Nighthawks Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two NYC undercover cops chase a European terrorist, resulting in explosions, cross-dressing, and a shocking twist ending proving that terrorists are bad at staying dead.

🍿 Nighthawks: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Undercover Cops and a Ruthless Terrorist

Deke DaSilva and Matthew Fox are New York City undercover cops working to stop street crime. Meanwhile, Heymar ‘Wulfgar’ Reinhardt, a notorious international terrorist, is causing chaos in Europe with bombings and assassinations. His ruthless methods and thirst for media attention have made him a prime target for law enforcement agencies.

From Street Crime to Anti-Terrorism

DaSilva and Fox are transferred to an elite anti-terrorism squad, led by British counter-terrorism expert Peter Hartman. Hartman believes Wulfgar will target New York City to gain maximum media exposure. The team trains to anticipate and neutralize Wulfgar’s attacks, but DaSilva struggles with Hartman’s ‘shoot-to-kill’ philosophy.

A Deadly Game of Cat and Mouse

Wulfgar establishes himself in New York, leaving a trail of violence and fear. He targets public spaces and uses disguises to evade capture. DaSilva and Fox pursue Wulfgar through the city’s underbelly, facing off in a tense disco shootout and a harrowing subway chase. During the pursuit, Wulfgar injures Fox, fueling DaSilva’s determination to stop him.

Escalating Terror and Personal Stakes

Wulfgar’s attacks escalate, targeting United Nations delegates. He hijacks a Roosevelt Island Tram car, taking hostages and making demands. The situation becomes personal for DaSilva when Wulfgar threatens his ex-wife, Irene. DaSilva must confront Wulfgar and make a difficult choice to stop the terrorist, even if it means blurring the lines between law enforcement and vigilantism.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Deke DaSilva (Sylvester Stallone): A tough New York City cop who is reassigned to an elite anti-terrorism squad to hunt down a dangerous international terrorist.
• Wulfgar (Rutger Hauer): A ruthless and cunning international terrorist who brings his reign of terror to New York City.
• Matthew Fox (Billy Dee Williams): DaSilva’s partner and fellow NYC cop who joins the anti-terrorism squad and supports DaSilva throughout their mission.
• Shakka (Persis Khambatta): Wulfgar’s cold and calculating accomplice who aids him in his terrorist acts.
• Peter Hartman (Nigel Davenport): A British counter-terrorism expert who trains the ATAC unit and advises DaSilva on how to combat Wulfgar.
• Irene (Lindsay Wagner): DaSilva’s ex-wife, who becomes a target of Wulfgar, adding a personal stake to DaSilva’s mission.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Peter Hartman: “To combat violence, you need greater violence.” – Hartman explains his hardline approach to dealing with terrorists, advocating for a ‘shoot-to-kill’ policy.
• Wulfgar: “I do not enjoy killing… but it’s my job.” – Wulfgar justifies his actions, revealing his cold and detached view of terrorism.
• Wulfgar: “I wanted to.” – Wulfgar coldly explains why he killed the wife of the French ambassador on the tram.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,905,359
• Worldwide Gross: $19,905,359

💥 Nighthawks Reviews

Personal Review

Nighthawks is one of those movies that stuck with me since I first saw it. The gritty realism of New York City, the tension of the hunt, and Rutger Hauer’s chilling portrayal of Wulfgar just created a uniquely unsettling experience. I remember being on the edge of my seat during the subway chase scene, and the ending was completely unexpected. This movie is a reminder of how good action thrillers used to be.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Sylvester Stallone”
  • “Viewers interested in crime thrillers”
  • “People who enjoy 80s action movies”
  • “Those looking for suspenseful cat-and-mouse games”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Terrorism”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “Nighthawks is a gritty and compelling crime thriller that benefits from strong performances by Sylvester Stallone and Rutger Hauer, creating a tense and memorable cat-and-mouse game in the urban jungle of 1980s New York.
• IMDB: “Hauer shines as the villain, a role he’s perfectly suited for. Stallone gives a more nuanced performance than usual. The film’s fast-paced action and realistic setting make it a top-notch thriller.
• Empire Magazine: “A somewhat uneven but ultimately engaging action-thriller, Nighthawks offers solid performances from Stallone and Hauer and a story that feels surprisingly relevant today. Its dated elements are part of its charm.

Audience Reactions

Rutger Hauer’s performance as the cold and calculating terrorist is absolutely unforgettable.: Viewers consistently praise Hauer’s portrayal of Wulfgar as a chilling and memorable villain.

The gritty and realistic depiction of New York City in the 1980s creates an authentic and immersive viewing experience.: The film’s realistic portrayal of New York City adds to the tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

Many fans were shocked and amazed by the crossdressing at the end of the film to reveal the cop.: Stallone’s disguise and the way he was portrayed was very good and believable.

Overall Consensus: A gritty and suspenseful action thriller with strong performances from Stallone and Hauer, though some dated elements may detract from the experience for modern audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Stories about on-set fights between Rutger Hauer and Sylvester Stallone are still talked about amongst fans. Hauer felt that many of the clashes stemmed from Stallone’s constant efforts to keep tight control over every aspect of the film’s production.”
• “Sylvester Stallone directed the train chase scene himself when the original director, Gary Nelson, left the project and Bruce Malmuth couldn’t make it on his first day to shoot the train chase.”
• “Prior to its theatrical release, Nighthawks was severely cut for violence by both Universal studio and MPAA to avoid an X rating. Amongst the scenes that were cut were the disco shootout and Wulfgar’s death scene.”

🖥️ How to Watch Nighthawks?

Nighthawks is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Nighthawks, you might like these similar films:

• The French Connection (1971): Both feature gritty, realistic portrayals of police work in New York City, with a focus on complex characters and intense action.
• Die Hard (1988): Features a resourceful protagonist battling a group of highly organized and dangerous terrorists in a confined urban setting.
• Marathon Man (1976): Similar in its suspenseful thriller elements and a plot involving international intrigue coming to New York City.
• Zero Dark Thirty (2012): Deals with the relentless hunt for a notorious terrorist, highlighting the dedication and moral ambiguities involved.
• Blade Runner (1982): Stars Rutger Hauer in a memorable villain role, showcasing his ability to portray complex and menacing characters, similar to his role in Nighthawks.

🛒 Nighthawks Related Products

• Nighthawks (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: A limited-edition Blu-ray featuring a remastered version of the film, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive interviews with the cast and crew. A must-have for any fan of the movie.
• Nighthawks Movie Poster (Replica): A high-quality replica of the original Nighthawks movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or office.
• Sly Stallone signed ‘Nighthawks’ photo with COA: Authentic Sly Stallone autographed picture from the set of ‘Nighthawks’. Each item comes with a certificate of authenticity.
• Funko POP! – Sylvester Stallone as Deke DaSilva (Nighthawks): A stylized vinyl figure of Sylvester Stallone as Deke DaSilva in his iconic Nighthawks look. Great for displaying on your desk or shelf.

🎧 Soundtrack

Nighthawks features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Getaway” – performed by The Rossington Collins Band
• “Main Title” – performed by Keith Emerson
• “Brown Sugar” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “I’m a Man” – performed by Keith Emerson

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Nighthawks – Best Movie You Never Saw

Ever wonder how ‘Nighthawks’ almost became a ‘French Connection’ sequel with Richard Pryor? This video dives into the crazy backstory of this underrated Stallone gem – definitely worth a watch if you’re curious about movie-making drama!

Nighthawks 1981: A Look at the Actors Then and Now

Check out this quick video to see how the cast of ‘Nighthawks’ looked back in 1981 versus now! It’s always fascinating to see how much people change – or don’t! – over the years.

Sylvester Stallone’s Screen Time Power Move: Axing Rivals in The Specialist & Nighthawks… #shorts

Did you know Stallone had a say in who got the axe in ‘Nighthawks’? This short video spills the tea on his power moves behind the scenes. It’s a quick, juicy fact that makes you see the movie in a whole new light!

✨ Rate