Growing up in the 70s and 80s, we never missed an Arnold premiere after Terminator in 1984. His ouvre runs the gamut from good (Predator) to great (T2) to bad (Commando, although I know this cartoon has its admirers) to good silly fun (Running Man). But Raw Deal was one that fell through the cracks over the past thirty years -- I saw it in the theater and then never again, until Starz Action ran it a few months ago. To my surprise, I found myself really enjoying this film. Arnold's acting is horrocious, granted. But as others have mentioned, the rest of the cast is a fabulous tour through 70s/80s tough-guy action heaven. Besides the obvious stars (McGavin, Wanamaker, Davi, Shenar), the backups/extras in Raw Deal read like an anonymous thugazoid 80s highlight reel. There's Sven from Running Man, plus several others from Die Hard and even Action Jackson.
One other thing -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kathryn Harrold in this film. Just watching her is a pleasure. What I wouldn't give for a time machine, so I could go back and run my hands through that wild 80s hairdo! Kathryn, I know you're in your 60s by now. But if you're reading this, rest assured that I'm still a fan.
One other thing -- I LOVE LOVE LOVE Kathryn Harrold in this film. Just watching her is a pleasure. What I wouldn't give for a time machine, so I could go back and run my hands through that wild 80s hairdo! Kathryn, I know you're in your 60s by now. But if you're reading this, rest assured that I'm still a fan.