Watch Wanted: Dead or Alive
- R
- 1986
- 1 hr 44 min
-
5.9 (6,160)
Wanted: Dead or Alive is a thrilling action-packed movie from 1986, directed by Gary Sherman and starring Rutger Hauer, Gene Simmons, and Robert Guillaume. The film is set in Los Angeles, California and follows Nick Randall, a former CIA agent turned bounty hunter, as he seeks revenge against a notorious terrorist named Malak Al Rahim.
Randall, played by Hauer, is a stereotypical anti-hero with a penchant for violence and a somewhat unconventional approach to his job. He's a charismatic character, but also a loner who finds it difficult to make connections with others. This is especially true after his divorce from his wife Terry, played by Mel Harris. Terry serves as a reminder of his previous life and, although Randall still cares for her, he believes that he's too far gone to ever be able to truly reconcile with her.
The plot of the movie centers around Al Rahim, a former CIA asset turned terrorist, who is responsible for a bombing that killed Randall's old friend and fellow agent, Danny Quintz. The US government is offering a hefty reward for Al Rahim's capture, and Randall sees this as an opportunity to finish what Danny started. However, as he gets closer to his target, he realizes that there's more to the situation than he thought.
Randall's investigation leads him to a group of white supremacists who are willing to work with Al Rahim in order to further their own agenda. Among them is Kari Kurjack, played by Gene Simmons of Kiss fame. Kurjack is a ruthless criminal with a passion for violence, and he becomes Randall's main adversary as the stakes get higher.
Throughout the movie, we see Randall struggle with his own moral code. He's not averse to using violence when necessary, but he also shows compassion for those who don't deserve to be hurt. This is most evident in his interactions with Rafferty, played by Robert Guillaume. Rafferty is a bartender who serves as Randall's confidant and only friend. He provides a bit of comic relief throughout the movie, but also serves as a reminder of the consequences of living a violent lifestyle.
Wanted: Dead or Alive is a classic '80s action movie with all the necessary ingredients: plenty of explosions, car chases, and shootouts. But what sets it apart from other movies of its era is the depth of the main character. Randall is a complex individual, and Hauer delivers a nuanced performance that allows us to see a different side of the typical action hero.
The movie also touches on themes that are still relevant today. The rise of white supremacy in America is a hot topic, and the way that Wanted: Dead or Alive portrays the issue is surprisingly prescient. The movie shows how extremists can be manipulated and how their hate can be used for personal gain. It's a cautionary tale that still resonates today.
Overall, Wanted: Dead or Alive is a thrilling ride from start to finish. The action is intense, the characters are compelling, and the themes are thought-provoking. It's a movie that deserves a place in the canon of great '80s action movies, but it's also one that stands the test of time. If you're a fan of movies like Die Hard or Lethal Weapon, then Wanted: Dead or Alive is definitely worth checking out.
Wanted: Dead or Alive is a 1986 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.