Customer Reviews

Missing in Action [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(9)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

Let's get this straight: This ain't Shakespeare! This is sheer escapism for those of us who believe the NVA body count was not high enough. I've been rediscovering Chuck Norris movies lately (because they're cheap in the Blockbuster clearance bin) and I'm having a lot of fun. They're pure '80's schlock, but it's fun schlock, and delivers some no-nonsense commentary on the every-day guy (okay-Superevery-day guy) vs. the system.

Missing in Action has plenty of implausible action, but it sets up and sustains the tension very well. I spent quite a bit of the movie urging Braddick to "go,go GO!" from the edge of my seat. One thing it shares, unfortunately with some of the REALLY cheap knock-offs of the Rambo era is the length of the actor's hair. I know its the early '80's, but come on! Get a haircut for the flashback scenes! Somehow I can handle ONE guy killing an entire NVA battalion, but the hair-its GOT to be correct or its just not believable. True, I could nitpick this movie further, like when Braddick puts on a BLACK outfit to climb down a WHITE building so the guards don't see him, but let's look at the overall picture here: It delivers a good fantasy. Norris is at his peak as an action star and its a blast watching him kick, stab, and shoot his way through Vietnam. Put beer in hand, recline Lay-Z-Boy and enjoy!

This is one of the best action movies I have ever seen before (even though its a little old) because Vietnam war is a cool thing to base a movie on and the musical score was just the best thing. The action sequences and storyline was great, and it really is able to portray the events of Vietnam war very well. This movie will always be a great one.

I saw this film when it first came out in 1984. It is still one of my favorite martial arts films. Because of this film, I made a point of seeing all the other Colonel Braddock films. Solid action, a hero who overcomes impossible odds and risks himself for love of God, country, and fellow man. What a great movie!

"Missing in Action" is the originator of all 80's military action movies. Chuck Norris, as burned-out Vietnam vet James Braddock, lives a tormented life knowing there are American troops still being held captive in Vietnam. Somehow he hitches a ride to Vietnam to meet with the Vietnamese General about POW's. Then he sneaks away, meets up with his old war buddy Tuck, and proceeds to equip himself and start to blow things up. Yes, it's mindless, but it's miles ahead of "Sense and Sensibility." For a full Norris experience, watch this movie, then "Missing in Action 2" and then "Delta Force." You'll be a better person afterwards.

This was a very good movie. Braddock(Chuck Norris) is part of a delegation who is sent to negotiate the release of American P.O.W.s. Braddock immediately comes under fire. He then leads a secret rescue mission back to Vietnam. Here the action picks up. The jungle scenery is very original. There is one action sequence after the other. Braddick is forced to do battle with many of his old enemies. After many battles Braddock continues on his mission. The ending of the movie is very dramatic. The actors in this movie were very good as well. The movie also had a very good plot. Be sure to see this film. You will not be dissapointed.

Now, here is attempt number three to
do a Hollywood attempt (the Cannon
Group, tisk, tisk, tisk) accurately
record Col James Bo Gritz attempts to
rescue our fighting men left behind
by 'Big Brother' Gov't. Walsh and
Norris are very good in here, every
bit the equal of Hackman and Tex Cobb
in Uncommon Valour. The rest of these:
First Blood II, P.O.W. - The Escape,
Missing in Action II, and Rambo: III
ARE cannonfodder COMPARED TO Uncommon
Valour and Missing in Action:I.

OK OK. Chuck Norris may have reached a level of Martial Arts that no Westerner has ever acheived, but maybe he could have considered some acting lessons as well. Chuck Norris has one range of emotion, none. His only facial movement is when he blinks.

This movie is about as ridiculous as any other 80's Vietnam schlock movie (including Rambo II). Chuck returns to Vietnam to investigate still missing POWs. Notice how he will not shake the hand of the Vietnamese General as he lands. That is hard core Chuck. He is the master of his domain. Don't let the cowboy hat and sunglasses fool you, this is no pansy Navy jet fighter, he is a one man armored division that could caonquer a country single-handedly.

So he decides to investigate on his own and upon his return makes up a pretty good alibi. He tears off the dress of a female companion and jumps in the bed with her seconds before the door bursts open.

Of course there is a lot of action, fighting, and explosions ala A-Team. And this movie ends the same way as they all do. The prisoners are found and there is great joy as they prepare to return home.

This is one of the greats of the 80's. Before cinematography took over and everything was just special effects. Chuck norris does a great job. And every war/action movie lover should have this in his collection

"Missing in Action" is a typical (and fairly low-budget), 1980's Hollywood view of the Vietnam War. Chuck Norris is in fine form as Braddock, the troubled tough guy who needs to exact revenge for all Vietnam POWs and MIAs.

Like John Rambo, Braddock does things his way, and with no apologies. Braddock is indestructible, able to withstand anything the enemy can dish out, and still throw back a tough guy stare. He is also incapable of being wrong, and his view of the conflict is superior to all others. When Braddock gives his evidence to the world, all Americans who were affected by the conflict are prepared to jump up and cheer.

Little or no hard evidence exists that our missing men were still alive as POWs by the 1980's, but that made no difference to those who wanted to believe they were. Like conspiracy theories about flying saucers and government cover-ups, the plight of the Vietnam MIA is part of our national fabric and mindset.

Were our men still prisoners? Could they be rescued, despite the weak political will in America? Could a lone wolf hero or special forces strike team save the day and find the prisoners? Most of all, were the men still alive? It was the not knowing that created the psychological crisis in the American mind. In short, there was no closure, only more and more speculation.

Closure was the purpose (or at least, the result), of this type of 1980's film. Movies like "Missing In Action" were a sort of collective, national therapy, allowing us to see the war as we wish we could, find our missing men, and win at least one decisive victory against the VC, all proving that we Americans were not only brave and tough, but winners.

Co-star Lenore Kasdorf starred in many soap operas, and she proves this by being only barely believable as Braddock's love interest. M. Emmet Walsh is great as Braddock's old war buddy, although it seems pretty silly for him to be running around on a covert mission while wearing a Hawaiian shirt.

The film itself is rather bland, low budget, and predictable. There are some good moments, and the movie is worth watching by fans of Norris or 80's Vietnam / action movies. However, there are far better Vietnam War movies and 80's action movies out there.

Excellent,entertaining action packed movie.Let's have Missing In Action 2 The Beginning next on DVD.