Sudden Death (1995)

A former fireman takes on a group of terrorists holding the Vice President and others hostage during the seventh game of the NHL Stanley Cup finals.

Director:

Peter Hyams

Writers:

Karen Elise Baldwin (story) (as Karen Baldwin), Gene Quintano (screenplay)

Stars:

Jean-Claude Van Damme, Powers Boothe, Raymond J. Barry

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jean-Claude Van Damme	...	Darren McCord
Powers Boothe	...	Joshua Foss
Raymond J. Barry	...	Vice President
Whittni Wright	...	Emily McCord
Ross Malinger	...	Tyler McCord
Dorian Harewood	...	Hallmark
Kate McNeil	...	Kathi
Michael Gaston	...	Hickey
Audra Lindley	...	Mrs. Ferrara
Brian Delate	...	Blair
Steve Aronson	...	Dooley
Michael R. Aubele	...	Ace (as Michael Aubele)
Karen Elise Baldwin	...	TV Director (as Karen Baldwin)
Jennifer D. Bowser	...	Joan
Pat Brisson	...	Player #2

Storyline

Some terrorists kidnap the Vice President of the United States and threaten to blow up the entire stadium during the final game of the NHL Stanley Cup. There is only one way and one man to stop them...

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Plot Keywords:

hockey | terrorist | vice president | explosive | hostage | 

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Taglines:

Action goes into overtime

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for a substantial amount of strong violence, and for language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 December 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Muerte súbita

Filming Locations:

1016 Fritz Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Signature Entertainment, Imperial Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

DTS DTS-Stereo Dolby SR

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Peter Hyams wasn't interested in making the film when he first heard about it, thinking it was a lame idea for an action film. But Jean-Claude Van Damme recruited Hyams after accepting the lead role, and Hyams liked Van Damme's ideas for the film enough to agree to sign on as director.

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Goofs

When Carla takes Emily into the kitchen and kills the Secret Service man she shoots him in the head with a Sig Sauer P226 9mm, but in the elevator she shoots him two more times and tries to shoot Emily with a Heckler & Koch VP70 9mm.

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Quotes

Hickey: They haven't moved a dime. You, y'know, I - I don't think they believe you.
Joshua Foss: They are gonna sacrifice a life to test my will.
[scoffs]
Joshua Foss: I'm truly disappointed. Nobody does anything these days 'cause it's right, they only do it if you make them. Would you like to vote on who gets the distinction of demonstrating my resolve?
Vice President: You're not giving them enough time. I told you it couldn't be done that quickly!
Joshua Foss: Oh, you watch how much they accomplish during the next period. Now, would you all agree that the...

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Connections

Referenced in Siskel & Ebert: Fierce Creatures/Metro/In Love and War/Prefontaine/The Relic (1997)

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Soundtracks

Rock And Roll, Part II
Written by Gary Glitter, Mike Leander
Performed by Gary Glitter
Courtesy of Laurence Myers Limited

User Reviews

What a boot Die Hard on ice, eh?

The muscles from Brussels plays Darren McCord, a divorced ex-firefighter who must contend with baddies when they, because the vice-president is taking in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finales, take a hockey arena hostage, that Darren's two kids happen to be at as well.

This is one of Van Damme's more enjoyable films and even one of the better numerous Die Hard clones out there. The kids are annoying but that's pretty much the only major gripe I have about this action film. If you're a lover of the genre you'll enjoy this one, if you're a JCVD fan, you'll love it.

My Grade: B

Where I saw it: Cinemax