Assassination

This was the next to last film appearance by Jill Ireland, who died of cancer in 1990 after four decades as a well-known actress and producer. Ireland made quite a few waves in the press when she dropped her then-husband David McCallum in 1967, beginning her long relationship with Charles Bronson. It is a great irony that Bronson, probably the all-time leader in number of deaths rendered on-screen, had one of the most enduring marriages in film history.

'Assassination' seems to be a movie that was tucked into Cannon's production schedule for the sake of Bronson and Ireland. Ireland was already suffering from cancer-related illnesses in 1987 and you can almost picture the two actors wanting to do 'just one more, for old times' sake.' 'Assassination' is carelessly done as a whole, showing the lack of polish and dwindling funds that would tank Cannon by 1990. But there's a kind of nostalgia value in seeing the couple together one last time and the film makes you wonder what exactly helps a relationship to survive in the chaos that is Hollywood.

Bronson plays Jay Killian, a high-ranking Secret Service agent who is assigned to protect the First Lady, Lara Craig (Ireland). The President's wife has a reputation for being difficult, bossing Service agents around and wanting to do things her own way. That all changes, however, when attempts are made on her life and she must journey with Killian by car, train, motorbike, and believe it or not, dune buggy to escape would-be assassins. There is little surprise here, as Killian believes the murderers are part of an inside job, perhaps arranged by the President himself. On the way, Killian and Mrs. Craig develop an unspoken affection for one another in scenes between Bronson and Ireland that are actually very funny.

What really gets me is how this film was promoted upon its release and how it's still made to look as a DVD. The original trailer gives you the feeling that 'Assassination' is another cold-hearted Bronson shoot-'em-up. But a lot of this movie - which was rated PG-13, by the way - is in a comic vein, putting it along the lines of a romantic thriller like Bronson and Ireland's western 'From Noon Till Three.' Even the DVD case shows Bronson with a rocket launcher, ready to blow things up. Which he does, but to a lesser degree than his other '80s potboilers.

On the whole, 'Assassination' is late Cannon slop work and doesn't really know what kind of film it wants to be. Besides drifting from actioner to romantic thriller and back again, there are serious mistakes in continuity, property values are bottom-of-the-barrel cheap, and the effects are dreadful; many of the explosions seem like matte work rather than being done on location. Robert Ragland, who had shown good composing skills in earlier films, teamed up with Valentine McCallum on a score that is mostly synthesized and better fit for television.

Richard Sale's script has real lulus of dialogue, with the conversations between Bronson and Ireland the only bright spot. There is no explanation as to why the First Lady is called 'One Momma' all of a sudden, nor as to why Ireland is left with her British accent when the character is a Wyoming native. Jan Gan Boyd, playing Killian's main assistant, has a kitten-like personality and is badly miscast as a federal agent. Stephen Elliott (a former Tony Award nominee who died in May 2005), Randy Brooks, Erik Stern (as assassin Bracken), and Michael Ansara (Senator Bunsen) are acceptable in their supporting roles.

Incidentally, this was the last film directing gig for Peter Hunt, who broke onto the scene with 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service' in 1969 and collaborated with Bronson and Lee Marvin on 'Death Hunt' in 1981. 'Assassination' is available on DVD through MGM Home Entertainment; it is presented in dual widescreen and standard format with three-language subtitles and theatrical trailer.

** out of 4

I just saw this movie and the beginning started out pretty good and kind of funny between Ireland and Bronson. Just let you all know that I believe that Jill will go lethal with the shoe she had on if you mess with her so DON'T. But then at the middle of the movie, it had ups and downs. The first thing about it is that most of the action scenes go a little too fast and some of the non-action scenes go little fast too but other wise, the film is pretty good. Just to let you know that this is the last film that Charles and Jill are together and still do good being together in this film and I hope you you all enjoy the film.

I give this a 7/10

Secret service Agent Jay Killian is back on the job after some problems. He is no longer allowed to guard the President, though. His job is to protect the new First Lady, Lara Royce Craig, who apparently comes from a wealthy family and believes she can do what she wants without listening to anyone.

While Mrs. Craig rides to her husband's inauguration in an open car (something no one in the First Family has done since Kennedy was shot), one of the police officers riding alongside has a wreck (and this being a Charles Bronson movie, naturally the bike has to explode). Killian believes it was no accident.

Later, Mrs. Craig escapes on several occasions, though the Secret Service is able to find her in each case. Mrs. Craig's behavior is a problem not just because she needs protection under normal circumstances, but because it seems someone actually wants to kill her.

Jill Ireland was deliciously witchy (actually that should start with a b) as the First Lady. Charles Bronson's character showed intelligence, and he wouldn't back down but remained strong in the face of the First Lady's protests.

It was a pleasure to see the man who played the uptight and dignified Cloud Dancing in "Dr. Quinn" as an almost stereotypical Native American, a car salesman willing to laugh at people's expectations of his people and go along for the money.

Jan Gan Boyd, as Killian's partner (in more ways than one?) was pretty and perky but showed confidence in her facial expressions. Too bad she often seemed to be reading her lines.

The violence wasn't constant, but this movie had plenty of gunfire toward the end, and quite a few unnecessary explosions. One exciting scene involved a railroad bridge.

The scenery in Wyoming was beautiful.

I don't think this was intended to be a comedy, but it certainly was in my opinion. I found it quite entertaining. The idea is to have no real expectations.

I loved this Movie out of all Charles Bronson did. I think he and Jill Ireland were so neat in this together. I liked any movie they did together. I don't believe this was given enough credit. They just semed to fit in the parts together. I was truly saddened when Jill died and even more so with his passing. But at least we have the movies to watch which I never tire of seeing.

Let me start by saying that Charles Bronson is one of my favorite actors and I think my mom found this one on VHS at a flea market back in 2015.

This movie is honestly pretty good, it's entertaining if not a little corny in places but I love it anyway.

Charles is a bad ass action hero in these action movies I'm a fan of his Death Wish films I haven't seen him in a lot but I'm planing on trying to find more with him.

I like in this story that he plays a secret service agent hired to protect the First lady who he doesn't really like, that I feel is a nice change of pace, then your typical standard story, it made for some nice levels of comedy.

Overall, I give it a 6/10. It's just a fun action film that you can sit back enjoy, and see

Charles Bronson kick some terrorist ass.

Highly recommended.