story based on one of Rauch's characters, Buckaroo Banzai, and the series. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the Eighth Dimension is a lively, intense comedy full of hilarious quirks and colorful characters. It has everything: science fiction, action films, comedies, melodramas and musicals.
Peter Weller plays the doctor. Buckaroo Banzai is a mathematician, physicist, neurosurgeon, test pilot and rock star who, with the help of his bandmates and entourage, sets out to save the world from interdimensional aliens. Weller exudes charisma but is well supported by characters like Ellen Barkin and a young Jeff Goldblum. John Lithgow also gives a crazy performance as the film's main villain, Lord John Wharfin.
Of course, there's a lot going on that might explain why the film ended up making less than half its production budget, but stick with it and The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the 8th Dimension becomes a fun, repeat-watchable, and memorable movie. The most beautiful end credits ever created for a film.
Life and Death in Los Angeles (1985)
To Live and Die in L.A. may be William Friedkin's last great film, unless you're a fan of Killer Joe's crazy fried chicken. While it's not surprising that this film has been overlooked given the caliber of Friedkin's previous work, To Live and Die in L.A. is one of his best, thanks to lead performances from Willem Dafoe and William Petersen, as well as a car sequel rivaling The French . . Connection ."
Based on the novel written by former Secret Service agent Gerald Petevich, who also co-wrote the screenplay, Petersen plays Richard Chance, a Secret Service agent who is not afraid to break the rules as the Dafoes pursue the evil counterfeiter Eric Masters who killed his son. partner. Dark, beautiful and completely unpredictable , To Live and Die in L.A. may have divided critics upon release, but its reputation has only grown over time.
