Not Everything Holds Up Well After 25 Years... "Action Jackson"

Not all 80s action movies are created equal...

The Story:

Detroit cop Jericho "Action" Jackson (Carl Weathers) is suspicious about some deaths of union execs in the auto industry, and all signs seem to point to sinister businessman Peter Dellaplane (Craig T. Nelson) who has an agenda that Jackson is interfering with.  When Dellaplane kills his own wife (Sharon Stone), it's pretty obvious that Jackson is in over his head.  So he abducts Dellaplane's mistress (Vanity) and attempts to bring the bad guy down... by any means necessary!

Hmmm...

This film has not aged well.

Or perhaps, rose-colored glasses simply aren't that rosey any longer?

Either way, this was a rough one to sit through again.

Carl Weathers isn't the problem.  He's got the 80s action hero down pat, the cross between Ah-Nuhld and Stallone.  He tosses off the one liners while he's busting heads.

Nelson does an admirable job as the villain.  He chews on the scenery, but that's his job.

No, I think the weak link is the casting of the females.  Sharon Stone's part is brief... but Vanity is used throughout the film, and while the girl could sing...

Her acting leaves a lot to be desired.  Her delivery sounds almost as if she was indeed high...or drunk... throughout the filming of the movie.

Have to say I was disappointed, my memory led me to believe the movie was better than that.


The strange thing about 1988... action movies were getting worn and tired.  The genre desperately needed a breath of fresh air...

But more on that...tomorrow!

Final Grade: C

Rewatchability/Purchase Factor: I do own it, but apparently it hasn't held up well over the years.  Can't see this coming out for a spin again anytime soon.