The original 'MacGyver' series, running for seven seasons starting in 1985, is terrific and classic. The action, adventure, and intrigue was a blast with just the right measure of humor and heart peppered in, and the resourcefulness, expertise, and especially the improvised solutions for which the chief character is known are nothing less than inspired. Factor in the superb cast, anchored by dreamy Richard Dean Anderson, and even at its most ham-handed it's hard to go wrong with the original series. Regrettably, the 1994 TV movie 'Lost treasure of Atlantis' was a bit of a letdown; though it was enjoyable, it felt too much like a generic adventure romp in which any random nobody could have been substituted for Angus MacGyver. All this is to say that I had sadly mixed expectations for this second TV movie, a format that already has a checked history. In a runtime of just over ninety minutes, it doesn't take long while watching to begin forming an impression. 'Trail to doomsday,' like its immediate predecessor, is a suitably good time in and of itself, but it's not free of issues, and likewise could be about any heroic protagonist and none would be the wiser.
Ken Harrison's music is appreciable, but kind of generic, and one theme gets tiresome quickly as we hear it repeatedly. Between Lee David Zlotoff and John Considine's screenplay, and Charles Correll's direction, there are plenty of tropes on hand that are employed somewhat emptily, and plot development sometimes feels rather brusque, false, and/or forced. Alternatively, there are instances when the plot gets limp, wishy-washy, unconvincing, or vague, all seemingly less as a matter of judicious storytelling and more to fit the needs of conforming to the style and/or time slot of the format. Meanwhile, and worse yet, is that when it comes to details of the script it really seems as if Zlotoff and Considine just threw up their hands in futility, assuming that the audience would just thoughtlessly go along with whatever they threw in. Far worse than any fault of 'Lost treasure of Atlantis,' the writing mindlessly tosses out the term "anarchists" as if anarchists were to the 90s what Communists were to the 1920s and 50s; is cavalier about the use and meaning of the term "terrorist," and the geopolitics of states that don't fall within strict bounds of Western ideals; makes bizarre insinuations about KGB training that feel less like a small touch of comedy and more like sheer senselessness at best, or maybe even backhanded jingoism. Even the steady stream of twists just seems a bit much after a point. There are some bigger themes and notions that the script tries to touch upon, especially in the last act, but the doing is too often astonishingly gawky and heavy-handed, becoming gauche and untenable.
In fairness, broadly speaking the picture is well made. Correll's direction is technically sound, and there are some good ideas in the story adjoining those that are common and unremarkable, and those that raise a skeptical eyebrow. I've no notes for the cast, constrained as they sometimes are by the writing and direction; Anderson is reliable, it's always a pleasure to see Alun Armstrong, and Beatie Edney is excellent in her supporting part. While she has a small role, it's also noteworthy that Lena Headey makes an appearance here decidedly early in her career. The stunts and effects are well done; the filming locations are swell, and the production design and art direction. Even small matters like props, hair, makeup, and costume design are adequate and commendable; though I disagree with some of the decisions made here, the cinematography and editing are quite fine. Once again, overall the feature is entertaining, and it had no loftier goal. Still, 'Trail to doomsday' struggles with a lot of its details - arguably, most of its details - including a fair bit of questionable dialogue and scene writing. Moreover, the fact remains that our protagonist could have been Joe Anybody and it would have been much the same film. All told I don't think it's bad, yet saying it's "good" is true mostly just in contrast with the antonym, and at that maybe I'm being too generous in my assessment.
But hey, it's also possible I'm being too harsh. I'm glad for those who get more out of this flick than I do, and again, it's a good time just as it is. The sum total is flawed, relying on Movie Magic and facets that we viewers have to take at face value, but I also don't think this ever pretends to be anything it's not. Would that the writing in particular were smarter and more careful, but I suppose that's hardly a flaw exclusive here. If you're looking for another healthy dose of 'MacGyver' then it's debatable if this will sate your craving, but while 'Trail to doomsday' is nothing one needs to go out of their way to see, it's passably worthwhile for a lazy day if you happen to come across it.
