Assassin

This mid-80s made-for-TV sci-fi thriller takes its cues from The Terminator, with a human-like robot assassin, created by a top secret government agency, programmed to kill those on a hit list compiled by its deluded, deceased designer. Ex-agency operative Henry Stanton (Robert Conrad) reluctantly comes out of retirement to try and stop the renegade mechanical menace, aided by attractive robotics expert Mary Casallas (Karen Austin).

Writer/director Sandor Stern is no James Cameron, but he still manages to deliver a fair bit of tension and some hokey fun from the premise, with his murderous machine (effectively played by Richard Young) interfacing with an ATM to extract cash, taking a couple of high dives from several stories up, leaping over moving cars, opening up compartments in his body to modify himself, and even bedding a desperate bar floozy when his mission calls for it (he's anatomically correct and can go for hours on a full charge!).

The plot does get unnecessarily convoluted and clichéd at times, with Henry haunted by his past, developing a relationship with Mary, and discovering that his superior has been hiding a terrible secret, but Stern just about keeps the pace going right up to the hilariously explosive ending.

5.5 out of 10, rounded up to 6 for IMDb.

This science-fiction film stars Robert Conrad as Henry Stanton, a retired C.I.A. operative who is persuaded by his former supervisor (Robert Webber) to accept another mission, one in which it is hoped that he may be able to address a problem of a rogue agent, Robert Golem (Richard Young), who is homicidal, with his victims being Agency and high government officials. Stanton is accompanied in his efforts to locate the vicious renegade by another former Agency employee, now one of Golem's targets, Mary Cassales (Karen Austin) who reveals to her new partner that the killer as an almost indestructible robot, designed for assassination purposes, and that she was instrumental in its production. The script, by director Sandor Stern, contains some interesting material, and neatly explains Asimov's three laws of robotics, but elements of romantic love between the two protagonists and between Golem and a smitten woman (Jessica Nelson) seem extraneous, and a point of view is difficult to find throughout. Conrad is most effective during the film's first half, when he is able to use his deceptively simple naturalistic skills, and Austin always contributes a developed interpretation, with only a lack of any sensual chemistry between Conrad and her serving to somewhat hamper the narrative's rhythm. Stern directs well and the work never becomes dull; however, his scenario is rather serried with story lines and he loses his way as the picture moves along, inevitably giving most emphasis to a series of frenetic action scenes, most of which demonstrate the android's superhuman physical talents. Although obviously derivative, the score by Anthony Guefen is effective, and particularly so in connection with scenes meant to generate feelings of suspense, while Chuck Arnold handles the cinematography nicely and there is crisp editing as always by James Calloway.

Robert Conrad is called out of retirement by screenwriters who saw at least the opening ten minutes of "Firefox" to stop a man-made killing machine named Robert Golem and played by character actor Richard Young. He's good. Aiding Conrad in his mission are a fetching lady cybernetics expert who helped devise Mr. Golem and several gleefully corrupt CIA agents who excel in not comprehending Golem's one purpose to exist, which is to kill people. Referring to the film as a "Made for TV Terminator" is about right, with the premise of a scientist who programs a hit-list of everyone he can't stand prior to offing himself not outside the realm of possibility even if the robot currently is.

He's some robot too, the tall dark handsome type, which makes sense. Why craft an ugly android who can't function socially? and if you ask me he is the most interesting character in the movie. Standout scenes include a one-night stand with a Linda Hamilton lookalike, leaping from various buildings to land on his feet, straighten his tie and amble off into the night, and a bizarre scene where he hacks an ATM with a greasy haired street punk looking on. He gives the kid a mocking raised eyebrow before sauntering away with his cash, demonstrating that he was also programmed to have at least a vestigial sense of humor. I'd hit the bars with him.

Others may disagree but I find the movie to be an engaging passable timekiller, with some decent action scenes, a healthy body count and an interesting perspective on how unelected government officials often regard the elected ones as obstacles to their wishes to govern the way they'd prefer. Gives one reason to pause in the Pandemic Age about whose line to believe, with scientists or physicians serving as pawns for those who are determined to play by their own rules. Conrad makes a decent lead, even getting the Girl in the end, with the robot's inevitable demise a marvelous laugh-out-loud moment for those who wonder how such things might take place. Easily found on YouTube or any number of bargain-bin DVD movie collections, which is where it likely belongs.

An ex-CIA operative is convinced by his old boss to return to action one last time to help track down a rogue agent who is going around killing people connected with the Agency. The only trouble is that the said agent is seemingly a lethally designed cyborg.

This is a mid-80's TV movie, so it's probably fair to say that expectations should be lowered accordingly. Seeing as it was released in 1986, it's only fair to surmise that it derives much of its influence from the recent smash hit film The Terminator. Obviously, it's a very poor man's Terminator though. But its combination of sci-fi with paranoid political intrigue was not such a bad concoction to be fair. It's delivered with just enough effort to ensure it's watchable. But it's best to accept in advance that the thrills on offer in this one are of the bargain basement variety.

A lame TV movie version of Terminator - sorta. We have a robot that looks human that goes around killing people he's programmed to kill. And it's a very boring film. Mainly a bunch of talk with some action scenes thrown in for some so called excitement.

I have no clue as to the type of film they used to film this movie with but it looks dark and dirty, just dingy looking. A drab film quality to go with a drab story - I guess it works well together.

This is not a film that Terminator fans should seek out - it's not nearly as exciting nor is it a quality film like Terminator. Instead it's just a lame, boring made for TV movie. If you miss this one, you aren't missing anything at all but some ugly 1980s hairstyles and clothing.

1/10