Action U.S.A.

Stuntman-turned-filmmaker John Stewart created one of the most dangerously high-octane action films of the 80's with "Action U.S.A." A non-stop barrage of daredevil stunts, practical explosions, outlaw gunfights and wild chase sequences. Unfortunately for Stewart, "Action U.S.A." didn't get the appreciation it deserved back when it was released in '89 and slipped under the radar until Vinegar Syndrome rescued it from oblivion. This is a diehard action junkie's wet dream and a real monster truck of a film that has to be seen to be believed.

Opening with "Long After Midnight" by Urban Shocker, a gorgeous blue-coated 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray fires on all cylinders, much like the film is about to. In the first twenty minutes, the audience is treated to a full-on assault to the senses with an insane showcase of vehicular stunt work. The opening chase scene moves from cars to a helicopter and back to cars before inevitably ending in a balls-to-the-wall blaze of glory. "Action U.S.A" may hit its peak in the first twenty minutes but everything that comes after is definitely close enough to matching its level.

With a hackneyed script from David Reskin that's every bit as cliché and forgettable as they come, "Action U.S.A." simply isn't the type of film to watch for the plot. However, considering how much it's lacking in that department, the film bombastically skates by on its pure machismo and action dynamics. The holy trinity of Gregory Scott Cummins, William Hubbard Knight and Barri Murphy are a charming trio to ride this rollercoaster of a film alongside. Ross Hagen, who plays our villainous assassin, steals the show from them as the stoic badass, Drago.

"Action U.S.A." is a violent extravaganza of adrenaline-fueled mayhem, buddy-cop tropes and beefcake heroics. This is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word. It's honestly upsetting that John Stewart didn't have much of a directorial career following this film for his death-defying direction and impeccable focus on stunt work is incredible throughout. The wise will inject "Action U.S.A." directly into their veins with this Texan blend of fun for eternal stimulation. It's recklessness is addictive, endlessly rewatchable and worth the trip every time.

One of the many cheap action movies to come out in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This film is in the territory for MST3K, but despite the hilarious acting, editing, and camerawork, we are treated to a nice series of car chases with over-the-top stunt work. The story-line follows two FBI agents (very Riggs and Murtaugh-esque) assigned to protect a murdered drug dealer's girlfriend from thugs and run into trouble from every direction. With cheesy performances by Cameron Mitchell, Ross Hagen, Hoke Howell, and William Smith (!), you can't go wrong with this.

The directing debut of Stuntmen John Stewart shows 90 minutes fast action and nothing else. Greg Cummings plays one of his rare good guy parts, Barri Murphy looks sexy in almost every scene and in supporting roles B-movies stars like William Smith as corrupt FBI-Boss, Ross Hagen and Hoke Howell as killers make this movie a pleasure for B-action-fans.

Director John Stewart should be given a medal. Not only does he play off of every stereotype known to the action genre, but he redefines ridiculous car chases and explosions-for-the-sake-of-them. ‘Action U.S.A.' is a must see for any action fan, and an even muster see for any fan of B-action movies that make you laugh. Where else can you see a house blow up because a car ran through it (without the car being damaged)? From beginning to end this movie will make you laugh, and laugh a lot. Stay far away if you're not a fan of cheesy acting and irrational plot structures, however, as this movie carries them in spades. For those of you whom this sounds even remotely interesting to, go out of your way to find it: I guarantee you will not regret it. Rating: 26/40

Millions of years of evolution have lead to the accidental making of this movie,a vast wet tapestry of human relationships through out history connecting each of us to one another, and also this movie. Does stuff get blown up? Stuff does. Is it possible to film a whole movie along one greasy state road in Texas? Oh yes. With poverty being so rampant through out the world is there enough money to make this movie? Again, yes. No starving child was fed so that this movie might dance before your eyes as some flickering light upon a cave wall. A screenplay was purchased with money, and from those words captured in ink, this movie was born. Yes, there is a car chase and yes there is nudity.