Cover-Up

Mike Anderson (hunky Dolph Lundgren) is a known American reporter dispatched to investigate a mysterious and fatal attack on an overseas US naval base, Anderson, a leading investigative journalist and ex-US marine, finds himself back on familiar ground. Instinct makes him question the official CIA explanation told by CIA chief Jackson (Oscarized secondary Louis Gosset Jr) that cites an unknown terrorist group called Black October (Black September-alike) . Terrorist attacks on US military based in Israel are just the smokescreen for a great threat . Alone, and armed only with his combat training and determination to uncover the truth, the journalist attempts to find out a risked political web . Renewing a fiery affair with his ex-Iover Susan Clifford (Lisa Berkley , in her first and last film), now the US Embassy press attachee, he soon finds himself taking on an old adversary . And when his former marine colleague Colonel John Cooper (John Finn of Cold case) suffers a terrorist attack after a secret rendezvous with him, Mike realises he holds the pieces to a deadly plot . If the lies don'd kill you , the truth will will ¡ .

This exciting though below-par Actioner packs suspense , car chases , thrills , noisy action , political intrigue and violence . Boring pace with its ups and downs ; stands out only for ending scenes when takes place the attempt terrorist in 11th station , ¨Via Crucis¨ and Holy Tomb . Picture reveals an alarmingly realist insight into US-Middle Eastern politics and terrorism since the 2000s, dealing with a al-Qaeda-esque terrorist organization and the conspiracy theories that some believe the US government is using the Middle East as a cover-up . The highlights of the movie result to be the battles to save the lives of thousands of innocent people, in a desperate attempt to prevent a deadly plan to create an international disaster of catastrophic proportions , as in a race against time Lundgren confronts a terrorist scheme in the God Friday climax , including hokey religious symbolism . The scene where Dolph Lundgren's character runs through the mass of people during the Easter celebration was shot during an actual enactment by pilgrims of the twelve stations of Christ. Hidden cameras were used to get the footage, and a pair of incognito Israeli National Squad paratroopers followed Lundgren for his protection. None the less pilgrims and tourists thought his fake blood was an actual wound, and "real" soldiers pointed M16 guns at Lundgren and got him down on the ground as they had not been well informed of the film production .

Regular acting by Dolph Lundgren as a two-fisted American journalist on a dangerous foreign assignment, finds his own life in jeopardy when he uncovers a deadly labyrinth of political intrigue , better is Lous Gosset Jr as CIA boss Lou Jackson. William Tannen, who had written the script and was in the final stages of preparation in Israel to begin shooting in one week, was replaced because the lead actor decided that the script he signed on to do was no longer viable and that he began to do a major rewrite ; Tannen actually said the word "No" and was excused by the Israeli producer, a former prop man. The picture failed at box office and released theatrically worldwide except in the United States and United Kingdom . The movie was incidentally produced before the Gulf War started . In France, the distributor delayed the release by six months because of the conflict . The motion picture was middlingly directed by Manny Coto ; writer William Tannen was to direct the film, director Manny Coto got hired only one or two weeks before principal photography . Manny is a notorious producer , writer an occasionally director as TV as cinema , such as ¨Zenon¨, ¨Star Kid¨, ¨Dr Giggles¨, ¨Red Schizo¨and this ¨Cover up¨

'Cover-Up' starts with a slow title sequence meant to build atmosphere, but it's a low budget tactic. Prolong the running time and give you the sense that the following flick is going to be intriguing. It's really not. Ultimately Dolph Lundgren & Lou Gossett Jr reteam after 'The Punisher' for a thriller going thru the motions light on fun.

An attack at a US Naval base in Israel supposedly by the terrorist group "Black October" leaves servicemen dead, but is really a cover for a high grade bio weapon to be stolen. Reporter Mike Anderson (Lungren) then covers the story and when he starts to get too close to the bottom of things attempts are made on his life. Its unclear too what side Jackson (Gossett) the local US official in charge is on.

There's some b-movie charm here ... cliches you would say. Mike is a well known, likable guy. Plus he's an ex marine. He's good friends with Col. Cooper (John Finn) the man in charge of running the US base. He's also the ex lover of a civilian bureaucrat Susan Clifford (Lisa Berkely). He loses a game of pool purposely to gain info and after its shown how he's actually really good at the game. That sort of nonsense.

If you follow the trail, you can figure out who the bad guy is early on. Strictly mediocre, but not like 'Cover-Up' ever tries to be something it ain't. Fans of Lundgren & Gossett don't have much to sink their teeth into. Although the element of watching Dolph try to talk and bribe a hotel desk clerk who's already dead was amusing.

Great rainy day film, and a gem from this period.

Not sure about the low ratings -- this is a solid action movie, and more, it's far more intelligent than a lot of similar movies from that time. An interesting, rather complex plot, and it's good and dark, something many of those other films lack.

I really liked the ending as well, not really what one expects from this kind of film and the final shot is quite memorable.

As far as this era of action films go, its an 8. In the bigger picture, still gets a six from me for being above average. Which is saying a lot, because most of these 80's/90's mercenary/military movies are 4's.

I first saw this on a tape of old cheesy movies a friend had made when they were a kid, and was surprised and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember being quite creeped out during a scene where you see the effects of a deadly nerve gas on people. Check it out.

Reporter and former marine Mike Anderson (Lundgren) investigates following a deadly assault on a US military base which the CIA attributes to a terrorist organisation. However, with a powerful weapon missing, Mike believes something more sinister is afoot and soon finds himself coming face-to-face with an old foe, CIA man Lou Jackson (Gossett Jr), with the lives of thousands of people at stake.

Action-wise, 'Cover Up' is quite limited. A a couple of explosions, a couple of punch-ups and a decent car chase, that's it. It's more of a thriller with some drama and intrigue. Lundgren gets to play a slightly different type of character, and acts quite well; his interplay with Louis Gossett Jr. Is good. There's some good scenery, and a surprising twist at the end, but the film lacks pace, it's a bit too dullish, unexciting and talky - needed more punch, however it was slightly diverting with its intrigue and Lundgren's performance. Otherwise it's not something I would watch again in a hurry. A one time watch I would say.

The stage curtains open ...

"Cover-Up", starring Dolph Lundgren as an ex-Marine turned journalist named Mike Anderson, and Louis Gossett Jr. as CIA agent, Lou Jackson, relies heavily on plot in a film that is more of a mind game than an action-thriller. Not your usual Lundgren film, it finds him playing detective in a race against time.

When a U.S. naval military base is bombed in Israel, Anderson is sent in to investigate and report his findings. While he is there, he runs into some familiar faces from his past, including his old flame, Susan Clifford, who is now working for the U.S. Embassy. As he digs deeper into the mystery behind the bombing which killed American soldiers, he finds that things run much deeper than what is initially believed to be the case. Now, he is in a race against time to prevent the death of thousands of innocent people, including a diabolical plan to do much, much worse.

This really wasn't that bad of a film. I wouldn't put this among Lundgren's best, but at the same time, it is a lot better than some movies he's done. The story is surprisingly intelligent and intricate with strong characters and decent acting. Lundgren really isn't known for his acting chops, but he shows some here and knows how to rein things in to keep in character and avoid becoming bigger than the story. The ending is a little hazy ... and without giving anything away, all I will say is that it's hard to tell if Mike Anderson survives the ordeal or not. I guess you would have to watch it to decide for yourself.

Even though the movie plays out well, it is still not one I would necessarily recommend. I feel that if you are a Dolph Lundgren fan and haven't yet seen this movie, you would probably enjoy it - keeping in mind that it is low on action and high on political intrigue. I think I would watch this again though. I had a good enough time to say that overall, it was enjoyable.