Action U.S.A.

My review was written in June 1989 after watching the movie on Imperial Entertainment video cassette.

"Action U. S. A.", originally called "A Handful of Trouble", is an above-average chase picture headed direct-to-video in American stores this month.

Thi is an excellent example of the type of escapist fun that packed drive-in theaters as recently as a decade ago but is now without a natural home. Title change to a generic moniker reflects the pic's aim toward foreign audiences.

Unusual heroine Barri Murphy (not afraid to the her hair mussed up in the action) stars as Carmen, on the run from gangsters when her boyfriend (Rod Shaft, a good handle for a car-pic thesp) is rubbed out for stealing diamonds and she's a witness.

Chase format involves topnotch stunts, with cars frequently flying through the air and luxury cars demolished. Solid teaming of Gregory Scott Cummins and William Hubbard Knight as a pair of FBI men protecting Murphy adds flesh to the streamlined Texas-lensed opus.

"Action U.S.A." is not about the script, it's not about the acting, it's all about the fun factor. With outrageous stunts and quirky dialog, the film delivers definite entertainment value. The story of missing diamonds being pursued by bad guys is so thin it would fit beneath a piece of cardboard. I say ignore the script and concentrate on what's being said. You will be surprised at the clever one liners spewing forth. Stunt work is terrific, with a helicopter flight that is beyond belief. Thespians should avoid "Action U.S.A." like they would a rabid dog. Those seeking a fun film that has action with an attitude should look no further. - MERK

how do i put this? uhhhhmmmmm.. gee let me think- this movie is BEAUTIFUL!!!! BOOOYAHAHAH! this is clearly the premiere underground b-movie action flick of all time. it is hilarious, explosive, and teeming with quotable dialogue that will have you screaming in your seat! i was squealing myself. the plot alone is funny: this guy named billy ray steals these diamonds from these gangsters and is hunted down by the head honcho's ugly henchmen. billy ray's girlfriend flees after he is shot in one of the funniest death scenes i have ever witnessed. enter cop Clay Osbourne and his Danny Glover-imitation partner, nicknamed Panama (you'll have to wait until the end to find out the meaning behind this moniker). the two veterans take in the girlfriend on a witness protection assignment or something. anyways, what follows is TNT. the trio encounters this cool band of villains, including the menacing Drago and the Chuck Norris-esque Lucky. you won't believe how awesome this movie gets. considerate it a blessing if you ever find this title at your local video store. I own a copy myself, probably one of the only ones in existence. see it at all costs.

Director John Stewart should be given a medal. Not only does he play off of every stereotype known to the action genre, but he redefines ridiculous car chases and explosions-for-the-sake-of-them. ‘Action U.S.A.' is a must see for any action fan, and an even muster see for any fan of B-action movies that make you laugh. Where else can you see a house blow up because a car ran through it (without the car being damaged)? From beginning to end this movie will make you laugh, and laugh a lot. Stay far away if you're not a fan of cheesy acting and irrational plot structures, however, as this movie carries them in spades. For those of you whom this sounds even remotely interesting to, go out of your way to find it: I guarantee you will not regret it. Rating: 26/40

If there is ever a film that lives up to its title, it is this one. There is lots of action and it is filmed in the U.S.A. (the title on the clapper in the end credits is A HANDFUL OF TROUBLE). Director John Stewart can't go ten minutes without staging some crazy action scene. It is weird though as his film unfolds almost in reverse as the biggest action scenes take place in the opening twenty minutes. Not that the film's finale is a let down, it just doesn't have the huge explosions and insane car jumps that the first 20 minutes display. You know you are in for a good time when the opening credits list Cameron Mitchell (who was obviously shot separately from everyone else), William Smith and Ross Hagan in succession.