Raw Deal Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Arnold gets kicked out of the FBI for being too good, then pretends to be bad to fight even badder guys, resulting in a lot of explosions and a questionable career choice.

🍿 Raw Deal: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Mark Kaminski’s Fall From Grace

Mark Kaminski, portrayed by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is introduced as a small-town sheriff in North Carolina. He’s a former FBI agent who was forced to resign due to his excessive force during an interrogation. He’s living a quiet life, but his marriage is strained due to his career change.

The Proposition: Infiltrating the Chicago Mafia

Kaminski is approached by his old FBI boss, Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin), whose son was murdered by the Chicago mafia, led by Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker). Shannon offers Kaminski a chance to return to the FBI if he agrees to go undercover and dismantle Patrovita’s organization. Driven by a sense of duty and the promise of redemption, Kaminski accepts the dangerous assignment.

Undercover as Joseph P. Brenner

Kaminski fakes his own death and assumes the identity of Joseph P. Brenner, a ruthless criminal. He infiltrates the Chicago underworld and works his way into Patrovita’s inner circle. Along the way, he encounters Monique (Kathryn Harrold), a beautiful and street-smart woman involved with the mafia, and Max Keller (Robert Davi), a suspicious and dangerous enforcer.

Navigating the Underworld: Alliances and Betrayals

As Brenner, Kaminski navigates a complex web of alliances and betrayals, dealing with rival gangs and corrupt officials. He gains Patrovita’s trust while secretly gathering evidence and planning his takedown. His relationship with Monique deepens, blurring the lines between his real identity and his undercover persona.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Mark Kaminski/Joseph P. Brenner (Arnold Schwarzenegger): A former FBI agent, now a small-town sheriff, who goes undercover to infiltrate the Chicago mafia and avenge a friend’s son.
• Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker): The ruthless and powerful head of the Chicago mafia that Mark Kaminski infiltrates.
• Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin): The FBI Chief who enlists Mark Kaminski to avenge his son’s death by taking down the mafia.
• Monique (Kathryn Harrold): A captivating and seductive woman involved with the mob, who becomes entangled with Kaminski during his undercover operation.
• Paulo Rocca (Paul Shenar): A dangerous and cunning enforcer within the Chicago mafia organization.
• Max Keller (Robert Davi): A suspicious and intimidating mob enforcer who questions Kaminski’s true allegiances.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Mark Kaminsky: “You should not drink and bake!” – Said to his wife after she throws a cake at him during an argument, showcasing the film’s humor.
• Mark Kaminsky: “Magic? Or…magnet?!!??!!!” – Kaminsky says this line while flipping a table and getting into a fight.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,209,459
• Worldwide Gross: $16,209,459

💥 Raw Deal Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Raw Deal’ as a kid and being blown away by the action scenes. Sure, the plot is cheesy, but Arnold is at his best, delivering classic one-liners and taking down bad guys with style. The scene where he drives through the construction site blasting ‘Satisfaction’ is iconic, and even though it’s not his best movie, it’s definitely a guilty pleasure I enjoy revisiting. I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece, but if you want some classic 80s action, ‘Raw Deal’ delivers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action movies”
  • “Arnold Schwarzenegger enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers who enjoy crime and revenge stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “While ‘Raw Deal’ might not be remembered as one of Schwarzenegger’s iconic roles, the film provides a solid 80s action experience with plenty of over-the-top violence and cheesy one-liners that fans of the genre will appreciate. It’s a quintessential Arnold vehicle, blending action and humor in a way that remains entertaining, even if the plot is predictable.
• IMDB User Review: “‘Raw Deal’ is not a great movie, but it does have its moments. Arnold plays a cool Mafia-like guy, and the action, although corny, is enjoyable. The ending is terrible, but the style of the movie grows on you with each viewing, making it slightly more enjoyable than average.

Audience Reactions

Viewers love the over-the-top action and Schwarzenegger’s signature one-liners.: Most fans agree that while the plot is weak, the movie delivers on its promise of pure 80s action fun.

Overall Consensus: ‘Raw Deal’ is a flawed but entertaining 80s action flick with plenty of violence and humor, making it a guilty pleasure for fans of the genre.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Dino De Laurentiis produced this film because he needed quick cash for his long-gestating project ‘Total Recall’.”
• “Arnold Schwarzenegger agreed to star in this picture after much haggling in exchange for dissolving his multi-picture agreement with Dino De Laurentiis.”

🖥️ How to Watch Raw Deal?

Raw Deal is currently available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for broadcast schedules and availability on streaming services that may offer it as part of their subscription packages.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Raw Deal, you might like these similar films:

• Commando (1985): Another action-packed Schwarzenegger film from the same era, known for its over-the-top action and one-liners.
• Walking Tall (2004): Thematic similarity of a small-town lawman fighting corruption and taking justice into his own hands.
• Cobra (1986): An action film with Sylvester Stallone as a lone wolf cop battling criminals, offering a similar 80s action vibe.
• The Equalizer (2014): Modern action movie featuring a protagonist who takes the law into their own hands to protect the innocent.

🛒 Raw Deal Related Products

• Arnold Schwarzenegger: The накачанные Years: A tribute to Arnold’s bodybuilding and early film career, this collectible figure showcases his iconic physique and classic look from the 80s action era.
• Action Movie Essentials Bundle: 80s Edition: Relive the golden age of action with this digital bundle featuring a curated selection of classic 80s action movies for rent or purchase, including ‘Raw Deal’.
• The Art of the Action Movie: Behind the Scenes of Raw Deal: An e-book exploring the making of Raw Deal, containing behind-the-scenes photos, interviews with the cast and crew, and insights into the action movie production of the 80s.
• Raw Deal Inspired T-Shirt: You Should Not Drink and Bake: Premium quality T-shirt featuring the iconic line from the movie. Comfortable and durable, perfect for casual wear.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “One Way Rider” – performed by Ricky Skaggs
• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – performed by The Rolling Stones
• “If Looks Could Kill” – performed by Pamela Stanley

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Great Gearing Up Scenes

Ever notice how awesome 80s action heroes looked prepping for battle? This video compiles the best ‘gearing up’ scenes from movies like ‘Raw Deal’. You’ll get a kick out of this, it’s pure 80s macho!

✨ Rate