Wanted: Dead or Alive Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rutger Hauer hunts Gene Simmons because…reasons involving explosions and a distinct lack of trust in the CIA.

🍿 Wanted: Dead or Alive: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Nick Randall, Bounty Hunter

Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer), descendant of Steve McQueen’s Josh Randall, operates as a modern-day bounty hunter in Los Angeles. He’s ex-CIA, rugged, and independent, living in a unique loft apartment filled with motorcycles and gym equipment. This intro establishes him as a capable, if somewhat solitary, figure.

The Terrorist Threat: Malak Al Rahim

A terrorist, Malak Al Rahim (Gene Simmons), arrives in LA and orchestrates a devastating bombing at a movie theater, killing over a hundred people. Randall is approached by his former CIA colleague, Philmore Walker (Robert Guillaume), to track down Al Rahim, offering a substantial reward. Randall initially hesitates due to his distrust of the agency.

Betrayal and Loss

Randall accepts the job, but soon discovers that he’s being used as bait by the CIA, specifically by John Lipton (Jerry Hardin), to draw out Al Rahim. This betrayal is compounded by personal tragedy when Al Rahim’s men attack Randall, resulting in the deaths of his girlfriend, Terry (Mel Harris), and his close friend, Detective Danny Quintz (William Russ).

The Hunt for Revenge

Fueled by grief and rage, Randall abandons the CIA’s agenda and focuses solely on avenging the deaths of his loved ones. He relentlessly pursues Al Rahim, uncovering the terrorist’s plan to attack a chemical plant, potentially killing tens of thousands. Randall is no longer motivated by money but by personal justice.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer): A tough ex-CIA operative turned bounty hunter, Nick is hired to track down a dangerous terrorist while battling his own trust issues.
• Malak Al Rahim (Gene Simmons): Malak is a ruthless terrorist whose actions prompt Nick Randall to seek revenge, making him the primary antagonist.
• Philmore Walker (Robert Guillaume): As Nick’s former CIA colleague, Philmore recruits him for the mission, but his motives are not entirely clear.
• Terry (Mel Harris): Terry is Nick Randall’s girlfriend whose death fuels his desire for vengeance against Malak.
• Danny Quintz (William Russ): Danny is Nick’s best friend and a police detective who gets caught in the crossfire between Nick and Malak.
• John Lipton (Jerry Hardin): Lipton is a corrupt CIA leader who manipulates Nick Randall, using him as bait to capture Malak.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Philmore Walker: “The next time you f*** me Lipton, kiss me first!” – Walker expresses his frustration with Lipton’s duplicity and backstabbing within the CIA.
• Nick Randall: “**** the bonus!” – Randall yells this before blowing up Malak Al Rahim. He values revenge over the extra money offered for capturing the terrorist alive.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4.5M
• Domestic Gross: $7.55M
• Worldwide Gross: $7.55M

💥 Wanted: Dead or Alive Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing this on VHS as a kid and thinking Rutger Hauer was the coolest guy ever! It’s a fun, slightly ridiculous action movie with a great 80s vibe. The scene where he drives into his secret loft is still awesome, and Gene Simmons makes a surprisingly good bad guy. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. I will say, the ending always felt a bit abrupt, but the final line makes it worthwhile.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 1980s action movies”
  • “Rutger Hauer fans”
  • “Viewers interested in bounty hunter stories”
  • “Those who like action movies with a revenge theme”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Terrorism themes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Action Movie Fanatic: “A solid 80s action flick elevated by Rutger Hauer’s presence. Gene Simmons is a surprisingly effective villain, but the plot is predictable and the action is standard fare. Good for a nostalgic watch, though.
• Retro Reviews: “Wanted: Dead or Alive is pure 80s cheese, but it has a certain charm. Rutger Hauer is at his macho best, and Gene Simmons is delightfully over-the-top. The plot is thin, but the explosions are plentiful.
• Pop Culture Paradise: “An interesting blend of action and thriller, Wanted: Dead or Alive stands out due to Hauer’s compelling performance and Simmons’ unexpectedly sinister portrayal. While the storyline might be familiar, the execution is engaging enough to warrant a viewing.

Audience Reactions

Rutger Hauer’s charismatic performance made the movie a fun watch.: Viewers appreciated the 80s action vibe and the casting of Gene Simmons.

The ending was memorable and satisfying.: Fans liked the over-the-top action and the hero getting his revenge.

Overall Consensus: A classic 80s action film with strong performances, but a predictable plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Rutger Hauer’s character, Nick Randall, is a descendant of Josh Randall, played by Steve McQueen in the original ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ TV series, though this connection is not heavily emphasized in the film.”
• “Gene Simmons, best known as the bassist for the rock band KISS, took on the role of the film’s primary antagonist, Malak Al Rahim, showcasing his ability to portray menacing characters.”
• “The film’s ending, where Nick Randall uses a grenade on Malak Al Rahim, was considered controversial at the time, and two different versions of the ending were made, one with and one without the explosive finale.”

🖥️ How to Watch Wanted: Dead or Alive?

As of today, ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive’ (1987) is available for rent or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may vary by region. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can also be found through online retailers. Availability may change, so verify before committing to rent or buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Wanted: Dead or Alive, you might like these similar films:

• Nighthawks (1981): Also stars Rutger Hauer, but as the villain, in a story about tracking a terrorist in an urban setting.
• Cobra (1986): Features a lone-wolf cop battling terrorists with extreme methods, similar to Randall’s approach.
• The Delta Force (1986): Reflects the 1980s action-oriented response to terrorism, with a focus on military intervention.
• Man on Fire (2004): Features a protagonist seeking brutal revenge after a personal tragedy, mirroring Randall’s motivation.

🛒 Wanted: Dead or Alive Related Products

• Wanted: Dead or Alive [Blu-ray]: High-definition Blu-ray version of the movie, featuring enhanced picture and sound quality for the ultimate viewing experience. A great addition to any action movie collection.
• Rutger Hauer Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the movie’s original poster, perfect for framing and displaying as a tribute to Rutger Hauer and classic 80s action cinema. A great conversation starter.
• Gene Simmons Signed Photo: Rare autographed photo of Gene Simmons as Malak Al Rahim in ‘Wanted: Dead or Alive.’ Comes with a certificate of authenticity, making it a prized possession for Kiss fans and collectors.
• Action Movie Harmonica: Play the iconic theme, perfect for harmonica enthusiasts, easy to carry and play, creating your own personal soundtrack.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “Live Bait” – performed by Delaney Bramlett
• “Doncha know that” – performed by Simon Stokes

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Mare’s Leg

Ever wondered about that cool, short rifle Josh Randall (Steve McQueen) uses in “Wanted: Dead or Alive”? This video breaks down the history of the Mare’s Leg, its origin and appearances in many movies and TV shows. I always found it such a unique weapon, and this video explains why it’s so iconic!

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