Bird on a Wire

'Bird On A Wire (1990)' is just a generic action-comedy with a will they/won't they central dynamic that takes the 'cop' out of 'buddy cop' and replaces it with 'romance'. Basically, it's 'It Happened One Night (1934)' meets 'Lethal Weapon (1987)', except that it's nowhere near as good as either of those inspirations. It's not bad, of course. It has a couple of engaging set-pieces and it's generally rather enjoyable. It's just very generic and, ultimately, forgettable. It's only as good as it needs to be, essentially. It's not bad, but it's not great, either. 6/10.

I've watched "Bird on a Wire" ever since my age was a one-digit number. The plot focuses on a man in the witness protection program (Mel Gibson) who is being pursued by the criminal that he put away (David Carradine). He teams up with an old flame (Goldie Hawn) and the two go on an action-filled road trip, ending in a climactic battle in a zoo.

This has got to be one of the funniest, coolest, and most exciting action movies I've ever seen. I recommend it to anyone who knows that EVERY SINGLE action movie doesn't have to have perfect plot or perfect acting.

Great action, 7/10.

Back to the eighties. This movie was burned down to the ground by all the critics who despised it. It is flat out silly and cheap, but the masses loved it anyway. Why?

The good nr 1 Terrific actor's chemistry between Goldy Hawn and Mel Gibson. Fireworks are going off. Yes, it's over the top, in your face, silly acting, but there is always a joke around the corner and there is always a great budding romantic attraction that lifts up this movie.

The good nr 2 Ladies, you get to see Mel Gibson's (hairy) b*tt. In close up. With a needle sticking in it and two ladies having a catfight over Mel when he has a needle in his b*tt.

The good nr 3 It's big Hollywood mindless entertainment and it's really good at that.

Any bad? If you dont like big cliche Hollywood comedy blockbusters, then better pass this one by.

But I say let's celebrate the eighties! Have a popcorn and a coke, watch it with family and friends and have a good time!

Rick Jarmin, who in the FBI witness protection program, is working in a Detroit gas station under an assumed name. Things are going well until old flame Marianne Graves pulls up and recognises him. He calls the FBI to get relocated but learns his handler has retired. The replacement promises to help but quickly shows himself to be corrupt as he passes Rick's details to two corrupt ex-DEA agents; one who is still wanted the other who has just finished a fifteen year jail sentence thanks to Rick's testimony. The two men quickly turn up and Rick's boss is killed in the shoot-up; after that Rick ends up on the run with Marianne. There are a series of chases till the fleeing duo confront their chasers in a zoo.

This is a fun action comedy. The story is fairly simply but serves to provide a series of enjoyably chases and action sequences. This includes chases in cars, on motorbikes and in aircraft and action that features shooting, explosions and an impressive final confrontation in a zoo, complete with dangerous animals. The laughs come from amusing situations rather than forced gags for the most part... an early gag where Rick tricks his boss may be a little forced but it is also very funny. Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn have a good chemistry as Rick and Marianne. The villains played by Bill Duke, David Carradine and Stephen Tobolowsky are solid enough but get less screen time than one might expect. Overall this might not be a must see film but it provides sufficient laughs and action to make it worth watching if you want decent, not too extreme, action with plenty of amusing moments.

Don't pay attention to negative reviews. This movie is really good and I'm sure everyone will enjoy it as much as I did. Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn are a wonderful couple and their performance is excellent. Don't wait any longer ... rent it right now!