This movie is nothing special. Although it has it's moments (e.g. Billy Drago as a good guy, LOL, have we ever seen that before??), it loses out to lots of other similar movies which are better. The plot is pretty standard. Bad guy commits heinous crime, flees to another country where he thinks he's safe, our hero follows him to settle things straight. A plot like that always has potential, but this movie wasn't able to deliver to my standards. The action scenes weren't that good, and most of time the movie is boring. Even Matthias Hues wasn't able to add anything here. It could have been worse, though, it's not terrible either. 4 out of 10
9 Reviews
Diplomatic Immunity is a solid, 80's-style movie.
tarbosh220006 March 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Cole Hickel (Boxleitner) is a Vietnam vet and career Marine. He has a beautiful daughter, Ellen (Case) who gets mixed up with a murdering psychopath obsessed with macabre art, naturally named Klaus (Bresnahan). When Klaus kills Ellen, Cole is enraged and wants revenge. This normally would be easy, thanks to Hickel's military training, but the worm-like Klaus is hiding behind his "Diplomatic Immunity" privileges and he flees to Paraguay where his mother, Gerta (Foster) is some kind of big shot. After being told not to go to Paraguay by government agent Stonebridge (Forster), Hickel disobeys and goes there (and goes rogue). Once in Paraguay, he meets up with his contact, Cowboy (Drago) and loads up on weapons. Now protecting Teresa (Udenio) from the baddies, which include Klaus' bodyguard Gephardt (Hues), Hickel must use all his wits to get justice for his daughter and make it back to the U.S. alive. Can he do it? This is the best Peter Maris movie we've seen to date. We were a bit hesitant going in, as we weren't all that crazy about his past work that we'd seen, but we're glad we did. Diplomatic Immunity is like a better version of his Ministry of Vengeance (1989). Plus, look at the amazing cast he assembled for this one! It truly is The Expendables of early-90's revenge movies with Bruce Boxleitner. Speaking of Boxleitner, we thought it was good casting putting him in the role of Cole. It could have been some meathead, but he's actually a good actor. We noticed Matt McColm among the stunt players, they could have used him. But they went with a more sober and believable direction. My only question is, are Bruce Boxleitner and Barry Bostwick two different people? Can anyone confirm this? Have you ever seen them in the same place at the same time? Backing up Cole Hickel - which is kind of a unnecessarily funny-sounding name - is a great cast, and we didn't even mention Robert Miano and Ken Foree, who have small, but important parts. That's the thing about all-star casts, talented actors don't get enough time in the sun. For instance, Meg Foster deserved more. As did fan favorite Matthias Hues. But for a 90-minute running time, you have to concentrate on the plot and not get into diversions. Because the plot of Immunity is about as simple as it gets - guy wants revenge - Maris laudably keeps things on track, but such a flimsy plot just barely makes a 90-minute movie.
It seems this movie capitalized on the public's interest for the concept of Diplomatic Immunity, because, for 1991, we presume people were just becoming aware of this term. This was still a relatively new thing in the minds of the public, so Maris was right there with a movie to exploit that interest. It does seem wildly unfair that Diplomatic Immunity could protect any old scumbag murderer who gets the opportunity to say "I get to go home now scot-free, I plead Diplomatic Immunity, see ya." Apparently you can be a murderer and get to invoke this privilege. So enter Cole Hickel and his rage that Klaus took his beloved daughter. So that's pretty much the idea.
Maris should also be applauded for daring to put Billy Drago in a rare (and possibly his ONLY) good-guy role. Diplomatic Immunity is a solid, 80's-style movie that's worth seeing. Is it more than a one-time watch? Probably not, but it's a worthwhile one. If you see it somewhere, pick it up.
For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
It seems this movie capitalized on the public's interest for the concept of Diplomatic Immunity, because, for 1991, we presume people were just becoming aware of this term. This was still a relatively new thing in the minds of the public, so Maris was right there with a movie to exploit that interest. It does seem wildly unfair that Diplomatic Immunity could protect any old scumbag murderer who gets the opportunity to say "I get to go home now scot-free, I plead Diplomatic Immunity, see ya." Apparently you can be a murderer and get to invoke this privilege. So enter Cole Hickel and his rage that Klaus took his beloved daughter. So that's pretty much the idea.
Maris should also be applauded for daring to put Billy Drago in a rare (and possibly his ONLY) good-guy role. Diplomatic Immunity is a solid, 80's-style movie that's worth seeing. Is it more than a one-time watch? Probably not, but it's a worthwhile one. If you see it somewhere, pick it up.
For more action insanity, drop by: www.comeuppancereviews.com
A late 80s/early 90s Collateral Damage.
morrison-dylan-fan12 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
With having found the last Maris film i saw to be extremely bad,i was not looking forward to to watching this.But i am pleased to say that the film turned out to be a fun 80s Arnie style action film.
The plot: An ex-marine meets his daughters boyfriend,who is a very obsessed photographer,and he is told that she is going to go out with him tonight.The next day,the father is told that she has been raped and murdered,but he is told by the police that they can not put the boyfriend in jail,because he has diplomatic immunity and he is going back to Paraguary.So the father decides to take action into his own hands,and go to Paraguary to hunt down the killer.
View on the film; Directiopn:Due to Maris having failed to make an action thriller thrilling,i was thinking i would see the worst with this.Thankfully he does a very good job at an action film.Maris is able to give the film a fun 80s feel with the marine having some very enjoyable battle with the (endless) amount of the bad guys goons.
Final view on the film: A fun Arnie-lite action film,that moves along at a very good pace.
The plot: An ex-marine meets his daughters boyfriend,who is a very obsessed photographer,and he is told that she is going to go out with him tonight.The next day,the father is told that she has been raped and murdered,but he is told by the police that they can not put the boyfriend in jail,because he has diplomatic immunity and he is going back to Paraguary.So the father decides to take action into his own hands,and go to Paraguary to hunt down the killer.
View on the film; Directiopn:Due to Maris having failed to make an action thriller thrilling,i was thinking i would see the worst with this.Thankfully he does a very good job at an action film.Maris is able to give the film a fun 80s feel with the marine having some very enjoyable battle with the (endless) amount of the bad guys goons.
Final view on the film: A fun Arnie-lite action film,that moves along at a very good pace.
For fans of Fabiana only
smatysia16 October 2003
It's true that there's really not much here. A very run-of-the-mill revenge story. The acting of the star, Bruce Boxleitner, who I have never heard of, wasn't bad, nor that of Billy Drago. The script is fourth-rate. And yes, since this film's raison d'etre is the topless scene by Fabiana Udenio, let's discuss that. I first saw her in guest roles on '80's sitcoms, like "Wings". She was soooo gorgeous. Still is. She seems to be an acceptable actress. Those boobs, though. They really grab one's attention when she is clothed, but they are just too big to be very attractive bare. They definitely seem to be real, though, and give credit for that. Big, giant fake ones are really ugly. So, unless you want to see Fabiana's charms, there is simply no other reason to see this movie. Grade: F
Ahhh. So much Cheese.
bergchamp6 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Cap-gun effects and lawless behaviour everyone looks away from.
And the only man capable of bringing justice is the single gun-wielder who's been to a firing range.
The dialogue follows; 'Who is he?' 'He's just a man.'
Zero story, terrible acting. American Ninja but without any class.
And the only man capable of bringing justice is the single gun-wielder who's been to a firing range.
The dialogue follows; 'Who is he?' 'He's just a man.'
Zero story, terrible acting. American Ninja but without any class.
If the action scenes are not good enough then it's a miss for me
jordondave-2808528 April 2023
(1991) Diplomatic Immunity
ACTION/ ADVENTURE
Straight-to-rental and adapted from the novel "The Stalker" written by Theodore Taylor starring Bruce Boxleitner as Army Sargent Cole Hickel seeking retribution after finding out that his young teenage daughter had been killed by the son of a Paraguay Consulate and have some diplomatic immunity citizenship where they were residing which is in LA California. Cole then decides to sneak in to Paraguay after some gov't bureaucracy wouldn't do anything about it, even though he's been blacklisted from even entering there. Robert Forster and frequent bad guy Billy Drago also stars in a rare good guy role as an arms dealer, Cowboy.
Straight-to-rental and adapted from the novel "The Stalker" written by Theodore Taylor starring Bruce Boxleitner as Army Sargent Cole Hickel seeking retribution after finding out that his young teenage daughter had been killed by the son of a Paraguay Consulate and have some diplomatic immunity citizenship where they were residing which is in LA California. Cole then decides to sneak in to Paraguay after some gov't bureaucracy wouldn't do anything about it, even though he's been blacklisted from even entering there. Robert Forster and frequent bad guy Billy Drago also stars in a rare good guy role as an arms dealer, Cowboy.
Come on, it is an underrated classic!
David_Powell3006-16 June 2005
Man oh man, you folks aren't seeing the big picture (too focused on something else, it seems.) I was surprised to see this as a 1991 film, I could have sworn it was a 1980s movie. I mean, if you are a genre fan it has all the strong points. The revenge plot, the state department/CIA weasels who impede the hero because of "the man" selling the US people out over politics, the guitar rock soundtrack, the big hair on some of the characters, the weird art thing with the villain, I mean it goes on and on.. a local TV station used to show this a lot, could have sworn it was an 80s movie.. anyway Bruce Boxleitner plays a US Marine Corps Sergeant who is denied justice because a freaky crook is a diplomat and son of a political family in the apparently important foreign country of Paraguay, and of course Bruce isn't having that, so he gets out his .45 and goes chasing a Lear Jet on a runway in his Marine Corps jeep. When "the man" won't let him continue his pursuit to Paraguay he just goes anyway, where he meets BILLY F'N DRAGO! Yes, the man is back, and he actually plays a good guy in this one. Offered an arsenal, our man Bruce insists on only taking a .45 pistol and a knife, and proceeds to use them to good effect.
This is easy to accept because the political family and their hired bodyguards are obviously sleazy. Of course one can argue that local uniformed military and police are "just doing their job" no matter who is in power, but you still have to cheer when Bruce whacks them by the boatload anyway.
And yes, there is Ms. Udenio, who has been a staple of all manner of films (incuding Austin Powers among many) and who apparently is featured to greater extent in the video release than the TV version I have seen. Oh well. The point is, if you like action flicks, especially 1980s style ones, this one hits all the buttons, has suitably freaky villains, kicka$$ heroes, characters going from bad to good, from good to bad, from bad to worse, and some great plot twists. If you are up late some night and see this one about to come on, you could do a lot worse than sit back and have a cheer as Bruce busts loose and does all the stuff they wouldn't let him do on Scarecrow and Mrs. King to kill waves of foreign bad guys. If that isn't enough then Drago's line delivery and Udenio's presence should help. Not to mention the guitar rock soundtrack and the scenery that stands in for Paraguay. (Where did they shoot this one? I'll have to check this page. Wherever it was, it serves the purpose pretty well.) Not as big budget as a some actioners of the time, but much better acted than most.
This is easy to accept because the political family and their hired bodyguards are obviously sleazy. Of course one can argue that local uniformed military and police are "just doing their job" no matter who is in power, but you still have to cheer when Bruce whacks them by the boatload anyway.
And yes, there is Ms. Udenio, who has been a staple of all manner of films (incuding Austin Powers among many) and who apparently is featured to greater extent in the video release than the TV version I have seen. Oh well. The point is, if you like action flicks, especially 1980s style ones, this one hits all the buttons, has suitably freaky villains, kicka$$ heroes, characters going from bad to good, from good to bad, from bad to worse, and some great plot twists. If you are up late some night and see this one about to come on, you could do a lot worse than sit back and have a cheer as Bruce busts loose and does all the stuff they wouldn't let him do on Scarecrow and Mrs. King to kill waves of foreign bad guys. If that isn't enough then Drago's line delivery and Udenio's presence should help. Not to mention the guitar rock soundtrack and the scenery that stands in for Paraguay. (Where did they shoot this one? I'll have to check this page. Wherever it was, it serves the purpose pretty well.) Not as big budget as a some actioners of the time, but much better acted than most.
IN THE TOP TEN WORST MOVIES FOR DANGED SURE!!
MadamWarden5 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is hilarious. It almost challenges The Room as the worst movie ever made. Seriously, this is so so so bad, it's excellent!!
Shocking acting, side splitting script, crazy arsed plot, appalling score and some of the worst "action" and "stunt" scenes ever. (Charlie Chaplain would have been proud) Bloody hilarious. And the hairstyles... OMFG 😂🤣😂
You have to ask if they really thought they were making a real movie. Filmed on location in Paraguay (Los Angeles looks exactly like Paraguay) 🙄😅
"How do you know?" "Weeeelll, it is my bizness to know"
"Some people prefer a lover without a face so they can concentrate on the body"
"You're the best he can do for a conscience"
"Cancer killed my wife. I couldn't fight that. But this Punk that killed my daughter, I can fight!"
"You part of this?" "I'm all of this. It's my job"
"You're so desperate for love. You inspire nothing but hate"
"We invoke the principle of Diplomatic Immunity!!!" 😂🤣😂
The hero and villain, both shot in the legs, kicking and jumping about like Bruce Lee. 😅
If you liked The Room, this is a must watch!
Shocking acting, side splitting script, crazy arsed plot, appalling score and some of the worst "action" and "stunt" scenes ever. (Charlie Chaplain would have been proud) Bloody hilarious. And the hairstyles... OMFG 😂🤣😂
You have to ask if they really thought they were making a real movie. Filmed on location in Paraguay (Los Angeles looks exactly like Paraguay) 🙄😅
"How do you know?" "Weeeelll, it is my bizness to know"
"Some people prefer a lover without a face so they can concentrate on the body"
"You're the best he can do for a conscience"
"Cancer killed my wife. I couldn't fight that. But this Punk that killed my daughter, I can fight!"
"You part of this?" "I'm all of this. It's my job"
"You're so desperate for love. You inspire nothing but hate"
"We invoke the principle of Diplomatic Immunity!!!" 😂🤣😂
The hero and villain, both shot in the legs, kicking and jumping about like Bruce Lee. 😅
If you liked The Room, this is a must watch!
Terrific action movie with fine cast
lor_20 June 2023
My review was written in March 1991 after watching the movie at a Times Square screening room.
"Diplomatic Immunity" is a superior B actioner. Its crowd-pleasing, ingenious trick ending will ratify urban audiences in theatrical play this spring while video sales loom strong.
In his best feature since the minor classic "Viper" (starring Linda Purl), made three years earlier, filmmaker Peter Maris is blessed with a clever script and topnotch cast.
Bruce Boxleitner, fitting a mature role comfortably, toplines as a Marine training sergeant what goes over the top when his beautiful young daughter (Sharon L. Kane) is rap;ed and mudered b her foreign boyfriend (Tom Bresnahan). Pic's title comes into play early when Bresnahan and his evil henchman Christophe Neame are returned to their home turf, Paraguay, since both hold diplomatic passports.
His old Vietnam War teammate Robert Forster, now a CIA bigwig controlling Latin American operations, tells Boxleitner to cool it, but the gung-ho leatherneck takes matters in his own hands and heads to Paraguay. His contact there is cynical Billy Drago, offering him arms and information.
The picture gains momentum when Boxleitner teams up with Bresnahan's dominatrix mistress, Fabiana Udenio, and later Drago to mount an assault on the villain's island fortress. Good stunt work and frequent action scenes are a plus.
Supporting Boxleitner in solid turns are Drago, who invests a stock role with terrific "juice", Bresnahan, the all-American boy who starred recently in "Ski School" but is perfect here as a sadistic villain. Udenio, a statuesque beauty who confirms the good impression she made in "Bride of Re-Animator"; and Meg Foster, delightfully heinous as Bresnahan' incestuous mother. Most of the cast gets tgo ham it up in final reel death scenes.
The tiger in the tail at film's fadeout (two delicious twists) is the kind of clever scripting that would benefit a high-priced recent superstar actioner.
"Diplomatic Immunity" is a superior B actioner. Its crowd-pleasing, ingenious trick ending will ratify urban audiences in theatrical play this spring while video sales loom strong.
In his best feature since the minor classic "Viper" (starring Linda Purl), made three years earlier, filmmaker Peter Maris is blessed with a clever script and topnotch cast.
Bruce Boxleitner, fitting a mature role comfortably, toplines as a Marine training sergeant what goes over the top when his beautiful young daughter (Sharon L. Kane) is rap;ed and mudered b her foreign boyfriend (Tom Bresnahan). Pic's title comes into play early when Bresnahan and his evil henchman Christophe Neame are returned to their home turf, Paraguay, since both hold diplomatic passports.
His old Vietnam War teammate Robert Forster, now a CIA bigwig controlling Latin American operations, tells Boxleitner to cool it, but the gung-ho leatherneck takes matters in his own hands and heads to Paraguay. His contact there is cynical Billy Drago, offering him arms and information.
The picture gains momentum when Boxleitner teams up with Bresnahan's dominatrix mistress, Fabiana Udenio, and later Drago to mount an assault on the villain's island fortress. Good stunt work and frequent action scenes are a plus.
Supporting Boxleitner in solid turns are Drago, who invests a stock role with terrific "juice", Bresnahan, the all-American boy who starred recently in "Ski School" but is perfect here as a sadistic villain. Udenio, a statuesque beauty who confirms the good impression she made in "Bride of Re-Animator"; and Meg Foster, delightfully heinous as Bresnahan' incestuous mother. Most of the cast gets tgo ham it up in final reel death scenes.
The tiger in the tail at film's fadeout (two delicious twists) is the kind of clever scripting that would benefit a high-priced recent superstar actioner.
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