Target
Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon are the distant father and son suddenly swept into a world of international intrigue in this action-packed spy drama directed by Arthur Penn.
Texas teenager Chris Lloyd (Dillon) finds his father Walter (Hackman) unremarkable, ordinary...and sometimes exasperating. But with his mother's (Gayle Hunnicutt) mysterious disappearance in Paris, Chris finds himself entangled in an incredible web of danger, suspense and deception. Determined to find her, father and son must put aside their differences and begin a deadly race against time in an odyssey across Europe. Twists and turns abound in this fast-paced, action-adventure thriller.
Member Reviews
Rather average spy thriller - Coconut_Willy
Although I believe that the other reviewer is right on many levels, it is still pretty harsh to say that this film is completely worthless. True, the story is not very original but it is nicely developed with a typical escalation. There are no twists or surprises here but the story does advance in a logical and enjoyable way despite its predictability. This will never be described as a classic but it is entertaining if you like the genre. The cast is good enough with familiar faces doing an acceptable acting job with an appropriate dialogue. The sets and locations are quite good, the soundtrack not so good and the camera work is professional. There are numerous action scenes and they are generally well done. Overall, I would say that although not memorable this film delivers enough entertainment to be appreciated by fans of the genre.Pure Garbage - Goose
Why CBS ever bothered to print DVDs of this piece of dreck is completely beyond me. I thought it would have potential, what with Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon both being actors that know how to really make a scene. Unfortunately, this movie suffered from such terrible direction, writing, and a horrendous supporting cast that no amount of good acting could save it. Even then, a number scenes felt like they were just phoned in by Hackman and Dillon. It was obvious they just weren't trying.
The character "development" is so choppy and uneven that you're never sure what to think of the characters themselves. The opening scenes attempt to paint Dillon's character as a rebel without a cause, but then when the plot actually gets moving that line of thinking is completely abandoned. As well, what 20-year-old person puts their mother's panties on their head while she's in the room? What precisely are we supposed to take away from that? (Don't worry, that wasn't a spoiler, it happens about six minutes in.)
Gayle Hunnicut's performance feels like its straight off the set of "All My Children", and doesn't fit at all with how the other actors are playing their parts. The director couldn't choose an effective camera angle to save his life, and the token car-chase scene was completely ridiculous. Apparently, all you have to do to evade a spy that's chasing you is drive in to a dead end, then drive out again. If you're confused, don't worry, so am I.
In summation, this movie had no redeeming qualities. It's not even a possible contender for a so-bad-its-good type of viewing. It's just plain terrible. Avoid this at all costs if you value your sanity.
Member Reviews
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Rather average spy thriller - Coconut_Willy
Although I believe that the other reviewer is right on many levels, it is still pretty harsh to say that this film is completely worthless. True, the story is not very original but it is nicely developed with a typical escalation. There are no twists or surprises ...Pure Garbage - Goose
Why CBS ever bothered to print DVDs of this piece of dreck is completely beyond me. I thought it would have potential, what with Gene Hackman and Matt Dillon both being actors that know how to really make a scene. Unfortunately, this movie suffered from ...