Alright, fellow tapeheads, let's rewind to a time when action heroes didn't need CGI capes, just grit, determination, and maybe a ridiculously cool denim jacket. Slide that worn cassette into the VCR, ignore the slightly fuzzy tracking lines, because tonight we're diving deep into a bona fide slice of mid-80s Cannon Films goodness: 1986's Avenging Force. This one hits different, even among its Cannon brethren – a surprisingly tough, mean-spirited little gem that paired two action icons of the era.
### Back in the Action, Bayou Style
Remember finding this one on the rental shelf? Maybe next to American Ninja? That's no coincidence. Stepping into the lead role is Michael Dudikoff, fresh off his breakout ninja success. Here he plays Matt Hunter, a former Secret Service agent living a quiet life raising his younger sister after the tragic death of his parents. But trouble, as it always does in these films, finds him. His old friend Larry Richards (Steve James), a charismatic politician running for Senate, invites Matt and his sister down to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Little do they know, they've walked right into the crosshairs of a sinister, high-society white supremacist hunting club known as "Pentangle."
What starts as a political assassination attempt quickly escalates into something far more brutal: a desperate fight for survival in the unforgiving Louisiana bayou. It's a premise that feels ripped straight from The Most Dangerous Game, but given that distinct, hard-hitting 80s action treatment. Interestingly, this Matt Hunter character was originally conceived for Chuck Norris, intended as a sequel to Invasion U.S.A. (1985). When Norris passed, the script was retooled for Dudikoff, giving him a chance to play a slightly more grounded, less overtly martial arts-focused hero, though he still gets plenty of chances to kick butt.
### That Dudikoff & James Magic
Let's be honest, a huge part of Avenging Force's appeal is the chemistry between Dudikoff and the legendary Steve James. These two just clicked on screen. Dudikoff brings his stoic, reluctant hero persona, while James absolutely crackles with energy, charm, and righteous fury as Larry. Their camaraderie feels genuine, making the stakes personal and the eventual hardships hit that much harder. James, a truly gifted physical performer often relegated to sidekick roles, gets a substantial part here, reminding us what a charismatic leading man he could be. Seeing him handle a shotgun during the intense warehouse shootout, doing many of his own stunts, is pure 80s action gold. His presence elevates the entire film.
### Hunting Humans, Cannon Style
Helmed by Sam Firstenberg, who also directed Dudikoff in American Ninja (1985) and American Ninja 2: The Confrontation (1987), Avenging Force carries that unmistakable Cannon Films DNA. It's lean, mean, and efficiently delivers the action goods. But there's a nastier edge here compared to the more cartoonish American Ninja entries. The villains, led by the chilling Elliott Glastenbury – played with icy menace by James Booth (who, fun fact, also wrote the screenplay!) – are genuinely despicable. Pentangle isn't just about generic bad guys; they're explicitly racist, elitist predators who hunt humans for sport, adding a disturbing layer often missing from simpler action fare.
The film doesn't flinch from depicting the brutality of their actions. Remember how real those bullet hits looked back then? That squib work, the practical explosions – it all felt so visceral on grainy VHS. The centrepiece hunt sequence in the bayou is relentless and suspenseful. It’s raw filmmaking – real stunt performers taking real risks, navigating swamps and dodging actual fireballs. There’s a weight and impact to the action here that often gets lost in today’s smoother, digitally augmented sequences. Sure, some moments might look a bit rough now, but the feeling of danger was palpable. The warehouse siege and the final confrontation are pure, unadulterated 80s mayhem, staged with Firstenberg's typical flair for controlled chaos.
### A Grittier Shade of Action Hero
While not a massive box office smash upon release, Avenging Force carved out a significant niche on home video, becoming a beloved cult classic, particularly for fans of the Dudikoff/James pairing. It stands out for its darker themes and surprisingly grim tone within the often more upbeat action landscape of the time. The political commentary, however blunt, gives it a bit more thematic heft than expected. Filmed largely on location in New Orleans, the setting adds a thick layer of humid atmosphere that perfectly complements the sweaty, desperate struggle for survival.
This wasn't just another disposable action flick; it had teeth. The violence felt consequential, the threat felt real, and the heroes, despite their skills, felt vulnerable. It captured that specific 80s vibe where action movies could be simultaneously thrilling and surprisingly bleak.
***
VHS Heaven Rating: 8/10
Justification: Avenging Force earns a solid 8 for delivering exactly what 80s action fans craved, elevated by the fantastic chemistry between Michael Dudikoff and the irreplaceable Steve James. The practical stunt work is top-notch for the era, the villains are memorably hateable, and the plot, while familiar, is executed with a gritty intensity and surprising thematic darkness that sets it apart. It loses a couple of points for some typical 80s action movie logic gaps and occasionally rough edges inherent to its Cannon Films roots, but the core experience remains incredibly strong.
Final Take: Forget sleek and sanitized; Avenging Force is pure, unfiltered 80s action served straight-up – rough, tough, and relentlessly entertaining. It’s the kind of movie that reminds you why practical effects and genuine on-screen partnerships could hit harder than any digital explosion. A must-watch from the golden age of blowing things up for real.