I can't be 100% sure, but I may have been part of the $5 million gross when Megaforce was released in 1982. It seems like something I would have been standing in line to see. I'm sure I didn't care for it with the horrible plot, ridiculously silly futuristic vehicles, and lame attempts at comedy. Now, however, I find it terribly entertaining. It's filled with more 80s cheesy goodness than one movie should have a right to.Megaforce stars Barry Bostwick as Commander Ace Hunter, the leader of a quick deployment special force. He is a total hoot throughout the film and looks like he's having a blast. He's in on the joke - none of this is to be taken seriously. And how could you take Hunter seriously with perfect blown dried hair and an outfit that looks like he's headed to an Olivia Newton John video shoot. His jokes and one-liners are grown-worthy, but in a good way. He's the most non-military commander put on film. Bostwisk is joined by the scene-chewing Edward Mulhare and Persis Khambatta and Michael Beck, neither of whom seem to realize this thing is a mess and play it straight. Finally, the main cast is rounded out by one of my favs, Henry Silva. He looks like he's having a lot of fun playing the crazed Duke Guerera. I admit that the first 30 minutes or so can be a bit dry. There's a lot of talking about stuff that doesn't make sense and that no one really cares about. We're here for the futuristic military vehicles (dune buggies and motorcycles with a cheap fiberglass overlay), the explosions (and there are plenty of those), and the laughable special effects (the flying motorcycle must be seen to be believed - one of the most ludicrous looking things I've ever seen). This is what makes Megaforce so much fun. I know that a movie like Megaforce isn't for everyone. I'm not ever sure I enjoy the way director Hal Needham of Smokey and the Bandit fame intended. But enjoy it I do. A 7/10 from me.

Plot; A top secret, multi-national strike force is summoned to defend a small nation from invasion by its aggressive neighbor.Debuting the same year as Hasbro's re-launched G.I. Joe (now dubbed A Real American Hero), Megaforce certainly seemed poised to be a smash hit. It was heavily advertised in comic books, offering kids a chance to join Megaforce via a mail-in fan club promotion (see above), there was a line of Hot Wheels (toy company Mattel is even credited with designing the movie's costumes) and even a game for the Atari 2600. But it was eviscerated by critics and only grossed around $5 million against a budget of $20 million. It was soon relegated to the wastelands of cable TV, where it became a staple for my generation.Directed by Hal Needham (Smokey and the Bandit, Rad), Megaforce looks and feels very much what a live-action G.I. Joe film would have had it been made during that era. Given its timing and the sort of appeal that would seemingly have snagged dads and sons, it's a bit head scratching that it was such a massive flop (and subsequently no surprise that it found a second life on cable). To be sure it's not a film for the lactose intolerant, but if you're one who appreciates the era, the genre and their trappings, it's a helluva lot of fun.

And here's why; Megaforce postulates a "futuristic" quick deployment force that is multinational in form to meet any military uprising around the world.It's another European Immigrant ideal of concentrating power to deal with problems in the elite few.This runs contrary to the core values of the United States, and the basic principles upon which this nation was founded.Wow, that sounds high-and-mighty, and almost "survivalist" / "prepper" in nature. But it isn't. This is a stupid film meant to instill the concepts presented in this film to a pre-teen audience.Thank goodness Star Wars was made before this piece of trash. Not only are the ideas and ideals just plain wrong, but it was a poor looking and poorly executed movie to boot. I was a bit old at the time to be considered the target demographic for this film, but the local younger kids who went and saw it ... how does one put it politely? I'll just quote them; "...it was dumb!"Over the top hairstyles, skin tight spandex, wild Hollywood hair that, even at speeds needed to launch a C-130, still stays in place (that must be some hairspray), and a post Trek Persis Khambahta, all makes for one of the hokiest films ever to hit the screens. "Even for the 80!" *zing*Seriously, someone thought the "future of America" would buy into this crappy idea of a multinational fast reaction force, and and that somehow borders and things like patriotism wouldn't matter anymore.Thank goodness kids are smarter than that, and that this film flopped for not only its content, but the presentation thereof. I still find it hard to believe that this film was made after both Star Wars and Smokey and the Bandit. But there you have it.Watch this thing if you need some unintentional humor on your screen.Otherwise avoid.Watch at your own risk.

this is the stuff of legends....I agree entirely with trevor-k above. he hit all the nails exactly on the head.This is a baaad, cheesy, cliché movie that should probably have never been made but when you're a 11-12 yr old boy this is the best thing since sliced bread.my brother and I saw this (about 25 years ago) and thought it was the shizzle! (well, maybe excepting star wars of course), and the next week we went to see something else and decided, Sod it! lets see MEGFAFORCE again!! woohoo!!! This is the kind of movie Homer Simpson would make, says it all really....