Action U.S.A.

Trailer—Action U.S.A.

source: Action U.S.A.

I don't even know where to start with this. I've never seen time fly by so fast, it literally is action scene after after action scene. If you're a fan of Samurai Cop or any Arizal movies, or just insane stunts and amazingly awful dialogue, this is the movie for you.

"Action U.S.A." is not about the script, it's not about the acting, it's all about the fun factor. With outrageous stunts and quirky dialog, the film delivers definite entertainment value. The story of missing diamonds being pursued by bad guys is so thin it would fit beneath a piece of cardboard. I say ignore the script and concentrate on what's being said. You will be surprised at the clever one liners spewing forth. Stunt work is terrific, with a helicopter flight that is beyond belief. Thespians should avoid "Action U.S.A." like they would a rabid dog. Those seeking a fun film that has action with an attitude should look no further. - MERK

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.

Seeing as it had a 6.1 rating, I figured it might be enjoyable. I love exploitation movies of the 70s and 80s, as well. But you can pretty well bet that these 10/10 reviews talking about "quotable dialogue" and great stunts were all written by friends of the above-the-line cast and crew. (i.e. The director, producers, etc.) There isn't a stunt in here that hasn't been done better in a dozen other movies. The plot is sloppy as all get out, the acting subpar, and the direction... Well, pretty much nonexistent. I'm sure this review will get down-voted, too. Don't fall for it. If you remove all the bogus 8,9,10 votes, you wind up with a far more realistic, but still high IMO, 4.9.

Action U.S.A. is simply awesome! From the title on down, the movie delivers in every possible way. Truly the Crank (2006) of its day, the plot blasts off when rockin' dude with an attitude Billy Ray (who drives a hot Corvette with the license plate SLEEK 1) is offed by some gangsters, his girlfriend Carmen (Murphy) goes on the run and goes into the police protection of FBI agents Clay Osborne (Cummins) and Panama (McKinnon). The bad guys bring in the big guns with Drago (Hagen), a cowboy with a big gun and a bad attitude. They are on the trail of some stolen diamonds Billy Ray supposedly had, and that the gangsters want, including Frankie Navarro (Mitchell) and corrupt agent Conover (Smith). Will Osborne and Carmen develop a relationship while on the run? Will Panama be okay? Hang on to your seat! One of the genius things about Action U.S.A. is that the filmmakers were smart enough to give it a simple plot so they could include the maximum amount of action, and the film is a speedy 80 minutes. The film is by stuntmen, and for the fans. Because they worked in the stunt industry, they had a firm grasp on what the audience really wants. On top of the non-stop crazy stunts, chases, helicopter stunts and blow-ups, there is actual chemistry and humor amongst the cast! The good guys are likable and the bad guys are evil/funny. This movie truly has it all. The characters of Clay, Carmen and Panama work off each other perfectly, as do the baddies Drago and his henchmen Lucky and Hitch. Clay and Panama have a pre-Roddy Piper/Billy Blanks thing going, but with less bickering. They also have some great outfits, such as Panama's black suit and pants with white socks. He also has a belt AND suspenders. Those pants aren't going anywhere. But I digress. Shot in Texas, the film bears a bit of a resemblance to Sno-Line (1986) in some ways. There is a much better than average barfight, but everything in this movie is above average. The game is really stepped up here. If you see this somewhere, you must buy it because it has a lot of re-watchability. If this ever was to be remade by Hollywood, it would be filled with CGI junk and stupid tricks. This has stunt after stunt made by the pros, and its great to watch. It's the real thing. It's refreshing. There are some great songs to complement the action, and the music is by Del Casher, the inventor of the wah-wah pedal (although no wah's are heard on the fist-pumping soundtrack). This movie is a hidden gem and a true fan favorite. It has to be the best thing ever put out on the Imperial label. The presence of genre favorites Cameron Mitchell, Ross Hagen and William Smith brighten the movie even more. They all look like they are having fun. If this movie has any flaws, its that it could have used a bit more Cam. That's really the only negative to this engaging, thrilling, fun and upbeat experience!

how do i put this? uhhhhmmmmm.. gee let me think- this movie is BEAUTIFUL!!!! BOOOYAHAHAH! this is clearly the premiere underground b-movie action flick of all time. it is hilarious, explosive, and teeming with quotable dialogue that will have you screaming in your seat! i was squealing myself. the plot alone is funny: this guy named billy ray steals these diamonds from these gangsters and is hunted down by the head honcho's ugly henchmen. billy ray's girlfriend flees after he is shot in one of the funniest death scenes i have ever witnessed. enter cop Clay Osbourne and his Danny Glover-imitation partner, nicknamed Panama (you'll have to wait until the end to find out the meaning behind this moniker). the two veterans take in the girlfriend on a witness protection assignment or something. anyways, what follows is TNT. the trio encounters this cool band of villains, including the menacing Drago and the Chuck Norris-esque Lucky. you won't believe how awesome this movie gets. considerate it a blessing if you ever find this title at your local video store. I own a copy myself, probably one of the only ones in existence. see it at all costs.

source: 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.