Firewalker (1986)

A pair of adventurers try to track down an ancient Aztec/Mayan/Egyptian/Apache hoard of gold.

Director:

J. Lee Thompson

Writers:

Robert Gosnell (story), Jeffrey M. Rosenbaum (story)

Stars:

Chuck Norris, Louis Gossett Jr., Melody Anderson

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chuck Norris	...	Max Donigan
Louis Gossett Jr.	...	Leo Porter
Melody Anderson	...	Patricia Goodwin
Will Sampson	...	Tall Eagle
Sonny Landham	...	El Coyote
John Rhys-Davies	...	Corky Taylor
Ian Abercrombie	...	Boggs
Richard Lee-Sung	...	Chinese Man / The General
Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez	...	Indian Girl
Álvaro Carcaño	...	Willie
John Hazelwood	...	Tubbs
José Escandón	...	Co-Pilot
Mario Arévalo	...	Guerilla Leader
Juan Jaramillo	...	Tough Guerilla
Miguel Ángel Fuentes	...	Big Man (as Miguel Fuentes)

Storyline

Max Donigan sets off on a treasure hunt with his friend Leo and newly-acquired partner Patricia, who provided the treasure map. Along the way they encounter a few bar fights, evil "coyotes", and other obstacles they are able to overcome with ease. When they find the temple with the treasure, they also find the Firewalker, who wants to retain the power of his ancestors and put an end to the trio's treasure hunt. In the end, Max and his two friends persevere and return home wealthy.

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Plot Keywords:

love interest | blonde | blonde woman | cat fight | leg | 

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Taglines:

A pair of down-and-out fortune hunters cash in on high adventure!

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hungarian

Release Date:

21 November 1986 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le temple d'or

Filming Locations:

Sierra de Organos, Sombrerete, Zacatecas, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$8,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$11,834,302

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cannon Group, Golan-Globus Productions, Major Studio Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

105 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is Aaron Norris' (Chuck Norris' brother) last film as a Stunt Coordinator. He began his career as a director with his next film, Braddock: Missing in Action III (1988).

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Goofs

In the scene where Max frees himself, and Leo from being tied down under the sun, somehow Leo's right foot becomes untied with out Max cutting it.

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Quotes

Leo Porter: [Max and Leo are escaping the desert after Max breaks a bottle of water to cut his bindings] The only bottle of water for two hundred miles and you had to break it.

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Alternate Versions

TV versions omit the scene in Max's apartment and the fight sequence in the burnt-out town.

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Connections

Featured in At the Movies: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home/An American Tail/Firewalker/Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986)

User Reviews

Lets look for treasure!

Max Donigan and his partner Leo Porter are two soldiers of fortune. Leo is thinking of calling it quits, but when a young lady, Patricia comes by with a map and asks for their help of finding a lost treasure. They take up the task with adventurous results and must face El Coyote, a descendant of Indian priests.

What a team! Chuck Norris, Lou Gossett and Melody Anderson gave this buddy flick much-added spark with their cheerful banter and charismatic persona. "Firewalker" does go for that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" appeal, but only in small doses and in a very cheap foray. The comic book premise is outrageously silly and pure corn, but it's an eventful ride with spontaneous actions making it unpredictable and the mockery was a nice touch. It even walks a fine line between the supernatural / superstitious elements. There's not doubt it's quite childish, far-fetched and it might not be a successful blend, but director J Lee Thompson makes great use of the fiery performances, easy-going script (even though it will make you roll your eyes for most part) and stunning locations, which kept me involved. It took a while before Norris released those infamous skills he bestows, but when in the flow. Watch the damage occur! As Norris is on the job. Gossett chips in with nice array of wisecracks and the two formed a great, side-splitting and believable team. Anderson simply radiates in her quirky role. Sonny Landham makes one hammy villain with a hokey evil laugh. At best these are cartoonish characters with a lot of charm and a growing appeal.

It maybe wasn't as fun as I remembered it to be when I saw it ages ago, but it's a enjoyably lightweight and unpretentious romp with Norris kicking in with his slow motion jump kicks. Oh yeah!