Watch Wanted: Dead or Alive For Free

Boring

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

What begins as a feel-good-human-interest story turns into a mystery, then a tragedy, and ultimately an outrage.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

From what I remember, this film kind of came and went with little attention. It rarely stands out as one of Rutger Hauer's more iconic film roles, and that's a shame really because having revisited this some 3 decades later, it's really a pretty great little film. I don't know why it took me so long to come back to it, or why it never stuck with me the way other action films from the same era did. But alas, I'm here now with some great news. Wanted: Dead or Alive rules. If there's anything it's known for, it will more than likely be the fact that Gene Simmons plays the villain, here as a Middle Eastern terrorist who has a vendetta against Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer)., a bounty hunter. But really, Simmons barely appears on screen, resulting in more of a glorified cameo until the very end. It's really Hauer's show and man does he deliver the goods. W:DoA surprised me for a number of reasons. First, it's more of a thriller rather than an action film. There is action, and it actually starts off like a great one, but there really isn't a lot in here, or at least not as much as you'd expect. But that doesn't take away from the enjoyment factor because regardless, it's a great piece of Cult Cinema anyway. One of it's other surprising aspects was just how well it was made. Writer/Director Gary Sherman (Vice Squad, Poltergeist III) displays a fine hand and a sharp eye for directing action. Well, not just the action, but the entire film. The film just looks fantastic, and clearly delivers the goods on a visual level. It's yet another reminder of how these little films were made at one point, 30 years ago, where directors actually put effort into setting camera's shots up, in giving the film an overall aesthetic. They don't do that anymore, and if they do, it's becoming exceedingly rare. Lastly, the whole Middle Eastern (Delta Force) terrorist angle obviously wouldn't play today, but it's interesting to see how often this idea was used in films back in the 80's, and how easy they made it look.Gene Simmons never really broke out into acting the way he really could have, more often than not playing himself in television show guest stints, but he did score a few memorable roles as a villain (all in the 80's) in cult classics like Runaway, Never Too Young To Die and this one. He does so well in fact that it's a shame he never stretched his acting chops further into other areas or projects. Or hell, it would have been just as cool if he just kept playing villains for the rest of his acting career because he's so good at it, even when he doesn't utter a single line. His menacing gaze alone says enough, and comes off as way too easy and natural for him.Rutger Hauer is a revelation in this. Much in the same way he made Split Second as enjoyable as it was, he's the main reason why this film is as great as it is, the glue that keeps it all together. It's his show, and he steals and chews every scene and every second he appears on screen. The film looks fantastic, and Simmons is a great villain, but it's Hauer who elevates this film to far beyond your average 80's action/thriller. He makes it fun, whether he's playing it as a straight up tough guy, or in the moments when he's vulnerable – Hauer gives the role a healthy dose of bravado, even when he's being a jerk. If there was one thing I would have changed, it's that I probably would have liked just a bit more action, but that's not in any way a complaint, because as it stands, W:DoA is a fantastic film, with enough thriller and action elements to keep you entertained, on top of everything else you get such as a sharp script and memorable performances. If it's been a while, it's definitely time to revisit this little gem. You won't regret it.www.robotGEEKSCultCinema.blogspot.com

This movie is rather loosely connected to TV show with Steve McQueen (the main hero is supposed to be a grandson of McQueen's character ), so if you're a fan of the TV show don't expect too much. Otherwise you might be disappointed. It's funny because I would love to see a TV show based on this movie. Oh well.This one of those rare movies where Rutger Hauer plays a hero not the villain . It was made during the same when Stallone made his own action/thriller – "Cobra " . It is in the B-Movie range. After the 9/11 this movie feels very up-to-date. The terrorists here get what they deserve.Rutger Hauer is charismatic as Nick Randall , yet he gives he's character a depth that is not often seen in this kind of movies. Gene Simmons is quite effective as a cold-blooded Islamic extremist Malak Al Rahim. He looks sinister and acts so. They have a decent support from Robert Guillaume ( CIA officer Walker ) , William Russ (sergeant Danny Quintz ) and Jerry Hardin (incompetent CIA leader Lipton ).Nick Randall is quite cool character . He wears black leather jackets , plays on harmonica and drives a enormous truck. Not too mention he has his own Batcave – empty huge warehouse with lots of guns , motorcycles and electronics . He even has what may be the first car GPS seen on a movie screen .He's essentially an loner and an outlaw who makes a living by supporting the law . Isn't that cool ? In a way he's Batman only with gun and without the costume.I really like the music made by Joseph Renzetti . The harmonica solo during the ending credits is quite beautiful . There are also two great songs : "Live bait " by Delaney Bramlett (during the opening credits) and " Doncha know that " by Simon Stokes ( when Nick is in his hideout).Both were also composed by Renzetti ."Wanted dead or alive" has some good 80's atmosphere and un-PC moments. The pacing is good. The low budget is sometimes a problem . The movie looks bad in some places. Some dialogues aren't bad , some are uninteresting. The body count is low and the violence is really nasty, so the movie feels like a real life not overblown Hollywood action movie. "WDOA" has a decent story. The ending is quite memorable, unexpected, satisfying and also a bit sad too. Quite un-Hollywood type of ending . Reminded me of a 70's movie type of ending. The line " F*** the bonus" is one of my favourite lines in movie history.I give it 5/10. Nothing really special , but decent enough and fun overall movie. Hauer had better and worse movies than this.

Unassuming 80s b-grade action joint that delivers on what counts. Helping largely is the charismatic performance of Rutger Hauser as a former CIA agent turned bounty hunter on the trail of international terrorist planting bombs around L.A, which is played with menacing glee by Gene Simmons. His slimy character is one real nasty piece of work. Hauser just reeks of coolness clutching at his pump-up shotgun and harmonica. There's a great final exchange of dialogue by Hasuer to Simmons' captive character. Director / co-writer Gary Sherman (""Vice Squad", "Dead & Buried" and "Death Line") keeps it tightly engaging with well-timed, punishing action set-pieces that pack a punch and devious plotting keeps one step ahead. The laid-back script throws up some macho, but memorable dialogues. What occurs isn't anything out of the ordinary and plot progression can become contrived, but the familiar, straight-forward nature has its excitement and the performances are suitably tailored. The support has some reliable faces in the shape of Jerry Hardin, Robert Guillaume, Mel Harris and William Russ. Very 80's soundtrack too. But that's not a bad thing here. "I hate getting stabbed in the back."

Recap: Nick Randall is a former agent that has burned his bridges with his former superiors in the justice system and now makes a living as a bounty hunter. But not any bounty hunter, he is the meanest, and most effective, bounty hunter around. Malak Al Rahim on the other hand is one of the few that got away from Randall's agent days. And in vengeance he becomes the worst terrorist around. Now they both are in L.A. and a showdown is inevitable, especially since Randall's former superiors use him as bait.Comments: Eastwood, Stallone, none of them has anything on Rutger Hauer. He just is the meanest bounty hunter/cop in movies. Just watch the presentation in the intro. Well, anyway that also sets the standard for the movie. This is an entertaining exposé in violence. And it does it very good, like they did in the middle of the eighties, with big guns and massive explosions.More surprising though is that it actually got a decent story. It's the classic revenge thing with an extra edge in the wedge Randall is in between Rahim and his deceitful ex-superiors. Combined with the limitless violence it is really very entertaining. If you like these kind of movies that is.You'll like it even more if you, like I, is a fan of Hauer. I won't say it is his best because I can't imagine ever can top Split Second (or Blind Fury for that matter) but it is right up there at the very top. This is really one for you fans out there.7/10