IMDb RATING
6.3/10
15K
YOUR RATING
After helping the local police with some horse thieves, a Texas Ranger aims at a drug lord with arms trade as well. They're interested in the same woman and they're both into martial arts.After helping the local police with some horse thieves, a Texas Ranger aims at a drug lord with arms trade as well. They're interested in the same woman and they're both into martial arts.After helping the local police with some horse thieves, a Texas Ranger aims at a drug lord with arms trade as well. They're interested in the same woman and they're both into martial arts.
Jeffrey Bannister
- 2nd Agent
- (as Jeff Bannister)
Featured reviews
The previous posters comments about this film say something about the reviewer. Um...Chuck Norris and David Carradine??...what kind of movie did you expect with two KNOWN martial arts stars in it? High Plains Drifter?
This movie ranks as probably one of Chuck Norris' best action films of his career and was certainly the basis for his very successful series character "Walker, Texas Ranger". With this movie we saw Chuck change from his old image of the blonde, California boy to the dark haired, bearded, tough guy Chuck we know today. Chuck's movies took on a slightly tougher edge from this film forward (i.e. Invasion USA, Code of Silence). And who can fault the addition of "grasshopper" himself David Carradine to the mix? A major casting coup for the film. Carradine camps it up as a drug smuggling, karate champ who taunts and ultimately tries to kill Texas Ranger McQuade. The dialogue and action are typical of the genre and the time period but for some reason this film stands the test of time like some of the John Wayne westerns of old. Chuck clearly wished to set himself in that "lone, lawman, hero" mold of Wayne with this film.
There is one shot in the opening sequence where McQuade walks into frame in silhouette with the sun behind him, bearing down on his enemy that is right out of the classic westerns of the 50's. That's the money shot of the film. Robert Beltrane (of "Star Trek: Voyager" fame) does a nice, early career stint here as the hapless, partner who forced to tag along on McQuade's heels, but who saves the day in some small way. Much like Tyne Daly did to Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry in "The Enforcer".
And you just can't beat the final showdown between Carradine & Norris, which ranks right up there with Chuck's other famous duel with Bruce Lee. It's Action Cinema Gold.
All in all, a great little film for people who like action heroes.
This movie ranks as probably one of Chuck Norris' best action films of his career and was certainly the basis for his very successful series character "Walker, Texas Ranger". With this movie we saw Chuck change from his old image of the blonde, California boy to the dark haired, bearded, tough guy Chuck we know today. Chuck's movies took on a slightly tougher edge from this film forward (i.e. Invasion USA, Code of Silence). And who can fault the addition of "grasshopper" himself David Carradine to the mix? A major casting coup for the film. Carradine camps it up as a drug smuggling, karate champ who taunts and ultimately tries to kill Texas Ranger McQuade. The dialogue and action are typical of the genre and the time period but for some reason this film stands the test of time like some of the John Wayne westerns of old. Chuck clearly wished to set himself in that "lone, lawman, hero" mold of Wayne with this film.
There is one shot in the opening sequence where McQuade walks into frame in silhouette with the sun behind him, bearing down on his enemy that is right out of the classic westerns of the 50's. That's the money shot of the film. Robert Beltrane (of "Star Trek: Voyager" fame) does a nice, early career stint here as the hapless, partner who forced to tag along on McQuade's heels, but who saves the day in some small way. Much like Tyne Daly did to Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry in "The Enforcer".
And you just can't beat the final showdown between Carradine & Norris, which ranks right up there with Chuck's other famous duel with Bruce Lee. It's Action Cinema Gold.
All in all, a great little film for people who like action heroes.
This is actually a pretty nifty little action film, fashioned as a modern day "spaghetti western." Solid direction by B-Movie veteran Steve Carver and a well-written script combine with a first rate performance by Norris (his absolute best to date....this character could be seen as a prototype to his current smash hit on TV, "Walker: Texas Ranger")to make this great escapist entertainment. David Carradine is also memorable as the chief villain of the story.
I saw this film in a packed theatre when it was first released and the audience just ate it up. The scene where he drives his truck out of a grave that the bad guys have buried him in was a particular crowd-pleaser!
I saw this film in a packed theatre when it was first released and the audience just ate it up. The scene where he drives his truck out of a grave that the bad guys have buried him in was a particular crowd-pleaser!
When I was growing up, I would watch Eye For An Eye a million times a year. That was my favorite Norris movie, until I came across Lone Wolf McQuade in the video stores in 1987. I love that movie SO MUCH! The acting isn't that great (I don't think any of his movies have 1st rate acting), but being an action Norris movie, it's right on target! The musical theme to Lone Wolf McQuade fit very much in the movie. It sounds a bit like those Eastwood spaghetti western themes, but better! If anyone didn't like this movie, they're brain dead! (Anyone who's a Norris fan that is) :) If you're a TRUE Norris fan & if you love action flicks, rent this movie today, you'll love it!
Why do 90 percent of the people writing reviews on this site have to tell the entire synopsis of the movie?
It's a waste of time. Just tell us what you liked/disliked of the movie and go about your business!
It's a waste of time. Just tell us what you liked/disliked of the movie and go about your business!
I don't usually like Chuck, but this one hit the spot. I thought the producers could have left out the cornball love scenes, but it still played pretty good. It was totally predictable, particularly the big kick-off between Chuck and Carradine at the end. If you like martial arts, car chases, explosions and hammy, overdone acting then you will go for this one. Funny, Chuck seems to be a crummier actor now than he did when filming this movie.
Did you know
- TriviaWhen asked to comment on David Carradine's actual martial arts skills, Chuck Norris opined, "David Carradine is every bit as good a martial artist as I am an actor."
- GoofsRanger McQuade has a beard as do several other Rangers shown during the film. Rangers and Troopers are not allowed to have any facial hair whatsoever.
Lone Wolves do what they want.
- Crazy creditsA "Spiritual Adviser" is credited in the closing credits. It is director John Milius.
- Alternate versionsNorwegian cinema version is heavily cut to get an 16 rating but later video versions are uncut with an 18 rating.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Making of 'Lone Wolf McQuade' (1983)
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $5,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $12,232,628
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $4,295,300
- Apr 17, 1983
- Gross worldwide
- $12,232,628
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