The Mission... Kill (1987)

User Rating:

3.8/10   

Director:

David Winters

Writers:

Maria Dante (writer)
David Winters (writer)

Genre:

Action | Adventure | Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Capturing this freedom fighter was their biggest mistake!

Plot:

An ex-Green Beret visits one of his army buddies, and finds himself involved in his friend's scheme to smuggle arms into a turbulent South American country.

Plot Keywords:

Mercenary | Prison | Dictator | Ambush | Smuggler

Cast

Robert Ginty	...	J.F. Cooper
Merete Van Kamp	...	Sydney Borghini
Cameron Mitchell	...	Harry
Olivia d'Abo	...	Rebel Girl
Henry Darrow	...	Senor Borghini
Brooke Bundy	...	Katie
David Kaufman	...	Glenn
Sandy Baron	...	Bingo Thomas
Clement St. George	...	Ian Kennedy
Eduardo López Rojas	...	President Ariban
Jorge Reynoso	...	Carlos
Juan Ignacio Aranda	...	Miguel
Jorge Zepeda	...	Juan
Luke Walter	...	Scar
Luis Contreras	...	Officer

Also Known As:

Mission: Kill (USA) (video title)

Runtime:

97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Norway:18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Mexico

No Originality, Lots of Action and Violence

This is a fairly standard 80's style action movie, with nothing to distinguish it from others of its kind. Although reasonably entertaining while it lasts thanks to a fair amount of action and a fast pace, it is, overall, a ridiculous and below average action pick.

Robert Ginty, best known for the 1980 cult classic "The Exterminator," her plays a vengeful Vietnam Veteran (way to broaden your horizon, Bob), who assists rebel forces in a fictional Central American country after his buddy is killed running guns into the nation so as to provide aid for the rebels. The story is as ridiculous as one would expect; Robert Ginty plays a sort of superman who single handedly leads the struggling rebellion towards success. Of course, nobody wants to see an action movie called "Mission Kill" and have it be entirely believable, but the movie is so self serious and overly dramatic that it just can't get away with such a ludicrous premise.

In addition to the typically ridiculous and entirely forgettable premise, Ginty's performance is also bland and unmemorable, as is most of the cast. Only Sandy Baron stands out as the zealous reporter responsible for getting Ginty's efforts as a rebel leader recognized by the public.

The actions sequences aren't really anything special either; however, they are enough to keep the movie from getting boring throughout its runtime. If anything, this movie is reasonably entertaining, thanks to a fast moving plot and lots violent action.

Although it isn't boring, "Mission... Kill" certainly isn't memorable, with a plot that manages to be both preposterous and overly dramatic, stereotypical characters and generally lousy performances. Action fans ought to be able to get some enjoyment out of the movie, but honestly, considering the number of excellent action movies available, there really isn't much reason to be watching a mediocre one like this.