Okay, rewind your minds with me for a second. Picture the video store shelf, maybe squeezed between Cobra and Commando. There sits a tape box, probably a little worn at the corners, featuring a stoic Arnold Schwarzenegger looking impossibly cool, maybe holding a ridiculously large gun. That movie? 1986's Raw Deal. It wasn't one of Arnie's absolute titans, not quite a Terminator or Predator, but grabbing this tape always felt like unearthing a slightly grittier, enjoyably straightforward slice of 80s action. It’s a film born from a fascinating behind-the-scenes necessity: Schwarzenegger reportedly took the role primarily to fulfill a multi-picture deal with producer Dino De Laurentiis, freeing him up for other projects. Sometimes, contractual obligations give us unexpected gems, eh?
### Undercover and Over the Top
Raw Deal casts Arnold as Mark Kaminsky, a disgraced FBI agent booted for roughing up a suspect, now languishing as a small-town sheriff. When his old FBI buddy Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin, perfectly world-weary) needs someone to infiltrate the Chicago mob run by Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker, oozing menace), he turns to Kaminsky. Faking his own death (in a gloriously fiery explosion, naturally!), Kaminsky assumes the identity of slick tough guy Joseph P. Brenner and sets out to dismantle the organization from within. It’s a classic undercover premise, given that distinctive Schwarzeneggerian twist – less subtle infiltration, more barely-contained Austrian Oak smashing his way through the underworld.
Directed by John Irvin, who gave us the bleak war film Hamburger Hill just a year later, Raw Deal has a slightly different feel than some of Arnie’s other mid-80s outings. It leans a little more into the crime thriller aspects, with clandestine meetings and attempts at shadowy maneuvering. But let's be honest, we didn't rent this for intricate plotting. We rented it for Arnold doing what Arnold does best. And Raw Deal certainly delivers on that front, especially once the gloves come off.
### That Glorious 80s Action Crunch
Let’s talk about why these movies felt so visceral back on our fuzzy CRT screens. It was the crunch. The palpable impact. Raw Deal is packed with the kind of practical effects work that defined the era. Remember that insane shootout in the gravel pit? Real squibs bursting, real cars flipping (maybe bouncing a little too much sometimes, but who cared?), real stunt performers earning their paychecks. There's a weight and danger to it that often feels missing in today's smoother, digitally-assisted sequences. It might look less polished now, but back then, the raw physicality was electrifying.
And the finale! Arnold, clad in his finest suit, single-handedly laying waste to Patrovita’s casino and headquarters is pure, unadulterated 80s action bliss. Forget stealth; this is a frontal assault fueled by righteous anger and an impossible amount of ammunition. The explosions are huge, the gunfire is deafening (even through those old TV speakers), and the stunt work is relentless. It's chaotic, loud, and undeniably satisfying in that specific way only 80s action films can be. It’s worth noting the script had several writers credited, including Luciano Vincenzoni and Sergio Donati, known for their work on Sergio Leone Westerns – perhaps contributing to that slightly tougher, grittier edge compared to some of Arnie’s more fantastical roles.
### More Than Just Muscle
While Arnold is undoubtedly the main draw, the supporting cast adds welcome texture. Kathryn Harrold as Monique, a woman working within Patrovita's casino who catches Brenner's eye, brings intelligence and vulnerability to a role that could have been thankless. Their interactions provide some quieter moments amidst the mayhem. Sam Wanamaker is effective as the calculating mob boss, and seeing Robert Davi pop up as one of his ruthless enforcers is always a treat for fans of 80s cinematic villainy.
Now, is Raw Deal perfect? Absolutely not. The plot has its share of conveniences, and there are moments that scream "1980s" perhaps a little too loudly. Yes, I'm thinking of that infamous scene where Arnold drives, inexplicably blasting The Rolling Stones' "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" while mowing down bad guys in the quarry. It’s a bizarre, almost surreal moment that feels airlifted from a different movie, yet somehow, it’s become one of the film’s most memorable (and debated) sequences. Was it jarring? Yes. Is it strangely iconic now? Also, yes. It's part of the film's unique, slightly off-kilter charm. Despite Schwarzenegger apparently not loving the script himself, he commits fully, delivering the one-liners and the action with his signature confidence. Filmed primarily in Chicago and North Carolina, the locations lend a solid, grounded feel to the proceedings, even when the action ramps up to absurd levels.
### The Verdict on This Deal
Raw Deal didn't set the box office on fire back in '86 (grossing around $26 million worldwide against its budget, a modest return for an Arnie flick at the time) and critics were somewhat mixed. But like so many films from the era, it found a dedicated audience on VHS. It represents a specific flavor of Schwarzenegger action – less sci-fi, less overtly comedic, just a tough-as-nails crime story vehicle for its star's unique brand of charisma and physical presence. It’s a movie that feels satisfyingly solid, delivering exactly the kind of explosive entertainment promised by its cover art.
Rating: 7/10
Justification: Raw Deal earns a solid 7 for delivering exactly what it promises: prime Arnold Schwarzenegger action with fantastic practical effects and a straightforward, enjoyable plot. While it lacks the iconic status or thematic depth of his absolute best work, and suffers from some tonal oddities (hello, "Satisfaction"!), the sheer commitment to old-school action filmmaking, the strong supporting cast, and Arnold's undeniable star power make it a thoroughly entertaining watch. It's a crucial, if sometimes overlooked, piece of the 80s action puzzle.
Final Thought: It might have been a contractual obligation, but Raw Deal still packs that satisfying, tangible punch that reminds you why practical stunts and sheer star power ruled the action aisles of VHS Heaven. Sometimes, a straightforward deal is the best kind.