I want to talk about action films, in particular, underrated action films. Why? Because when they are done correctly, action films are simply amazing. From the fight scenes, vehicle chases, one liners, and stunts, action films can help push movie making into new and exciting territories.
Sometimes you want to relax and watch a film, where two cars hitting each other can cause an explosion, and the laws of physics have been screwed up and thrown in the bin.
Like my previous blog post about underrated science fiction films, I would like to shine my Bat-torch on to some great underrated action films, that I love and admire. And just like before, my definition of an underrated film can cover lower box office earnings, winning little or no awards, or conflicting receptions to the film; but still be an arse kicking action film.1
And just like before, films within action franchises will not be considered, because they could fall under their own list. The films have been listed in chronological order of release, so please enjoy; because I would happily watch these films at any time.
I am also very aware, there are some other awesome underrated action films, that have not made my list. For that, I am very sorry, but there are only so many hours I am actually conscious.
WARNING, there are spoilers, so read at your own caution.
1.) The Running Man (1987)
To start my small ode to underrated action films, I have to discuss The Running Man, featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger. The film is loosely based on a Stephen King story, that is set in the future. 2017 to be accurate.2
To explain the film, here’s the opening crawl:
By 2017, the world economy has collapsed. Food, natural resources and oil are in short supply. A police state, divided into paramilitary zones, rules with an iron hand.
Television is controlled by the state and a sadistic game show called The Running Man has become the most popular program in history.
In this game, criminals are granted pardons, if they can win. The problem is that highly trained gladiators/stalkers are released to locate and kill them. All for television ratings; it’s the OG reality show.
Schwarzenegger plays Ben Richards, a man that has been framed and sent into the The Running Man tv show. From there, he has to build alliances with other contestants and try to win the game, by defeating the Stalkers.
I think I saw The Running Man on television, and I blown away by the entire structure of the movie. A dystopian society, television shows building empires, the injustice and oppression, Schwarzenegger kicking all different kinds of arse, and all in the futuristic year of 2017.
The Stalkers were creative, with names like Professor Subzero, Buzzsaw, Dynamo, Fireball, and Captain Freedom. They were all experts in dealing out death, and they were the people’s champions. And that was something that has never left me: the concept of live executions, to satisfy the masses, via a television game show.
I feel the film is underrated for all of these reasons, but also because it was ahead of its time, with the whole deadly game show gimmick; but also how easy it was for a government to distract the public with death and carnage, so they wouldn’t have to think of how terrible the world had become. It reminded me of the Ancient Romans and the Colosseum.
The Running Man’s social, media, and political messages, were very apt for our 21st century, but for 1987, it was too outrageous. Not only does the film have some bombastic action and violent scenes, but it works in with the tone of the film.
For a product of its time, The Running Man is simply outstanding and underrated. Do yourself a favour and watch this film; if only for Schwarzenegger’s one liners. They will never age.
2.) Payback (1999)
Payback is a film that I didn’t think I would enjoy, but I did. Mel Gibson stars as Porter, a thief that is out for, well, payback. He was betrayed by his best friend and his wife, and left for dead, all for $70,000. Porter goes through a lot to gain his revenge, but also to get his $70,000 back.
I found Payback underrated for three main reasons: the first thing is that the protagonist, is actually a criminal. For Porter to succeed in his quest, people are going to have to be tortured or killed. For me, that concept was interesting, because you were cheering on a bad guy. You wanted a bad guy to win. Now Porter, is no angel. He’s a con man, thief and a murderer, but liking him is actually quite easy.
The second reason is the amount of money Porter is trying to get back: $70,000. I still find it funny, when each character learns that Porter is trying to track down his $70,000, they can’t believe the carnage he has caused, all for $70,000. Not $7 million, not $700,000, or even $130,000; but $70,000 and not a dollar more. Some of their reactions are priceless.
For the last reason, Payback is an action film, but for some action loving fans, it may come across a little light in that area. Yes, there are gunfights, but they are spaced out throughout the film. Because of this, people could be dismissive of the action element.
Payback did turn a profit, but inspired a lot of average reviews. Don’t let that put you off, there are some great action sequences, especially with Lucy Liu stealing every scene, she’s in. It’s a excellent film, that deserves a little more attention.
3.) Dredd (2012)
This is an odd film, because it can easily fit into the action, science fiction and comic book genres. Putting aside my love for sci-fi and comics, I consulted the staff of Some Geek Told Me, and they agreed that Dredd should be placed the action genre. Mainly because I said so.
Dredd is based on the 2000AD character, Judge Dredd, the ultimate futuristic lawman. Set in the future (somewhere around 2080-2100, I think), Mega-City One is the home to 800 million people, with crime and unemployment out of control.
Because of this, law enforcement has evolved and changed into Judges; law enforcement officers that act as judge, jury and executioner, when attending a crime. The toughest Judge of them all, is Judge Dredd. Dredd is called in to assess a rookie cadet named Anderson, whom has psychic abilities, by taking her out into the field. Dredd’s assessment of Anderson is very comprehensive, because of the shenanigans in Peach Tress, a 200-storey slum tower block.
For me, I loved Dredd for multiple reasons. The first was Karl Urban’s portrayal of Dredd was bang on, including never removing his helmet, so you don’t see his face; just like in the comics. The soundtrack, along with the incredible action sequences, give you a front row seat to the chaos. It’s truly epic in its ambition, which fits with Lena Headey’s villain, Madeline “Ma-Ma” Madrigal.
To add to the film’s tone, it was shot in 3-D, and also has some mind blowing slow motion sequences, due to…oh, yeah, spoilers!!
Sadly, there were contributing factors, which led to the film’s low box office taking. It was released with a rating of R, because of the violence, swearing and drug use in the film. This meant, people under 17 years old, could not watch the movie without parental supervision. This automatically limited the range of the audience.
Another factor was the lack of marketing for the film. Dredd passed under the radar in several countries, because of the lack awareness of the film.
It’s not all doom and gloom though, Dredd was praised by audience members and the media, through the initial release, but mainly through the DVD release, which has turned it into a cult film. There’s been discussions about a possible sequel, which I have stated before, that I hope does not happen. Instead, I want a television show, because the world of Judge Dredd, needs to be explored next week. Drokk it!
Dredd is a criminally underrated film, that you need to see.
Alright, that’s it for me. If you ever get a chance to see The Running Man, Payback, or Dredd, please take it. And just like Aang marrying Katara, it’s something you won’t regret.
Thanks for reading and I’ll see you next week.
1 Pun, very much intended.
2 I know, who knew 2017 was going to be that interesting.
SOME GEEK TOLD ME 
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