As the first stretch of the film progresses, setting up the plot to come, it's hard not to marvel at everything that's immediately presented to us. As an 80s sci-fi action-thriller, it bears a very similar look and feel to its brethren of the same timeframe including, yes, 'The Terminator' and 'Escape from New York.' Of course it's no coincidence that I name-drop these titles, as this comes only two years after Linda Hamilton starred in the former, and while he wasn't involved in any other capacity, John Carpenter did write the story and contribute to the screenplay. Lalo Schifrin's score ranges from themes that in some measure recall Carpenter, to others that feel relatively common for contemporary action flicks (but still enjoyable, at that). And we're introduced to plot ideas in short order that include corporate malfeasance, federal investigation, professional thievery, highly efficient criminal operations, and advanced auto engineering. This is all a lot to take in, and it isn't necessarily perfect or essential, but it's nevertheless hard not to have a bit of a good time watching 'Black Moon rising.'
Anyone who appreciates other such 80s fare will feel right at home here. The production design and art direction, stunts, action sequences, and effects aren't necessarily top of the line or wholly remarkable, but definitely kith and kin with what we'd see elsewhere in the decade. Harley Cokeliss' direction, and Misha Suslov's cinematography, are perhaps slightly more noteworthy as they seem especially mindful and flavorful, lending a healthy dose of personality to the proceedings alongside Schifrin's music. And much the same could surely be said for the cast, including not just Hamilton but Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Vaughn, Lee Ving, and Bubba Smith, among others in smaller parts. As the picture allows, all demonstrate the range and skill we've seen from them elsewhere, and all do a fine job of breathing life into their characters that helps the film to feel more compelling than it arguably is otherwise.
Really, I think this is fairly well made in general. And while the plot is familiar in some ways, and maybe predictable to some degree, I do like Carpenter's story, and the other rounding facets of the screenplay he wrote with William Gray and Desmond Nakano. There's one aspect of the tale that I think is especially contrived (when A Man and A Woman share the screen...), though it's maybe not as bad as has been true in too many other movies. In other regards, both in the broad strokes and in its details the narrative is solid and engaging, capably building a little tension and suspense (not least leading into the climactic sequence). Some of the dialogue feels extra smart, characterized by some of the same cheeky wit we expect from Carpenter, while the scene writing might be strongest of all, dynamic and full of spirit - as is true of Cokeliss' realization of it. 'Black Moon rising' is hardly a AAA feature, yet it's meaningfully exciting and entertaining at its best, and no lesser than "common" or "less than extraordinary" at its worst, and that has to count for something.
I don't think anyone is going to confuse this for a first rate action flick. Unless you're a major fan of someone involved (in my case, Carpenter), there maybe isn't anything about the movie to make it a must-see. Yet it's reasonably well written, and made, and the cast and crew do a fine job. It may not be super special, but who says that every feature has to be? If you're looking for something relatively light but still fun and worthwhile, and above all if you're keen on 80s action, then this just might fit the bill. Don't go out of your way for 'Black Moon rising,' but if you have a chance to watch, this is a nice diversion for 100 minutes.
Anyone who appreciates other such 80s fare will feel right at home here. The production design and art direction, stunts, action sequences, and effects aren't necessarily top of the line or wholly remarkable, but definitely kith and kin with what we'd see elsewhere in the decade. Harley Cokeliss' direction, and Misha Suslov's cinematography, are perhaps slightly more noteworthy as they seem especially mindful and flavorful, lending a healthy dose of personality to the proceedings alongside Schifrin's music. And much the same could surely be said for the cast, including not just Hamilton but Tommy Lee Jones, Robert Vaughn, Lee Ving, and Bubba Smith, among others in smaller parts. As the picture allows, all demonstrate the range and skill we've seen from them elsewhere, and all do a fine job of breathing life into their characters that helps the film to feel more compelling than it arguably is otherwise.
Really, I think this is fairly well made in general. And while the plot is familiar in some ways, and maybe predictable to some degree, I do like Carpenter's story, and the other rounding facets of the screenplay he wrote with William Gray and Desmond Nakano. There's one aspect of the tale that I think is especially contrived (when A Man and A Woman share the screen...), though it's maybe not as bad as has been true in too many other movies. In other regards, both in the broad strokes and in its details the narrative is solid and engaging, capably building a little tension and suspense (not least leading into the climactic sequence). Some of the dialogue feels extra smart, characterized by some of the same cheeky wit we expect from Carpenter, while the scene writing might be strongest of all, dynamic and full of spirit - as is true of Cokeliss' realization of it. 'Black Moon rising' is hardly a AAA feature, yet it's meaningfully exciting and entertaining at its best, and no lesser than "common" or "less than extraordinary" at its worst, and that has to count for something.
I don't think anyone is going to confuse this for a first rate action flick. Unless you're a major fan of someone involved (in my case, Carpenter), there maybe isn't anything about the movie to make it a must-see. Yet it's reasonably well written, and made, and the cast and crew do a fine job. It may not be super special, but who says that every feature has to be? If you're looking for something relatively light but still fun and worthwhile, and above all if you're keen on 80s action, then this just might fit the bill. Don't go out of your way for 'Black Moon rising,' but if you have a chance to watch, this is a nice diversion for 100 minutes.