Courage

How's this for an opening; Ronny Cox's dunking his fingers in gooey vaseline jelly then slapping it on nice n thick between his toes. If that doesn't get you pumped... well, next we see Art Hindle putting a shirt on...in slow motion as the camera pans in admiring the sight with fluttering synth music to get the blood boiling. Now that I got you hooked. The story follows three marathon runners in the New Mexican desert being tormented at first by a fanatical group of motorbike-riding survival wannabe militants (the type that don't like the phrase "playing soldiers"), then after a fatal incident between the two groups, these runners have to fight for their lives if they want to reach the finish line.

"RAW COURAGE" is your systematic, but extremely well-made and gripping survival thriller in the tradition of "DELIVERANCE" and "RITUALS". There's no beating around the bush, yet in some ways I think it matches those films with its tight build-up, well-rounded characters, impactful emotions and exhausting suspense. For Ronny Cox, he's no stranger to this, as obviously starring in "DELIVERANCE", he co-writes the story and even gets into a beat-down with the crackpot militant leader played by M. Emmet Walsh, who at one stage grabs Cox by the scrotum. All's fair in love and war, I guess.

We watch these men, fighting dehydration, drenched in sweat, covered in dirt reverting to primal instincts, but at the same time never letting their humanity become forgotten. It's a true testament of survival of the fittest, as they are pushed to the limit, emotionally and psychically by the surrounding elements and what's in front of them. Where upon every encounter the tension and vulnerability builds. And for that, I do like the low-key (if predictable) ending, which gives you a chance to catch your breath.

For sure I have watched countless movies that made me sleepy, but "Raw Courage" is the first one that made me feel tired. Three long distance runners running and running and running through the New Mexico desert. Their flight was initiated by M. Emmet Walsh and his ruthless brigade of weekend mercenaries playing war games. After one of the runners is killed, it's a battle of wits (the runners) vs. the nitwits (the brigade). While I enjoy these variants on "The Most Dangerous Game", I would have preferred more character development and less running. This is certainly watchable, but expect nothing more than a relentless desert chase. - MERK

This comment below sums it up quite well

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An overlooked film, 14 September 2000

Author: goya-4 from PA USA

About long distance runners who are kidnapped by some vigilantes in the desert in New Mexico. This movie was one of those late night finds..it is a very suspenseful film that you will not change the channel from.. A very worthwhile rental that will keep you engaged from start to the bitter end..on a scale of one to ten..8

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At the least this is what it is , in fact its sort of like that Dennis Weaver film "Duel" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067023/

In time it could possibly become a cult classic like Duel. I remember reading Leonar Maltin's review or should I say LACK OF REVIEW. Because its obvious that he never saw this movie. Because if he had ... I'm sure that he'd pass favorable comment on this.

Basically .... If you like action with some pretty good performance , this move will entertain you. Ronny Cox is a very good actor and plays his part very well. There is some real action and suspense in this movie. And i you can pick up a DVD at a reasonable price , its worthwhile to have in your collection.

Raw Courage is good. Actually, when you compare it to the kind of dusty old VHS tapes slowly making their way into the trash bins in the dawn of the DVD era, it's REALLY good.

It's from that "fight for your life" subgenra of horror film, where everyday guys find themselves trapped somewhere away from civilizaion while being hunted by some kind of maniacs.

In this film, the victims are three cross country runners who have planned a trek through the desert. Eventually, they run across a squad of militia men who end up hunting them down after some taunting goes bad. As is the case with most films of this ilk, the hunted are used to symbolize different sides of Man's psychie. Ronny Cox is the slightly nebbish husband who dosent know what to do. While the other guy is an aggressive alpha mail, and the other other guy is a whiny brat who just wants to hide.

I suppose what I liked best about the film was that it always seemed probable. The protagonists never do anything outlandish like rig up a brilliant death trap out of rocks and sand. Their ways of fighting back are the same kind of simple things that you or I would probably think of if we were in the situation. And because of this, many of the scenes are quite thrilling since some of their plans don't always work (their attempt at stealing a horse).

The villians are pretty silly, and never really rise above the level of stock; While the film's literal "finish line" pushed my good will to the breaking point. But overall, I was happy I saw this one.

As for that opening scene: Fade in to a close up of Cox's waxy, brown foot, as his fingers dip into a creamy vat of Petroleum Jelly with a disgusting squish. Followed by about a good twenty seconds or so of him lovingly smearing and caressing the goop inbetween his stubby toes.

It's probably the most disgusting minutes of film I've ever seen.

I am a fan of Emmet Walsh, and the movie did not disappoint. Its enjoyable thriller with great tension. If you like Deliverance/ Sothern Comfort then you will like this. Some good performances, and you really get routing for the marathon runners. Good setting and pace, with never a boring minute. Not sure if it was a TV movie, with the 4:3 aspect ratio. May have suited a wider format, but likely budget constraints restricted what they had to work with. Its one of those virtually unheard of movies you come across, and that adds to deriving pleasure out of finding it. Highly recommended. I found a copy on Youtube, but luckily the copy was watchable.