Watch The Specialist

The Specialist is a 1994 action thriller film that stars Sylvester Stallone, Sharon Stone, and James Woods. Directed by Luis Llosa, the film tells the story of a former CIA explosives expert, Ray Quick, who becomes a contract killer after his girlfriend is killed in a botched operation. His latest assignment involves mending fences and helping out a woman named May Munro, who is seeking revenge against the powerful Mafia boss, Tomas Leon.

The movie begins with Quick, played by Stallone, working as a demolition expert in Miami. He is visited by a mysterious woman named May Munro, played by Sharon Stone, who is seeking his help to avenge her parents' deaths. Her family was killed when a powerful bomb exploded in their car. She suspects that the man behind the explosion is the Miami-based Mafia boss, Tomas Leon, played by Eric Roberts, and she wants Quick to destroy him. Quick initially refuses to help, but after some persuasion, he agrees to help her.

Eventually, it is revealed that Quick and Leon have a shared past. Quick was a CIA agent who was tasked to assassinate Leon, but he failed and ended up killing innocent people in the process. The guilt of his actions led him to quit the agency and become a contract killer. Quick reluctantly teams up with Munro, and they begin planning their attack on Leon. However, they soon realize that Leon is not an easy target. He has his own team of assassins and is heavily guarded.

To make matters worse, a corrupt and sadistic FBI agent, named Ned Trent, played by James Woods, is also involved in the case. Trent has a personal vendetta against Quick, and he is determined to catch him in the act of committing a crime. Trent threatens to kill Munro if Quick does not agree to work for him as an informant. The situation becomes even more complex when Quick's mentor, Joe Leon, played by Rod Steiger, is murdered by Leon's henchmen.

The Specialist is a fast-paced action movie that offers plenty of suspense and excitement. Stallone delivers a solid performance as the brooding and conflicted Ray Quick. He brings a sense of depth to the character that is often missing in action movie heroes. He is tough and lethal, but also vulnerable and haunted by his past misdeeds. Stone is equally impressive as May Munro. She is smart, sexy, and resourceful. She is a match for Quick in terms of bravery and determination.

James Woods is the standout in the supporting cast as the sadistic FBI agent. He is a scene-stealer, portraying Trent as a thoroughly despicable character who revels in inflicting pain and suffering on others. His scenes with Stallone are some of the most intense and riveting in the movie.

The action sequences in The Specialist are well-executed and thrilling. The highlight of the movie is the explosive finale, which features a daring boat chase and a dramatic showdown between Quick and Leon. The film also benefits from an atmospheric score by John Barry, which adds to the mood and tension.

Overall, The Specialist is an enjoyable and well-made action movie that offers a gripping story, strong performances, and thrilling action sequences. It may not be a groundbreaking film or a masterpiece of cinema, but it delivers exactly what it promises – an entertaining and adrenaline-fueled ride.

The Specialist is a 1994 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.