Two elements distinguish this otherwise mediocre spy flick
And those elements are: 1) The still-topical plot concerning the search for alternative sources of energy, and the lengths that people who base their wealth on oil production will go to in order to stop any developments that might gradually make it obsolete, 2) The vital roles given to the women - there is a female Russian agent working undercover, a couple of henchwomen, and even an ice-cold villainess who is given top status by the script. Apart from those aspects, "Killers Are Challenged" (the title of the English version) is a rather routine 60's spy flick. The best scene is probably a hotel room fight between the hero and a hired killer - it may remind you of the pre-credits fight in "Thunderball". The worst scene is a barroom brawl near the end, complete with a comic-relief midget, that goes on far too long and may remind you of the Bud Spencer / Terence Hill comedies. All in all, the film is watchable for fans of the genre. (**)
- gridoon2025
- Jul 24, 2008