Made in the prime of Dolph's career "Red Scorpion" roars to life, with lots of highly-charged scenes of explosive, hard-hitting violence and bloodshed. And yet it's the hilariously boisterous and buffoon-like antics of the great, veteran, character-actor M. Emmett Walsh and his hot-headed humor, that really balances out the movie beautifully. In the film he plays a loud-mouthed blow-hard and his frequent patterings of expletive-ridden banter, gives the film a great amount angst and loads of off-color humor. Not to be out-done, Dolph takes a side-trip into the bush country and while he's hanging out with the natives, it's here that he experiences several life-changing events, which eventually leads him down the road to a full-blown "spiritual awakening". Ultimately this miraculous transformation of mind and soul culminates in a scene, where his adoptive tribe ceremonially etches "the mark of the hunter" into his flesh - which is, fittingly enough, a scorpion. What could possibly top that? Well... not to leave out this fine detail, one that's central to the movies plot, which is, during Dolphs tribal experience, not only does he acquire a new out-look on life, but also a new pair of sandals to go with it.Red Scorpion was filmed primarily in Africa in 1988 on a fairly modest budget, however when it's all said and done it remains one of Dolph Lungren's best and most memorable action films - which over the years has been a true pleasure to watch time and again. Red Scorpion is well-paced throughout and is rarely, if ever dull even for an instant. As mentioned above, the films violent proceedings are effectively livened up by the cantankerous, foul-mouthed, rantings of one M. Emmett Walsh (endearingly known as "The Fatguy from Red Scorpion"), who is very much so the polar-opposite of Lundgren, in both appearance and personality. In light of such stark contrasts of character, this consequently ensures that he's at odds with the films star every step of the way, in other words the two characters play-off each other beautifully. The casting as a whole is very solid and no actor looks/sounds out of place, it's production values (the Russian military base, helicopter mock-ups, custom-made weaponry, etc.) may not be award-winning, but are strong throughout and I absolutely love how this film was edited and in so doing gives the films many action scenes an extra kick in the pants. The films crew was comprised mostly of young talent, who where still quite green to film-making (especially the films first-time producers) and the enthusiasm that they put into this movie is often palpable, perhaps none more so then the level of excitement witnessed during the chase sequence which erupts about 15 minutes in.Made in the late-80's Red Scorpion is very much a product of the time, because not only does it look and sound like a lower-budget version of Rambo III (consequently that film was released less then a year earlier); but due to how many of the films action scenes were staged and especially in the way in which they were edited. If I were to drop another 80's reference, well, the more you watch Red Scorpion, the stronger the "A-Team" vibe seems to get. As this film packs in lot's of quick fiery/dust-filled cuts of boisterous AK-action and vehicular carnage, which are formulamatically accompanied by such familiar sights, such as: drab military vehicles, flimsy wooden guard-towers (always a favorite target), a spattering of sand-bags, chain-link fencing, stacks of wooden boxes and ammo-crates and of course what 80's action film-set would be complete without some 55-gallon steel drums worked into the picture - still a common part of the equation today, but absolutely mandatory in those days. So even though it's set in the distant desert climes of the African bush country, the film still manages to deliver, a strong dose of familiarity and 80's action movie clichés by the truckloads, which is undoubtedly part of it's charm. If I were to keep score of the films action scenes, I'd say there's at least three major extended battle sequences and a good half-dozen or so smaller skirmishes, ultimately Red Scorpion never stays quite for long. It's a hard-hitting bloodbath, that's predestined to be fought on the hot, arid, plains of central Africa.*Note* If you're a fan of hard-hitting, helicopter carnage, take notice of this film, because it happens to be one of the best movies to fill that niche. Red Scorpion delivers lots of first-rate rotary-action, which is due entirely to the fact that on several occasions the Russian-made Hind Gunship (or a mock-up of one) is prominently featured front and center. This notorious machine of war is ever-ready to wreak death and destruction from above - and as you'll see, it very often does. As the Cold War-era saying goes "never smile at the crocodile", which for those who are not familiar, is a reference to the Hind's fearsome looking shark mouth paint-scheme, which only increases it's already impressively intimidating appearance.Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention it. For those of you who haven't up-graded to the Blu-ray yet, Red Scorpion is simply cooler then ever and now sports some utterly bitchin' flame-throwers! Just why they left that out the first time, I'll never know.

I found this to be one of Dolph Lundgren's most accessible movies. Now, I know that isn't saying much, but this film actually has a far-reaching story with some real issues to comment upon. These may only be superficial, but they certainly give the film a more realistic edge over the usual action fare that Lundgren has found himself in in the past decade. Of course, in the end the Soviets are still the blacker-than-black bad guys and the good guys (the rebels) win out in the end, but it still makes you think.As it was actually filmed in Africa, this film has some authentic and beautiful locations, especially in the desert scenes. I'm just a sucker for nice scenery but this film makes good use of it at every opportunity. It also has a slightly higher budget than most action fodder, as judged by the ridiculously high number of explosions we witness at the film's conclusion. Lundgren's minimalist style of acting actually fits the bill here as he plays the impassive soldier who gradually begins to realise that the side he is fighting for is the wrong side, and he makes a believable transition from baddie to rebel leader at the end.The American supporting cast is pretty forgettable, though. M. Emmet Walsh plays an obnoxious reporter who spends almost the entire movie swearing or shouting at somebody, so it's impossible to warm to his character. On the other hand, T.P. McKenna's Soviet bad guy barely registers apart from his over-the-top accent. Brion James also pops up in a minor role as a Russian sadist (what else?) but is sorely underused; halfway through the film his character just disappears never to be heard of again! However, many of the local African actors are very good, especially the guy playing the native who is, quite simply, excellent. Incidentally, the sub plot in which Lundgren turns native and grows to appreciate life out in the desert is brilliant, and I wish it could have lasted longer than twenty minutes.The action itself is mainly routine for most of the film and consists of the standard truck chases, shoot-outs, and occasional display of martial arts from Lundgren. However, at the very end this film turns into Rambo with Lundgren and his rebel pals taking on a Russian base and winning. Here, the death toll is high, and Lundgren beats up and knifes many a bad guy. In the sadistic highlight, he actually shoots the arm off a Cuban officer to prevent him throwing a grenade! Then everything blows up in a spectacular fashion that will leave you satisfied. While RED SCORPION is far from brilliant, it spins a believable and very different from the norm plot which had me interested throughout.

One of the best '80's action films you have never seen or heard of! I stand by my statement having watched 'Red Scorpion' aged 9 and finding it even better than I remember when watching it again as an adult. If you want the quick explanation, it's up there with 'First Blood part 2.' It's also a thoughtful war film that leaves America out of the Cold War picture and instead ponders on just how much death and destruction a man must witness before he realizes he's fighting a war that is inherently not only wrong but simply evil.Dolph Lundgren is Nikolai Rachenko, one of the Spetsnaz's finest soldiers. He is exactly how the Motherland has cut him out to be, an intelligent, resilient, unstoppable and obedient killer. Unable to march through Africa because of anti-communist revolutionary Sundata, the Russians send Nikolai in to gain the trust of whoever will lead him to his target where he will then assassinate his target.The plan fails and Nikolai is first captured by the Africans and then sent back across the desert with one intended message; to tell the Russians that even their greatest soldier cannot kill Sundata. Barely surviving, Nikolai finds himself disgraced and left to the Cubans to be tortured and killed but escapes and then only survives the desert a third time thanks to the Bush Man, a lone member of a secretive African tribe, who takes Nikolai under his wing and teaches him the ways of the free African.Nikolai learns how to survive the desert and then learns of the atrocities executed against the innocent people of Africa first hand. Accepting that he is no longer with the Russians after the way they treated him and left him for dead, when he is ready to move on, Nikolai takes it upon himself to go back to see Sundata and show that he now bears tribal honours only to find that the revolutionary has been mortally wounded by the encroaching Russian forces.Feeling that he owes it to Sundata and his people after a heart to heart with the dying man, Nikolai goes on to lead an offensive against the invaders, his former leaders and fellow soldiers, to smash the Soviet and Cuban forces and send them out of Africa.The film was directed by Joseph Zito who reached varying degrees of success in the '80's with three other titles; two Chuck Norris vehicles, 'Missing in Action' and 'Invasion USA' and intended franchise finale 'Friday 13th part 4: The Final Chapter.' Turning Chuck Norris into a legitimate action movie star, the same could almost be said for Lundgren, only it was Lundgren's later features that failed him.Zito makes a great film by taking the old-school action and war molds and applying a sensible amount of politics and intelligence into the African characters and their purpose. Lundgren plays not only an atypical brute of a soldier with little to say for himself, he plays a man reprogrammed by the military to obey who learns to listen to the voice of reason instead and as much as people might argue that Lundgren cannot act, watching his face turn from a constant menacing scowl to one of resolve and respect is effective enough. His change from villain to hero simply does what no other action film of its time dared to and this makes for a feelgood moral tale.The film is literally exploding with stunt doubles doing their various acrobatic death rolls and grenade explosion somersaults etc. Special effects come courtesy of 'Wizard of Gore' Tom Savini (who worked with Zito previously on Friday 13th) and M. Emmet Walsh has a co-starring role as a terminally offensive American photographer, which helps you settle into the very ethnic feel of the movie. Add the Little Richard soundtrack and you have a classic action film with something a little different to offer.'Red Scorpion' is like many other action films of the '80's that could have gone on to have successful and valid sequels, however it's a perfect little gem all by itself and one of the reasons Dolph Lundgren was such a promising star back in the day.I recommend 'Red Scorpion' for an action movie night if you're planning on watching 'Missing in Action' or 'Rambo' or Schwarzenegger's 'Commando.'

Russian agent named Nikolai (Dolph Lundgren) is a Spetsnaz , a perfect killer machine . The Soviet lieutenant journey to Africa where is the headquarter in which lives the Russian and Cuban militia (Carmen Argenziano , Brion James). He is assigned to infiltrate and to assassinate an adversarial anti-Communist black revolutionary named Sundate as leader of a rebel group who is assisted by Kallunda (Al White). Nikolai unexpectedly , commits a betrayal that enrages his Russian commandant as the General Vortez (T.P. McKenna), who orders his immediate punishment . In this case the nasty General is a genocide officer who uses his helicopter to cause mayhem and slaughter in minority communities. Making his getaway through the dangerous desert, Nikolai switches sides and join forces with the rebels, in the company of an American reporter (M. Emmet Walsh). Nikolai allies himself with a tribe of bushmen, and earning the nickname "Red Scorpion" . As Nikolai's new-found independence and switch allegiances with new friends . All of them , lead in his leadership of the rebels against his previous comrades .This moving film contains thrills ,fiercy combats , tortures , lethal shootouts and lots of explosions and noisy action . From the beginning to the end the comic-book action-packed and extreme violence is continued and it's fast movement ; for that reason the picture is pretty entertaining , though contains some perfunctory scenes . Passable performance of Sweden Dolph Lundgren as Soviet agent par excellence trained in deep undercover job and finds himself drawn to the guerrillas' riot . This is a routine actioner with Karate expertise star Dolph Lundgren as the Soviet veteran resulting to be one of the best roles he'd made to date , as he's fine -though some wooden- as tough, cold , obstinate agent Nikolai. It provides some interesting background on Dolph Lundgren 's rocky relationship with communism and switching allies with spectacular final climax storming their headquarters in a no-quarter , deadly showdown . Poor acting abounds but packed with violence , bloodshed and exciting action scenes as when Lundgren shoots his machine gun , several explosions or scenes from spectacular helicopters similarly used in ¨Rambo III ¨ at Afghanistan. Catching musical score by Jay Chattaway and regular cinematography by cameraman Joao Fernandez , both of whom worked in the trilogy ¨Braddock's Missing in action ¨ who bears certain resemblance in some qualities to ¨Red Scorpion¨. The motion picture produced in average budget is professionally directed by Joseph Zito (Invasion USA, 13th Friday final chapter, Missing in action , The prowler). Rating : Acceptable, passable and amusing but violent . Although the movie has some aspects a little tough to take , this thrilling film still has its nice moments getting a bemusing atmosphere with agreeable results , furthermore grossed moderated success at the box office .