Deadly Heroes

After a hijacking incident our hero Brad Cartowski loses his wife Marcy when she is carted off by the terrorist gang who hijacked a plane to release their leader Jose Maria Carlos. He follows her to a guarded island where she is being held prisoner assisted by Cody Grant, a US government operative. In the end the two 'Deadly Heroes, attack the island supported by some SEALS. It runs 1 hour and 45 minutes and is rather dull despite the explosions and the shootings. Directed by prolific producer Menahem Golan who as a director was better as a producer. Most of the acting is bland. Michael Paré as Cartowski goes through the motions and is unconvincing and as Cody Grant the immobile faced Jan-Michael Vincent even less convincing. Everyone is overshadowed of course by Billy Drago who plays the terrorist leader. He is riveting and scary, probably too scary in this lightweight film but always a treat to watch and the best thing in it.

"Deadly Heroes" is a true test of bad movie endurance. Even fans of Billy Drago, Jan-Michael Vincent, or Michael Pare, will be severely tested. Throw in an astonishingly bad performance by the female lead, Claudette Mink, plus a story that brings new meaning to the word contrived, and you might be living with the fast forward button. I actually admired the cab driver's acting, compared to the cardboard acting by the leads. In summary, a totally unbelievable script, bad performances all around, and zero redeeming qualities. This was a movie that I didn't even want to like, because the plastic gun hijacking set in motion one of the most contrived story lines ever put on film. Not recommended, even for admirers of the actors. - MERK