James Brolin. Lindsay Wagner. Anthony Quinn. James Coburn. Ernest Borgnine. Bruce Davison. Cleavon Little. What is a cast of such highly recognizable actors doing in a movie like this? 'High risk' is a far-fetched amalgamation of "get rich quick" wish-making and uniquely American power fantasies. It's a somewhat outrageous adventure romp with tongue-in-cheek flavor that predates more high budget fare of similar tenor in the 90s and beyond.
The story is set against the backdrop of economic downturn precipitated by arbitrary capitalist notions of finance and misguided priority. These underpinnings are given a passing handful of lines before being dropped entirely in service of 'High risk's' action-adventure bent. The incredible ease with which four astoundingly unprepared nobodies are able to haphazardly gather information about a drug lord and sneak into his compound is outstandingly implausible.
Still, if you're able to engage hearty suspension of disbelief and get past all the considerable hang-ups - against all odds, 'High risk' is a fair bit of fun.
It distinctly lacks the production values of more recent features of a like slant. Editing, including transitions between scenes, leaves a bit to be desired, and sound is imperfect. Yet scenes are put together well, including some shots that are pleasing, if not especially remarkable. There's a minor sense of comedy in some dialogue and in the madcap energy of some parts, while some action sequences bear low-key thrills. Filming locations and set design are swell; with Mexico standing in for the film's setting of Colombia, at times we get an eyeful of some great scenery.
Particularly when considered as a bridge between crime thrillers of the 70s and 80s and more recent adventure larks in the years since 'High risk,' the plot here is actually pretty entertaining. It's easy to get caught up in the misadventures of characters who show some varied personality as the slightly tawdry exposition gives way to more highfalutin exploits. It's hard not to think that the cast had a good time making this - especially Coburn in his part as the cold, powerful drug baron Serrano, and Quinn as the aging leader, Mariano, of a ragtag band of revolutionaries.
It's noteworthy that especially with the original score of Mark Snow lending a generally boisterous air of conflict-laden drama to the picture, the movie doesn't take any time to allow more quiet moments to breathe. Likewise, there are a couple emotional beats that are totally brushed over in the clamorous rush to a rather enjoyable climax. Yet let's be honest, this is nothing we're not used to in pictures of this nature.
There was a time when I had a copy of this on DVD, plucked from the dollar bargain bin. I think I watched it once or twice, without any real appreciation for it, and eventually rid myself of the DVD without further consideration. I'm glad to revisit it under conditions that allow for more engagement. For all its faults and the sensational improbability of its story, 'High risk' remains a reasonably well done bit of lighthearted fare, worth checking out if you come across it.
The story is set against the backdrop of economic downturn precipitated by arbitrary capitalist notions of finance and misguided priority. These underpinnings are given a passing handful of lines before being dropped entirely in service of 'High risk's' action-adventure bent. The incredible ease with which four astoundingly unprepared nobodies are able to haphazardly gather information about a drug lord and sneak into his compound is outstandingly implausible.
Still, if you're able to engage hearty suspension of disbelief and get past all the considerable hang-ups - against all odds, 'High risk' is a fair bit of fun.
It distinctly lacks the production values of more recent features of a like slant. Editing, including transitions between scenes, leaves a bit to be desired, and sound is imperfect. Yet scenes are put together well, including some shots that are pleasing, if not especially remarkable. There's a minor sense of comedy in some dialogue and in the madcap energy of some parts, while some action sequences bear low-key thrills. Filming locations and set design are swell; with Mexico standing in for the film's setting of Colombia, at times we get an eyeful of some great scenery.
Particularly when considered as a bridge between crime thrillers of the 70s and 80s and more recent adventure larks in the years since 'High risk,' the plot here is actually pretty entertaining. It's easy to get caught up in the misadventures of characters who show some varied personality as the slightly tawdry exposition gives way to more highfalutin exploits. It's hard not to think that the cast had a good time making this - especially Coburn in his part as the cold, powerful drug baron Serrano, and Quinn as the aging leader, Mariano, of a ragtag band of revolutionaries.
It's noteworthy that especially with the original score of Mark Snow lending a generally boisterous air of conflict-laden drama to the picture, the movie doesn't take any time to allow more quiet moments to breathe. Likewise, there are a couple emotional beats that are totally brushed over in the clamorous rush to a rather enjoyable climax. Yet let's be honest, this is nothing we're not used to in pictures of this nature.
There was a time when I had a copy of this on DVD, plucked from the dollar bargain bin. I think I watched it once or twice, without any real appreciation for it, and eventually rid myself of the DVD without further consideration. I'm glad to revisit it under conditions that allow for more engagement. For all its faults and the sensational improbability of its story, 'High risk' remains a reasonably well done bit of lighthearted fare, worth checking out if you come across it.