Customer Reviews

Chasers

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I'll admit, when I first saw this film, in 1994, I thought it was sophomoric, with overripe performances, a brain-dead plot, and an extremely gratuitous sex scene tossed in to show off Erika Eleniak's considerable assets.

However, seeing it again, recently, I came to realize this was actually a send-up of the 'good ol' boy' comedies of the seventies, the kind of 'B' movies Roger Corman produced, when he introduced directors like Ron Howard. As such, it's very enjoyable, and certainly worth another look!

The premise is that of an old-fashioned service comedy, with wheeler-dealer William McNamara and put-upon pal Crispen Glover pulling off one last big score before McNamara's discharge. Unfortunately, the scam goes awry as the young con artist is 'recruited' to assist grizzled vet 'Rock Reilly' (Tom Berenger, spitting out dialogue with a whiskey-soaked growl) in a prisoner transfer. The prisoner turns out to be the luscious Erika Eleniak, and as she quickly makes the first of several escape attempts, you get to see: a) exciting new uses for feminine hygiene products; b) the redneck charm of the countryside between Charleston and North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; c) some great cameos by Dean Stockwell, Seymour Cassel, Gary Busey, Marilu Henner, Fredric Forrest, and director Dennis Hopper, himself (sporting a bulbous nose and a blow-up sex toy!); d) the famous Eleniak nude love scene, followed by McNamara chasing her, naked, after she runs, again (he shows more skin than she does); and e) the obligatory happy ending, as Berenger proves he has a 'heart of gold', and that 'love (or a healthy lust, anyway!) conquers all'.

Is this a classic? Are you kidding? Then again, neither were the Corman films...but as a tribute to the genre, 'Chasers' is fun, and a terrific 'kick off the shoes, pop some popcorn' flick!

If you were ever in the Navy you'll love the scene where Berenger and McNamara visit the brig to pick up their prisoner. This scene with Gary Busey is worth the price of admission. McNamara embodies the soul of Ricky Nelson but he's a much better actor than Ricky was. Erika isn't bad either. The plot moves along and is funny and bittersweet enough to earn the label "entertainment."

Why watch this movie? It's not that good. The plot is pretty tame. The acting is nothing to speak of. Again, why? Well, if you are a fan a of nude Erika Eleniak then you watch this movie. Really that's the good part of this flick.

Chasers brings to the screen the story of a sailor, who one day before getting his discharge papers is ordered to escort a prisoner from a U.S. Marines base to a military prison.
Tom Berenger and William McNamara are pretty weak and unconvincing in their respecting roles. The latter, especially, has to deal with playing a not very likable character as well.
In short, the music is great, the plot/setting is interesting, while the dialogues and the acting are average and sometimes below average, and then there is Erika Eleniak. WOW!!! As others have also pointed out, this film is indeed all about Erika Eleniak.
In a nutshell, it's probably not a movie you would want to add to your collection, but it will provide for an evening's entertainment. 3.5 Stars

I guess being a big Berenger fan influenced my opinion of this little flick. I got quite a few laughs out of it and, even tho he is a consummate ham, William McNamarra sure is cute! Took me a long time to finally buy this DVD, but it is a keeper for me. Tom does his usual great job of being nasty/sweet and Elena Eleniak turned out to be a surprise - in more ways than one. All the cameos were fun and seeing Hopper duded out as a sleaze was really great. All in all, 101 minutes of pretty good comedy and I even enjoyed the views of the tacky southern
real estate - ouch!

This is a good movie.

Only thing is, it's not really a comedy like it is said to be. There are a few humorous lines bt whatis there is unoriginal humor and definitely not laugh--out-loud funny. For wxample, in te bedroom scene just before Toni(Eleniak) and Eddy(MacNamera) make love, Eddy is unable to take her shirt off as a result of her being handcuffed to the bed post. Before leaving to retrieve the handcuff key, hey tells her, "Okay, don't go anywhere."

See, not original and definitely not laugh-out-loud funny.

But, the movie is a good drama and ha a pretty good plot. And having some provocative lines from Eleniak, a scantily clad Eleniak and the one scene with Eleniak naked alone make this movie worth 5 stars. 10 even.

This is a movie I had seen on TV a couple of times and finally managed to track down on DVD.
It was well worth it. The copy I have is remastered for 5.1 Home Theatre and in 16:9 widescreen.
The picture quality doesn't stand up to todays films but was still much better on DVD than it would have been on VHS.

The movie itself is fairly light hearted and entertaining similar to many other action/comedy/romance type movies & shows of the 80 & 90s. If you are a fan of those classic movies and programs like beverly hills cop, baywatch, police academy etc this movie would slot right in. If you are a fan of Erika Eleniak then this is a must have that you will not regret purchasing.

I have not received my DVD yet. I sent an e-mail got a quick response and they are sending a replacement DVD, I'm very satisfied with the quick action that was taken my problem was resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. I recommend this store.

This is certainly not a movie for the mind or for the soul. I won't even try to list the logical problems with this one, as my quota of 1000 words would just get me warmed up :-) Suffice it to say that if you are looking for a well-knit storyline that holds itself together, about turn right now.

On the other hand, if you have an hour to fritter away and are not in a particularly picky/discriminating mood, give this one a shot. You might be surprised to find yourself grinning more often than you expected to :-)

My only kudos to Dennis Hopper is his choice of Tom Berenger. This is one heck of a good thespian, and he shines, even when cast in an otherwise silly, non-entity of a movie. Sure, Erika gets her share of attention, but mostly when she's baring it. And McNamara, well, I can't remember any other movie he was in, so I'll just say he has latent talent. A little too cute for this role, maybe.

You've probably read other reviews, so I won't bore you with a detailed storyline. Tom and McNamara are Navy guys sent to escort a prisoner from a Marine detention center. Turns out that the prisoner is a woman (Erika) and a slippery one at that. Several travails follow. Erika and McNamara fall for each other. Tom eventually helps the couple make off to Mexico or somewhere. Like I said, suspend your belief, all ye who enter here :-)

Tom plays his part to perfection, as the gruff, hardboiled, no-nonsense, sardonic military guy. I can't see anyone else better suited to this role. Watch out for a couple of hilarious scenes, when they land up at the marine detention center, and when they take a detour on their way back to base. Pretty funny 'camaraderie' too, with McNamara and a couple of sailor pinheads who want nothing more than to yank his chain.

Summary - with a couple of beers to help, what the heck, I think I actually enjoyed it!

The movie actually was not bad at all....I like Berringer....Maybe a bit 'cheesy', but still funny enough to watch more then once.

However, the 5 stars are for the 1 scene with Erika Elaniak. Those that have see the scene I am referring to know what I am talking about.

She may not be the best actress....she's not bad..but not great...but how have we not seen her in the buff more often? How could any producer see that scene and not want her in ANY "romance" scene?

While watching, my wife even commented "It's ok to drool baby..how could any normal man not drool watching this scene".....

OK movie...worth watching.....but "the scene" earns it 5 stars!