60%

Rambo First Blood Part II

 

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

NEUTRAL
Amazon, Google Play, YouTube, Vudu, iTunes, Microsoft Store, HBO Max
Movie Reviews60%
NR
1985, Action/Adventure, 1h 35m
RT Critics’ Score: 33% (BIAS DETECTED)
RT Audience Score: 60%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
5 wins & 5 nominations total

 

Critics Consensus

First Blood Part II offers enough mayhem to satisfy genre fans, but remains a regressive sequel that turns its once-compelling protagonist into just another muscled action berserker
 

Audience Consensus

Rambo: First Blood Part II is the kind of movie that’s so over-the-top, you can’t help but love it. Sure, the plot is a bit ridiculous and the action scenes are completely implausible, but who cares when you have Sylvester Stallone flexing his muscles and blowing things up left and right? It’s like a Saturday afternoon serial on steroids, and it’s impossible not to get caught up in the sheer ridiculousness of it all. Plus, the doggy cliches are just the cherry on top of this glorious trash heap of a movie.
 
Movie Trailer

Movie Info

Storyline

Only a few years after the all-out guerrilla war in First Blood (1982), John Rambo’s former commanding officer, Colonel Sam Trautman, pulls him out of jail, only to send him back to a place he swore never to return: the impenetrable jungles of Vietnam. Entrusted with the dangerous task of collecting evidence that American POWs are still being held captive, Rambo agrees to infiltrate the unknown zone, and before long, he finds himself double-crossed, marooned behind the enemy lines. Once, John fought for his country. Now, the government has left him for dead in a Soviet-infested land. Can Rambo fulfil his suicide mission? Will he deliver his lethal justice?

 
Production Company(ies)
Dreamworks Pictures, Paramount Pictures, Amblin Entertainment,
 
Distributor
Artisan Entertainment, Image Entertainment Inc., TriStar Pictures
 
Release Type
Theatrical
 
Filming Location(s)
Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
 
MPAA / Certificate
R
 
Year of Release
1985
 

Technical Specs
  • Color:
    Color
  • Sound mix:
    Dolby
  • Aspect ratio:
    2.35 : 1
  • Runtime:
    1h 35m
  • Language(s):
    English, Vietnamese, Russian
  • Country of origin:
    United States
  • Release date:
    Release Date (Theaters): May 24, 1985 Wide
    Release Date (Streaming): Nov 23, 2004

 
Genre(s)
Action/Adventure
 
Keyword(s)
starring Sylvester Stallone, Richard Crenna, Julia Nickson, Charles Napier, Steven Berkoff, Martin Kove, directed by George P Cosmatos, written by Kevin Jarre, Sylvester Stallone, James Cameron, action, adventure, R-rated, box office gross $150.2M, reviewed by Ian Nathan, Gene Siskel, Stanley Kauffmann, Radheyan Simonpillai, Variety Staff, Keith Uhlich, Eleanor O’Sullivan, Mike Massie, Matt Brunson, David Elliott, Adrian Massanet, PTSD, Vietnam War, American prisoners of war, reconnaissance, martial arts, explosions, gunfire, rescue mission, betrayal, revenge, love, anti-communism, 80s action hero, presidential pardon, covert mission, missing Vietnam POWs, failed reintegration of Vietnam vets, extreme action sequences, warlike setting, sad and satisfying ending, Artisan Entertainment, Image Entertainment Inc., TriStar Pictures, Surround, Stereo, Dolby SR
 

Box Office Details

Worldwide gross: $300,400,432
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $848,479,477
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 133
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 92,527,751
 
US/Canada gross: $150,415,432
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $424,847,615
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 102
US/Canada opening weekend: $20,176,217
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $56,987,621
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 192
 
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $44,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $124,277,774
Production budget ranking: 297
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $66,923,581
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $657,278,122
ROI to date (est.): 344%
ROI ranking: 406

 
Movie Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew

Sylvester StalloneRichard CrennaJulia NicksonCharles NapierSteven Berkoff
Sylvester Stallone
Richard Crenna
Julia Nickson
Charles Napier
Steven Berkoff
John J. Rambo
Col. Samuel Trautman
Co Bao
Marshall Murdock
Lt. Col. Podovsky
Sylvester Stallone – John J. Rambo
Richard Crenna – Col. Samuel Trautman
Julia Nickson – Co Bao
Charles Napier – Marshall Murdock
Steven Berkoff – Lt. Col. Podovsky
Martin Kove – Ericson

 

George P. CosmatosKevin JarreBuzz Feitshans
George P. Cosmatos
Kevin Jarre
Buzz Feitshans
Director
Writer
Producer
Producer
Producer

Director(s)
George P. Cosmatos
 
Writer(s)
Kevin Jarre, Sylvester Stallone, James Cameron
 
Producer(s)
Buzz Feitshans

 
Movie Reviews & Awards
Film Festivals

 
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
5 wins & 5 nominations total
 
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
 

Top Reviews
Ian NathanGene SiskelStanley KauffmannRadheyan SimonpillaiVariety Staff
Ian Nathan
Gene Siskel
Stanley Kauffmann
Radheyan Simonpillai
Variety Staff
Empire Magazine
Chicago Tribune
The New Republic
AskMen.com
Variety
RAMBO: FIRST BLOOD PART II
 All Critics (43) | Top Critics (9) | Fresh (14) | Rotten (29)
 Reappraisal is not due.
 
 April 17, 2019 | Rating: 2/5
 
 Ian Nathan
 Empire Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 So powerful and intoxicating is this kind of movie hero that when we see him operating in a flaw-riddled movie like ”Rambo” we realize that heroic action can override almost any script.
 
 April 17, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
 
 Gene Siskel
 Chicago Tribune
 TOP CRITIC
 In credibility, the action is as ludicrous as old Saturday-afternoon serials; in execution, the skills help it to skate over the incredibilities.
 
 April 11, 2016
 
 Stanley Kauffmann
 The New Republic
 TOP CRITIC
 What makes this icon so significant is how wholly he was embraced by the Reagan era. After all, it only seems natural to respond to B-movie action stars when your president was one as well.
 
 June 7, 2010 | Rating: 51/100
 
 Radheyan Simonpillai
 AskMen.com
 TOP CRITIC
 This overwrought sequel to the popular First Blood (1982) is one mounting fireball.
 
 March 26, 2009
 
 Variety Staff
 Variety
 TOP CRITIC
 Rambo’s significant beefcake factor is so pronounced in First Blood: Part II that it practically begs to be taken as queer-baiting camp.
 
 June 14, 2008
 
 Keith Uhlich
 UGO
 TOP CRITIC
 Mountains, mud, mutilation and mortars can’t keep Rambo down, but a heavyhanded plot, unrelenting violence and a screeching soundtrack deliver pummeling blows to viewers.
 
 August 13, 2021
 
 Eleanor O’Sullivan
 Asbury Park Press (NJ)
 Though it sacrifices the original film’s brooding style and moral complexities for nonstop action, this second chapter manages to remain surprisingly entertaining.
 
 September 7, 2020 | Rating: 5/10
 
 Mike Massie
 Gone With The Twins
 A tedious action yarn.
 
 September 22, 2019 | Rating: 2/4
 
 Matt Brunson
 Film Frenzy
 From its whip ’em up music to its doggy cliches, the movie is a rubbish pile. Even the vaunted action scenes… don’t show fresh verve or tactical flair. They’re just stunts with big price tags.
 
 July 19, 2019
 
 David Elliott
 Copley News Service
 Stallone, an often terribly misused actor, embroiders a very physical role, very demanding, emanating fear and pain at the same time, something more difficult to do than it seems. [Full Review in Spanish]
 
 April 17, 2019
 
 Adrian Massanet
 Espinof
 The result is entertaining if implausible as Stallone flexes his muscles for some cartoon-like heroics, rescuing American prisoners in Vietnam but discovering that he’s considered as expendable as the men he’s trying to save.
 
 April 17, 2019 | Rating: 3/5
 
 Tom Hutchinson
 Radio Times…

 
Movie Plot & More
Plot
Only a few years after the all-out guerrilla war in First Blood (1982), John Rambo’s former commanding officer, Colonel Sam Trautman, pulls him out of jail, only to send him back to a place he swore never to return: the impenetrable jungles of Vietnam. Entrusted with the dangerous task of collecting evidence that American POWs are still being held captive, Rambo agrees to infiltrate the unknown zone, and before long, he finds himself double-crossed, marooned behind the enemy lines. Once, John fought for his country. Now, the government has left him for dead in a Soviet-infested land. Can Rambo fulfil his suicide mission? Will he deliver his lethal justice?
 
Trivia

 
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Rambo: First Blood Part II on Fresh Kernels.
 
Movie Links Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes

Links
Wikipedia: Go to Wiki
Rotten Tomatoes: Go to RT

 
Where to Watch

 
Move the ScoreGeorge-P.-Cosmatos.jpg

60%

Never Say Never Again

 

Never Say Never Again (1983)

NEUTRAL
Various
Movie Reviews60%
NR
1983, Action, 2h 17m
RT Critics’ Score: 70% (BIAS DETECTED)
RT Audience Score: 37%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 3 nominations

 

Critics Consensus

While the rehashed story feels rather uninspired and unnecessary, the return of both Sean Connery and a more understated Bond make Never Say Never Again a watchable retread
 

Audience Consensus

Never Say Never Again is the Bond movie that proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. Sean Connery’s return to the role is like a fine wine that only gets better with age. Sure, it’s a retread of Thunderball, but who cares when you have Connery’s grave stylishness and pleasing sense of irony? It’s a shame they didn’t take more risks, but hey, it’s still superb entertainment. Plus, it’s Bond, James Bond.
 
Movie Trailer

Movie Info

Storyline

S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Agents under the command of Ernst Blofeld infiltrate a U.S. Air Force base situated in the U.K. and steal two Tomahawk cruise missiles. When N.A.T.O. is held ransom, the British re-activate their “00” Agents and send James Bond to recapture the warheads and kill Blofeld.

 
Production Company(ies)
Charles Chaplin Productions,
 
Distributor
NA
 
Release Type
Theatrical
 
Filming Location(s)
Malta
 
MPAA / Certificate
PG
 
Year of Release
1983
 

Technical Specs
  • Color:
    Color
  • Sound mix:
    70 mm 6-Track
  • Aspect ratio:
    2.39 : 1
  • Runtime:
    NA
  • Language(s):
    English, French, Spanish, Arabic
  • Country of origin:
    United States
  • Release date:
    Release Date (Streaming): Mar 24, 2009

 
Genre(s)
Action
 
Keyword(s)
starring Sean Connery, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Barbara Carrera, Max von Sydow, Kim Basinger, Bernie Casey, Edward Fox, directed by Irvin Kershner, written by Lorenzo Semple Jr., produced by Jack Schwartzman, action, PG, James Bond, espionage, nuclear missiles, SPECTRE, British Intelligence, Sean Connery as James Bond, Klaus Maria Brandauer as Maximilian Largo, Barbara Carrera as Fatima Blush, Max von Sydow as Ernst Stavro Blofeld, Kim Basinger as Domino Petachi, Bernie Casey as Felix Leiter, reviewed by Gary Arnold, Janet Maslin, William Thomas, Dave Kehr, Richard Schickel, Variety Staff, Eddie Harrison, Matt Brunson, Jake Tropila, Mike Massie, Richard Holliss, John Brosnan
 

Box Office Details

Worldwide gross: $55,432,841
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $169,622,148
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 784
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 18,497,508
 
US/Canada gross: $55,432,841
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $169,622,148
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 450
US/Canada opening weekend: $10,958,157
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $33,531,497
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 395
 
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $36,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $110,158,477
Production budget ranking: 345
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $59,320,340
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $143,331
ROI to date (est.): 0%
ROI ranking: 1,395

 
Movie Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew

Sean ConneryKlaus Maria BrandauerBarbara CarreraMax von SydowKim Basinger
Sean Connery
Klaus Maria Brandauer
Barbara Carrera
Max von Sydow
Kim Basinger
James Bond
Maximilian Largo
Fatima Blush
Ernst Stavro Blofeld
Domino Petachi
Sean Connery – James Bond
Klaus Maria Brandauer – Maximilian Largo
Barbara Carrera – Fatima Blush
Max von Sydow – Ernst Stavro Blofeld
Kim Basinger – Domino Petachi
Bernie Casey – Felix Leiter

 

Irvin KershnerLorenzo Semple Jr.Jack Schwartzman
Irvin Kershner
Lorenzo Semple Jr.
Jack Schwartzman
Director
Writer
Producer
Producer
Producer

Director(s)
Irvin Kershner
 
Writer(s)
Lorenzo Semple Jr.
 
Producer(s)
Jack Schwartzman

 
Movie Reviews & Awards
Film Festivals

 
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 3 nominations
 
Academy Awards

 

Top Reviews
Gary ArnoldJanet MaslinWilliam ThomasDave KehrRichard Schickel
Gary Arnold
Janet Maslin
William Thomas
Dave Kehr
Richard Schickel
Washington Post
New York Times
Empire Magazine
Chicago Reader
TIME Magazine
NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN
 All Critics (54) | Top Critics (10) | Fresh (38) | Rotten (16)
 Never Say Never Again is the best acted Bond picture ever made, because it clearly surpasses any predecessors in the area of inventive and clever character delineation.
 
 September 9, 2015
 
 Gary Arnold
 Washington Post
 TOP CRITIC
 In Never Say Never Again, the formula is broadened to accommodate an older, seasoned man of much greater stature, and Mr. Connery expertly fills the bill.
 
 October 23, 2012
 
 Janet Maslin
 New York Times
 TOP CRITIC
 [Connery] does at least handle the whole charade, a retread of Thunderball, with a pleasing sense of irony as he reacquaints himself with old adversary Blofeld (Von Sydow) and thwarts SPECTRE’s plans.
 
 October 13, 2008 | Rating: 3/5
 
 William Thomas
 Empire Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 Without absolute conviction, no action film can survive: if there’s no belief, there’s no danger.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Dave Kehr
 Chicago Reader
 TOP CRITIC
 It is good to see Connery’s grave stylishness in this role again. It makes Bond’s cynicism and opportunism seem the product of genuine worldliness (and world weariness) as opposed to Roger Moore’s mere twirpishness.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Richard Schickel
 TIME Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 After a 12-year hiatus, Sean Connery is back in action as James Bond. The new entry marks something of a retreat from the far-fetched technology of many of the later Bonds in favor of intrigue and romance.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Variety Staff
 Variety
 TOP CRITIC
 Never Say Never Again does have some points of interest, and is certainly no worse that some of the later Moore efforts
 
 April 30, 2022 | Rating: 3/5
 
 Eddie Harrison
 film-authority.com
 This is basically Thunderball under a new moniker. It bests its predecessor in most regards.
 
 September 25, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
 
 Matt Brunson
 Film Frenzy
 The film stands up well on its own, and there’s the added value of Connery, gifted with one last go at the role that catapulted him to superstardom.
 
 July 16, 2021
 
 Jake Tropila
 Film Inquiry
 It may be Bond, but without the use of the gun barrel graphics, the booming theme music, and the opening title silhouettes of nude figures, it just doesn’t feel the same.
 
 September 6, 2020 | Rating: 2/10
 
 Mike Massie
 Gone With The Twins
 Adding together a marvellous array of sophistication, comedy and action. Never Say Never Again is superb entertainment.
 
 June 29, 2020
 
 Richard Holliss
 Starburst
 Overall I liked Never Say Never Again but it fell far short of the movie it could have been. The makers should have been more adventurous instead of simply trying to beat Broccoli at his own game.
 
 June 29, 2020
 
 John Brosnan
 Starburst…

 
Movie Plot & More
Plot
S.P.E.C.T.R.E. Agents under the command of Ernst Blofeld infiltrate a U.S. Air Force base situated in the U.K. and steal two Tomahawk cruise missiles. When N.A.T.O. is held ransom, the British re-activate their “00” Agents and send James Bond to recapture the warheads and kill Blofeld.
 
Trivia

 
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels notes that Sean Connery returns as James Bond in Never Say Never Again, marking his last go at the role that catapulted him to superstardom.
 
Movie Links Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes

Links
Wikipedia: Go to Wiki
Rotten Tomatoes: Go to RT

 
Where to Watch

Where to Watch

 
Move the ScoreIrvin-Kershner.jpg

60%

Cruising

 

Cruising (1980)

NEUTRAL
In-Theaters
Movie Reviews60%
NR
1980, Lgbtq+, 1h 46m
RT Critics’ Score: 50% (UNBIASED)
RT Audience Score: 49%
Awards & Nominations: 5 nominations

 

Critics Consensus

Cruising glides along confidently thanks to filmmaking craft and Al Pacino’s committed performance, but this hot-button thriller struggles to engage its subject matter sensitively or justify its brutality
 

Audience Consensus

Cruising is a movie that’s been around for a while, and it seems like everyone has an opinion on it. Some people think it’s a work of art, while others think it’s ugly and mean. Personally, I think it’s a bit of both. The movie is definitely not for everyone, but if you’re into giallo and want to see a snapshot of queer nightlife in New York City before the AIDS epidemic, then it’s worth checking out. Just be prepared for some laughable loopholes and sluggish, repetitive scenes. Overall, I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5 stars.
 
Movie Trailer

Movie Info

Storyline

A serial killer brutally slays and dismembers several gay men in New York’s S&M and leather districts. The young police officer Steve Burns is sent undercover onto the streets as decoy for the murderer. Working almost completely isolated from his department, he has to learn and practice the complex rules and signals of this little society. While barely seeing his girlfriend Nancy anymore, the work starts changing him.

 
Production Company(ies)
Carolco Pictures, Pacific Western Lightstorm Entertainment,
 
Distributor
United Artists
 
Release Type
Theatrical
 
Filming Location(s)
Hotel St. James, 109 West 45th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
 
MPAA / Certificate
R
 
Year of Release
1980
 

Technical Specs
  • Color:
    Color
  • Sound mix:
    Mono
  • Aspect ratio:
    1.85 : 1
  • Runtime:
    1h 46m
  • Language(s):
    English
  • Country of origin:
    United States
  • Release date:
    Release Date (Theaters): Feb 8, 1980 Wide
    Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2007

 
Genre(s)
Lgbtq+
 
Keyword(s)
starring Al Pacino, Paul Sorvino, Karen Allen, Richard Cox, Don Scardino, Joe Spinell, directed by William Friedkin, written by William Friedkin, Gerald Walker, LGBTQ+, thriller, New York City, gay clubs, murder, detective, S&M, subculture, homophobia, brutality, psychopath, violence, committed performance, filmmaking craft, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Anton Bitel, Charles Champlin, Bruce McCabe, Roger Ebert, Frank Rich, Dave Kehr, Philip Shehadi, Tom Huhn, Jason Shawhan, Marina Hirsch, MPAA rating R, produced by Jerry Weintraub, United Artists, aspect ratio Flat (1.85:1)
 

Box Office Details

Worldwide gross: $19,814,523
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $74,469,697
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,163
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 8,121,014
 
US/Canada gross: $19,784,223
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
 
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $11,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $41,341,730
Production budget ranking: 934
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $22,262,522
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $10,865,445
ROI to date (est.): 17%
ROI ranking: 1,308

 
Movie Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew

Al PacinoSteve BurnsPaul SorvinoKaren AllenRichard Cox
Al Pacino
Steve Burns
Paul Sorvino
Karen Allen
Richard Cox
Steve Burns
Capt. Edelson
Nancy Gates
Stuart Richards
Ted Bailey
Al Pacino – Steve Burns
Paul Sorvino – Capt. Edelson
Karen Allen – Nancy Gates
Richard Cox – Stuart Richards
Don Scardino – Ted Bailey
Joe Spinell – Patrolman DiSimone

 

William FriedkinWilliam FriedkinJerry Weintraub
William Friedkin
William Friedkin
Jerry Weintraub
Director
Writer
Producer
Producer
Producer

Director(s)
William Friedkin
 
Writer(s)
William Friedkin, Gerald Walker
 
Producer(s)
Jerry Weintraub

 
Movie Reviews & Awards
Film Festivals

 
Awards & Nominations
5 nominations
 
Academy Awards

 

Top Reviews
Anton BitelCharles ChamplinBruce McCabeRoger EbertFrank Rich
Anton Bitel
Charles Champlin
Bruce McCabe
Roger Ebert
Frank Rich
Little White Lies
Los Angeles Times
Boston Globe
Chicago Sun-Times
TIME Magazine
CRUISING
 All Critics (58) | Top Critics (15) | Fresh (29) | Rotten (29)
 Here Steve’s ‘undercover’ status serves as a metaphor for his closetedness (and vice versa) – while murder is committed at the behest of an internalised paternal voice of authority that regards homosexuality as a guilt that must be bloodily expunged.
 
 August 19, 2019
 
 Anton Bitel
 Little White Lies
 TOP CRITIC
 The principal complaint, artistically, about Cruising is that it is not very clear at the rudimentary level of exposition of character and event. The problem… is in a script that never seems sure enough what it wants to say or prove.
 
 April 29, 2019
 
 Charles Champlin
 Los Angeles Times
 TOP CRITIC
 William Friedkin’s Cruising is a work of art.
 
 April 27, 2018
 
 Bruce McCabe
 Boston Globe
 TOP CRITIC
 What we’re left with is a movie without the courage to declare itself.
 
 June 9, 2014 | Rating: 2.5/4
 
 Roger Ebert
 Chicago Sun-Times
 TOP CRITIC
 This detective melodrama has something to offend almost everyone.
 
 June 9, 2014
 
 Frank Rich
 TIME Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 What’s left is the framework for a graphic, brutal, sickening film, without the violent effects that might have made sense (however illegitimate) out of the conception.
 
 June 9, 2014
 
 Dave Kehr
 Chicago Reader
 TOP CRITIC
 I don’t think it poses the massive threat to gay lives and sanity some writers have anticipated. But Cruising [is] part of a larger picture: its homophobia does not stand alone in the history of American cinema, and that’s where the greatest danger lies.
 
 May 24, 2022
 
 Philip Shehadi
 Gay Community News (Boston)
 The film is ugly and mean, but art is fundamentally a search for the truth, and when the vision starts to become unpalatable, is it suddenly right for us to complain?
 
 May 12, 2022
 
 Tom Huhn
 Washington Blade
 At its best, this William Friedkin effort is an American giallo and a document of a community just before HIV/AIDS came along and demolished it.
 
 September 10, 2021
 
 Jason Shawhan
 Nashville Scene
 …sluggish and disastrously repetitive…
 
 June 12, 2021 | Rating: 2/4
 
 David Nusair
 Reel Film Reviews
 Cruising is rife with laughable loopholes.
 
 February 3, 2021
 
 Marina Hirsch
 Berkeley Barb
 A fascinating entry in Friedkin’s oeuvre that works best when it’s immersed in New York City’s queer nightlife and less so when it gets bogged down in dull police shenanigans.
 
 December 30, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/5
 
 Trace Thurman
 Horror Queers Podcast…

 
Movie Plot & More
Plot
A serial killer brutally slays and dismembers several gay men in New York’s S&M and leather districts. The young police officer Steve Burns is sent undercover onto the streets as decoy for the murderer. Working almost completely isolated from his department, he has to learn and practice the complex rules and signals of this little society. While barely seeing his girlfriend Nancy anymore, the work starts changing him.
 
Trivia

 
Goofs / Tidbits
The film stars Al Pacino as Detective Steve Burns.
 
Movie Links Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes

Links
Wikipedia: Go to Wiki
Rotten Tomatoes: Go to RT

 
Where to Watch

Where to Watch

 
Move the ScoreWilliam-Friedkin.jpg

60%

Moonraker

 

Moonraker (1979)

NEUTRAL
Various
Movie Reviews60%
NR
1979, Action, 2h 6m
RT Critics’ Score: 60% (UNBIASED)
RT Audience Score: 43%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 1 Oscar
1 win & 6 nominations total

 

Critics Consensus

Featuring one of the series’ more ludicrous plots but outfitted with primo gadgets and spectacular sets, Moonraker is both silly and entertaining
 

Audience Consensus

Moonraker is like a space-themed carnival ride that you can’t help but enjoy. Sure, it’s a bit silly and over-the-top, but that’s what makes it so fun. The gadgets are cool, the stunts are impressive, and the sets are out of this world (literally). Plus, who doesn’t love a good Jaws appearance? It may not be the best Bond movie out there, but it’s definitely worth a watch for some lighthearted entertainment.
 
Movie Trailer

Movie Info

Storyline

James Bond is back for another mission and this time, he is blasting off into space. A spaceship travelling through space is mysteriously hijacked and Bond must work quickly to find out who was behind it all. He starts with the rockets creators, Drax Industries and the man behind the organization, Hugo Drax. On his journey he ends up meeting Dr. Holly Goodhead and encounters the metal-toothed Jaws once again.

 
Production Company(ies)
Les Films, du Cru Film4 Orange Studio
 
Distributor
United Artists, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., CBS/Fox
 
Release Type
Theatrical
 
Filming Location(s)
Château de Guermantes, Seine-et- Marne, France
 
MPAA / Certificate
PG
 
Year of Release
1979
 

Technical Specs
  • Color:
    Color
  • Sound mix:
    Dolby
  • Aspect ratio:
    2.39 : 1
  • Runtime:
    2h 6m
  • Language(s):
    English, Italian, Portuguese
  • Country of origin:
    United States
  • Release date:
    Release Date (Theaters): Jun 29, 1979 Wide
    Release Date (Streaming): Dec 12, 2006

 
Genre(s)
Action
 
Keyword(s)
starring Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, Michael Lonsdale, Richard Kiel, Corinne Clery, Bernard Lee, directed by Lewis Gilbert, written by Ian Fleming, Christopher Wood, action, PG, James Bond, gadgets, space, CIA, industrialist, global genocide, hijacking, American space shuttle, life-or-death struggle, power-mad, spectacular sets, reviewed by Gary Arnold, Variety Staff, Frank Rich, Ian Nathan, Dave Kehr, Chris Auty, Tom Huhn, Matt Brunson, Alistair Lawrence, Jake Tropila, Mike Massie, Kelechi Ehenulo, PG-rated, spy adventure, sound mix, magnetic stereo 6 track, Dolby Stereo, surround, aspect ratio, scope (2.35:1), United Artists, MGM/UA Home Entertainment Inc., CBS/Fox, produced by Albert R Broccoli
 

Box Office Details

Worldwide gross: $210,308,099
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $914,569,597
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 113
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 99,734,961
 
US/Canada gross: $70,308,099
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $305,749,755
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 184
US/Canada opening weekend: $7,108,344
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $30,912,149
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 441
 
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $34,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $147,856,247
Production budget ranking: 224
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $79,620,589
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $687,092,760
ROI to date (est.): 302%
ROI ranking: 459

 
Movie Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew

Roger MooreLois ChilesMichaël LonsdaleRichard KielCorinne Clery
Roger Moore
Lois Chiles
Michaël Lonsdale
Richard Kiel
Corinne Clery
James Bond
Dr. Holly Goodhead
Hugo Drax
Jaws
Corinne Dufour
Roger Moore – James Bond
Lois Chiles – Dr. Holly Goodhead
Michaël Lonsdale – Hugo Drax
Richard Kiel – Jaws
Corinne Clery – Corinne Dufour
Bernard Lee – M

 

Lewis GilbertIan FlemingAlbert R. Broccoli
Lewis Gilbert
Ian Fleming
Albert R. Broccoli
Director
Writer
Producer
Producer
Producer

Director(s)
Lewis Gilbert
 
Writer(s)
Ian Fleming, Christopher Wood
 
Producer(s)
Albert R. Broccoli

 
Movie Reviews & Awards
Film Festivals

 
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 1 Oscar
1 win & 6 nominations total
 
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
 

Top Reviews
Gary ArnoldVariety StaffFrank RichIan NathanDave Kehr
Gary Arnold
Variety Staff
Frank Rich
Ian Nathan
Dave Kehr
Washington Post
Variety
TIME Magazine
Empire Magazine
Chicago Reader
MOONRAKER
 All Critics (54) | Top Critics (11) | Fresh (32) | Rotten (22)
 Moonraker, the newest James Bond spectacle, is a cheerful, splashy entertainment. The curators of the Bond museum do not surpass themselves with this exhibition, the 11th in the series, but they haven’t fallen down on the job either.
 
 October 6, 2015
 
 Gary Arnold
 Washington Post
 TOP CRITIC
 Christopher Wood’s script takes the characters exactly where they always go in a James Bond pic and the only question is whether the stunts and gadgets will live up to expectations. They do.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Variety Staff
 Variety
 TOP CRITIC
 Broccoli just keeps piling on the goodies: lush Ken Adam sets, gadgetry and gams galore, super stunts and effects.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Frank Rich
 TIME Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 Bond meets Star Wars in one of the series’ sillier outings.
 
 October 13, 2008 | Rating: 2/5
 
 Ian Nathan
 Empire Magazine
 TOP CRITIC
 Lewis Gilbert directed, but the real auteur of the series is production designer Ken Adam, whose spectacular chrome and plastic sets define Bond’s world and technological ethic.
 
 October 13, 2008
 
 Dave Kehr
 Chicago Reader
 TOP CRITIC
 The space-age plot is spread dangerously thin, the fights all tend to slapstick, and the wanton destruction has become rather too predictable. But it’s held together by likeable performances.
 
 June 24, 2006
 
 Chris Auty
 Time Out
 TOP CRITIC
 Moonraker has the same trappings as the earlier movies, but little of the spirit.
 
 May 20, 2022
 
 Tom Huhn
 Washington Blade
 Yes, the final half-hour is utterly ridiculous, but the earthbound portion has much to recommend it.
 
 September 25, 2021 | Rating: 3/4
 
 Matt Brunson
 Film Frenzy
 Vintage Bond has violence, innuendo, sexism, and peril.
 
 December 4, 2020 | Rating: 3/5
 
 Alistair Lawrence
 Common Sense Media
 Frequently entertaining and grandiloquent in equal measure, Moonraker’s overblown excess is a total joy.
 
 October 3, 2020
 
 Jake Tropila
 Film Inquiry
 For the majority of the time, Bond and Goodhead seem quite pleased with their skills – and face very little serious adversity, even when regularly cornered by Jaws.
 
 August 30, 2020 | Rating: 4/10
 
 Mike Massie
 Gone With The Twins
 Bond in space – that is all.
 
 July 16, 2020 | Rating: 2/5
 
 Kelechi Ehenulo
 Confessions From A Geek Mind…

 
Movie Plot & More
Plot
James Bond is back for another mission and this time, he is blasting off into space. A spaceship travelling through space is mysteriously hijacked and Bond must work quickly to find out who was behind it all. He starts with the rockets creators, Drax Industries and the man behind the organization, Hugo Drax. On his journey he ends up meeting Dr. Holly Goodhead and encounters the metal-toothed Jaws once again.
 
Trivia

 
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny or odd comment about the film Moonraker on Fresh Kernels.
 
Movie Links Wikipedia and Rotten Tomatoes

Links
Wikipedia: Go to Wiki
Rotten Tomatoes: Go to RT

 
Where to Watch

Where to Watch

 
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