An Eye for an Eye

An Eye for an Eye(480P)

source: An Eye for an Eye

source: An Eye for an Eye

source: An Eye for an Eye

This is a lost gem in the action genre treasure chest. Not many know about this one! So, if you're into a great action movie shot in 1981 read on... It's got the 80's dream cast! Check it out-- Chuck Norris, Mako (of "Conan the Barbarian" fame) cracking jokes and bones, Christopher Lee (mega famous and Saruman in "The Lord of the Rings"), Professor Toru Tanaka (you'll recognize this massive bad guy) and Rosalind Chao (of "Star Trek: Next Generation" fame). All in one movie-- crazy. Along with the action, it's got a kicking late-seventies-like soundtrack and awesome camera work. The film print itself is gritty and dark which adds to the overall atmosphere: Grit. I have to admit, there are a couple mediocre lines, even I had trouble getting past, but it's all part of the fun of this movie. As for the plot, you'll have to see for yourself...

This is a totally absurd movie with stupid fighting scenes and poor script. The characters lack characterization and the director lacks brains. Remember not to bother watching it. You have been warned. 4/10 from me.

This is Chuck Norris's second best movie following Code of Silence. Although at times silly, this is a generally enjoyable kung fu movie.

'Chuck Norris doesn't need a weapon... he is a weapon!' Oh, yeah. Don't you know it! This is what I like to see. Where can you get a Norris film which has him in a red sports car, flaunting a blinding fashion sense, glowing golden hair, a sensitive pet dog called Mort, Mako as his comical martial arts mentor, an unstoppable henchman, Richard Roundtree, Christopher Lee, haunting flashbacks, plenty of fodder for some ass-whooping and of course that fuzzy mo. Hey wait on. What, there's no mo on show?! I don't know, but I guess I have to deal with it. Even though it has dynamism of its own. More so than the man! Anyhow all of this can be found in director Steve Carver's "An Eye For An Eye", who was also responsible for the highly amusing and surprisingly stylish Norris' outing "Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)". Carver knows his stuff, by keeping it at a cracking pace, competent flair and plastering it with brilliantly stylised and choreographed action set-pieces. Some lively suspense, and jolting thrills are randomly worked in along the way. The premise is routine, and the twists foreseeable. Vengeance, vengeance. I think Norris has got vengeance on mind, and flashy slow motion is the weapon of choice. Of course nothing is going to get in his way. This makes it quite exciting, over-the-top and at times comical. Yes there's some intentional humour too, even in the wonky script. The San Francisco backdrop is well-used (from the gritty to the attractive) as its spaciously photographed and William Goldstien's moodily appealing score is pitch-perfect. The wooden plank that's Norris does what's needed of him, and strangely holds your attention in an adequate turn. A tip-top supporting cast give it a little more credit. Mako brings a wilful personality that suitably feeds off Norris. Richard Roundtree's cynical, frown-beating Capt. Stevens and Christopher Lee's smooth presence features largely as Morgan Canfield. Rosalind Chao, Maggie Cooper and Matt Clarke are solid too. In a role that's hard to forget is Professor Toru Tanaka as the formidable, stone-engraved opponent that Norris must encounter. A swiftly executed and undoubtedly engaging actioner.

In my review of Forced Vengeance, I mentioned that there are three looks to Chuck Norris: smooth-faced, moustache, and bearded. I'd call "Forced Vengeance" Moustache-Norris' best, "The Hit-man" Bearded-Norris' best, "The Delta Force" Norris' best in general and "An Eye For An Eye" Smooth-Faced-Norris' Best. Despite being a sold action movie that is very fun and thrilling, the acting is bad and story is unoriginal. Chuck Norris plays a cop who witnesses his partner being murdered after being set up, quits the force and seek vengeance. There's really nothing more to it than that. And as I mentioned earlier, the acting is bad (for the most part). Chuck Norris is simply a bad actor. I've seen better acting by first-time high schoolers in a drama class. He has gotten better over the years, rising from terrible to just okay. I laughed at Norris during a few parts. Nobody else is necessarily "bad," but everybody really is cheesy. Every martial-arts film is cheesy-as-can-be! Christopher Lee is the only real actor in this that can be taken seriously. But due to an all-around corny movie, it affects him. A movie with good acting was not what they were trying to get at. This is a straight-up action movie that stirs-up smart thrills and excellent action. This features some of Norris' best physical fight scenes and gun fights. Easily top 5 for Norris in terms of action and suspense. The build-up of mayhem and destruction that comes is exciting. Even though its cheesy, its the good kind; the over-the-top, cartoony cheese. There can't be a strong sense of danger and not be thrilling. Actually it can be dull, but this isn't a bad movie. The action is fabulous and danger is lots of fun. Props to Christopher Lee too. 3.5/4

An Eye For An Eye (1981) was the beginng of Chuck Norris's big action movie career. From reviews I read of this film, I was expecting a fast and furious, kung-fu action fest. But it's not. I think it has to be one of Norris's worst. And he doesn't look right without a moustache. Plus Christopher Lee has starring credit, but only has about 4 short scenes throughout the whole film. The film is about Caine (Chuck Norris) who's partner is killed (and his partner's girlfriend)by drug kingpin Christopher Lee. So, of course, for about an hour Norris is trying to find who is responsible for his friends deaths. The film is boring, and Mako's acting in the film isn't very good. This is not worth watching. I give it * (1 star)