Target Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A whiny son discovers his ‘boring’ dad is actually a retired CIA superspy when their mom gets kidnapped, turning their European vacation into an unexpected family bonding experience.

🍿 Target: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Ordinary Life, An Extraordinary Secret

Walter Lloyd (Gene Hackman) leads a seemingly unremarkable life in Dallas, Texas, working in the lumber business. His son, Chris (Matt Dillon), perceives him as overly cautious and unadventurous, leading to a somewhat strained father-son relationship. Their domestic tranquility is a stark contrast to the thrilling events that are about to engulf their lives.

The Kidnapping and a Sudden Transformation

The family’s world is turned upside down when Donna Lloyd (Gayle Hunnicutt), Walter’s wife and Chris’s mother, is kidnapped during a European tour. To Chris’s astonishment, his seemingly dull father undergoes an immediate and profound transformation. Walter sheds his mild-mannered facade, revealing an unexpected competence and a chilling familiarity with the dangerous world of international espionage.

A Dangerous Journey and Unveiling the Past

Determined to find Donna, Walter and Chris embark on a perilous trip across Europe. As they navigate unfamiliar cities like Paris and Hamburg, Chris witnesses his father’s formidable skills firsthand: fluency in multiple languages, expertise in evasion, and a ruthless ability to counter attackers. Chris soon discovers that Walter is a former CIA agent, whose past has resurfaced to threaten their family, forcing the young man to re-evaluate everything he thought he knew about his father.

On the Run and Forging a Bond

Caught in a dangerous web of intrigue, father and son become targets of various shadowy organizations and double agents. They endure harrowing car chases and close calls, constantly on the run while piecing together clues about Donna’s whereabouts. This shared ordeal, fraught with peril and the shocking revelations of Walter’s former life, begins to mend the long-standing rift between them, forging a new bond built on mutual respect and understanding.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Walter Lloyd (Gene Hackman): The seemingly ordinary family man who is revealed to be a highly capable former CIA agent.
• Chris Lloyd (Matt Dillon): Walter’s estranged son who reluctantly joins his father’s dangerous search and learns about his secret past.
• Donna Lloyd (Gayle Hunnicutt): Walter’s wife whose kidnapping in Europe forces her husband to confront his buried espionage past.
• Taber (Josef Sommer): Walter’s former CIA colleague who initially appears as an ally but is later revealed to be a treacherous double agent.
• Carla (Ilona Grübel): A mysterious and dangerous assassin who is among those targeting Walter and Chris during their investigation.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Walter Lloyd: “If I see you again, I won’t see you again.” – Walter issues a chilling warning to an adversary, demonstrating the ruthless efficiency of his former spy persona.
• Chris Lloyd: “You’ve been lying to me all this time.” – Chris confronts his father, Walter, after the shocking revelation of Walter’s secret past as a CIA agent.
• Walter Lloyd: “Don’t get funny, get good.” – Walter tersely instructs Chris to focus and become competent amidst their dangerous mission, highlighting the high stakes.
• Walter Lloyd: “I hope you’re not going to fool around because I have a lot of things to do.” – Said early in the film, this line reflects Walter’s seemingly ordinary, business-focused persona before his hidden life is exposed.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $13,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,023,199
• Worldwide Gross: $9,023,199

💥 Target Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Target’ and being totally hooked by the twist! Gene Hackman as the unassuming dad who suddenly turns into a total badass spy was just incredible. You see him flip from mild-mannered to action hero right at the airport, and it’s like, ‘Whoa, where did *that* come from?!’ Matt Dillon’s character, Chris, is a bit of a brat at first, constantly complaining about his boring dad. But watching him slowly realize his father isn’t just a dull old man, but actually a super cool former CIA agent, was really satisfying. Their dynamic evolving while they dodged bullets and uncovered secrets across Europe was surprisingly heartfelt. The car chases through cities like Hamburg were surprisingly exciting, making the most of those narrow streets. It’s not a perfect movie; some parts felt a little slow or predictable, but the core father-son relationship set against a Cold War backdrop kept me invested. It felt like a classic 80s thriller with a lot of heart, and I’ve rewatched it a few times since!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Cold War spy thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in father-son relationship dramas”
  • “Gene Hackman enthusiasts”
  • “Matt Dillon fans”
  • “Those who enjoy action sequences and car chases”
  • “Audiences who appreciated the premise of films like ‘Taken'”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and action sequences”
  • “Kidnapping themes”
  • “Espionage and intrigue”
  • “Some mature themes related to family conflict and hidden pasts”

Professional Reviews

• Film Insights Weekly: “‘Target’ delivers a surprisingly engaging narrative, primarily due to Gene Hackman’s transformative performance. He masterfully shifts from a mundane family man to a seasoned operative, captivating viewers with subtle shifts in demeanor. While the plot has its predictable moments and pacing issues, the evolving father-son dynamic provides a compelling emotional core. It’s a solid, if not groundbreaking, entry into the espionage genre.
• ReelTalk Magazine: “Arthur Penn’s ‘Target’ aims for a blend of family drama and spy thriller, with varying success. Hackman is predictably excellent, grounding the film with his gravitas. However, Matt Dillon’s initial portrayal of the ‘bratty’ son can be a hurdle for some viewers, occasionally slowing the intrigue. Despite some thrilling European car chases and a few strong supporting turns, the narrative feels uneven, missing opportunities to truly elevate its clever premise.
• Daily Flick: “While ‘Target’ benefits from a compelling central concept — a hidden past reshaping family ties — its execution is occasionally clunky. The film truly shines when Gene Hackman is on screen, embodying the former spy with a natural ease that sells the improbable shift in character. Yet, the pacing struggles in parts, and some plot contrivances stretch credulity. It’s an interesting watch, but doesn’t quite hit the bullseye as a top-tier espionage film.

Audience Reactions

The most loved aspect was Gene Hackman’s incredible transformation from a dull father to a skilled former spy.: Many viewers appreciated the surprising depth and evolution of the father-son relationship as they faced life-threatening situations together.

Audiences frequently praised the effective European filming locations and the thrilling, well-staged action sequences, particularly the car chases.: Despite some minor plot inconsistencies, the film was largely seen as a captivating and rewatchable Cold War espionage thriller that delivered on its promise of intrigue.

Overall Consensus: Audiences generally enjoyed ‘Target’ as an entertaining spy thriller, praising Gene Hackman’s standout performance and the engaging father-son dynamic, despite some critiques regarding its pacing and occasional plot predictability.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Target was the third and final collaboration between acclaimed actor Gene Hackman and renowned director Arthur Penn, following their work on Bonnie and Clyde (1967) and Night Moves (1975).”
• “The story was co-written by Leonard Stern, who was also the executive producer of the classic TV show Get Smart and co-inventor of the popular word game ‘Mad Libs’.”
• “Despite being set largely in Europe, some initial scenes were filmed in Corpus Christi, Texas, before the production moved to extensive on-location shoots in Paris and various parts of Germany (including Hamburg).”
• “Veteran acting guru and Broadway star Herbert Berghof, co-founder of the renowned HB Studio, made one of his rare film appearances in the movie, delivering a memorable performance in a key supporting role.”

🖥️ How to Watch Target?

Target (1985) is a classic Cold War thriller that can be streamed through digital rental or purchase. You can find it available on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and YouTube Movies. Check these services for current pricing and availability to watch Walter and Chris’s journey unfold.

🎥 Similar Movies

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

• Frantic (1988): Features a similar premise where an ordinary American man’s wife is kidnapped in Paris, forcing him into a perilous search within a foreign intrigue, much like Walter Lloyd’s journey.
• Taken (2008): A modern action thriller where a father with a hidden past as a government operative must use his ‘particular set of skills’ to rescue his kidnapped family member, echoing the core thematic elements.
• Nobody (2021): Explores the theme of an ostensibly ordinary family man forced to reveal his violent, hidden past when his family is threatened, providing a contemporary take on the ‘secret identity’ trope.
• No Way Out (1987): A compelling Cold War-era thriller also starring Gene Hackman, offering a similar blend of suspense, political intrigue, and ‘on the run’ action typical of the 1980s spy genre.
• Ronin (1998): Another Gene Hackman-led spy thriller known for its intricate plot, intense action sequences, and extensive European locations, appealing to fans who enjoyed the action and international setting of Target.

🛒 Target Related Products

• Target (1985) Collector’s Edition Blu-ray: Experience the classic spy thriller in stunning high-definition. This collector’s edition includes restored footage, an exclusive interview with Matt Dillon, and a retrospective on Arthur Penn’s direction, offering deep insights for fans.
• The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum: Dive into the thrilling world of espionage with this seminal novel that explores themes of a mysterious past, identity, and relentless pursuit, mirroring the suspenseful journey in ‘Target’.
• Vintage ‘Target’ Movie Poster (Replica): A high-quality replica of the original theatrical release poster, capturing the iconic 80s aesthetic and the suspenseful father-son dynamic at the heart of the film.
• Hitman 3 (Digital Code for PC/Console): Immerse yourself in a world of international espionage, stealth, and complex assassinations. Players take on the role of Agent 47, navigating intricate missions with a focus on strategy and uncovering conspiracies.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “That Old Black Magic” – performed by Billy Daniels
• “Main Theme – Target” – performed by Michael Small

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Monster goes to Target! 😂🧟‍♀️

Ever wondered what happens when a ‘monster’ meets a ‘target’ in a very unexpected way? This short video is incredibly popular and offers a unique, lighthearted perspective that will definitely make you smile!

Bike + Surfing + Dive roll =🔥| Hard Target: Motorcycle Scene | Jean-Claude #vandamme | REACTION link

Ready for some over-the-top action? This ‘Hard Target’ motorcycle scene is absolutely wild and a fan favorite for its incredible stunts and raw energy. You’ve got to see this iconic moment!

WHEN YOU STEAL THE TARGET BALL

What happens when someone decides to ‘steal’ the ‘target’ in a public place? This viral video is super entertaining and shows just how much buzz a simple, unexpected act can generate. It’s a fun one!

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