A by-the-numbers, predictable (except maybe for the last killing, which makes little sense as it happens anyway) revenge yarn, made worthwhile by Arizona's beautiful vast landscapes, and Rachel McLish's beautiful steely muscles. McLish's character doesn't have many lines or much personality, but then again, neither does the rest of the (good) cast; her muscles do most of the talking for her, and she redefines the standards of female sexiness; she is aging pretty nicely as well - she gets away with playing a woman at least a decade younger than her real age at the time. Albert Pyun had already shown that he knows how to film a female bodybuilder in the "Nemesis" sequels with Sue Price, however it is disappointing that he hardly includes any leg shots of Rachel (it's all about her arms and, briefly, her back). ** out of 4.
16 Reviews
Good alternative to an old fashioned Saturday afternoon oater!
gmadrid100530 January 2005
: If one intends to compare this movie to an Oscar winner, you are missing any appeal that there may be in this production. Without continued B-movies or Oaters (B-Westerns), something had to fill the gap, and this might be considered an appropriate replacement. Action--it's there; plot--obvious! And, Rachel McLeish is not at all unattractive as the main protagonist. If you want something for entertainment sake and profundity is not your objective, you may very well enjoy Raven Hawk. Too often one may seek mastery in every video they view, but sometimes it's alright just be after a little fun and escape. This was a Saturday afternoon treat for me.
Former Ms. Olympia proves once again films featuring bodybuilders are doomed to be 3rd rate
lemon_magic16 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
As the folks at "Fametracker.com" would put it, the tag-line to "Ravenhawk" should be:
'Rachel MacLish has an ass! Would you like to see it???"
There is always JUST ENOUGH good stuff in Albert Pyun movies to keep you watching, but the good stuff is always mixed in with a bunch of hokey, crappy, clichéd storytelling and camera work that make it hard to KEEP watching. So you can't just turn it off, because something good, or cool, or at least picturesque might come along, but you can't pay attention because you have to wade through endless stupid clichés to do it.
Case in point: Rachel MacLish in "Ravenhawk".
MacLish (the first Ms. Olympia) runs around in front of the camera in spectacularly "cut" condition, and she's not wearing a whole lot of clothing to hide her muscle definition. She's got killer cheekbones; huge, dark eyes; and hair to die for. So we are talking major eye candy here.
However, we are NOT talking about dramatic range. As striking as MacLish is, she isn't an actress in any sense of the word. She has two expressions - furious intensity and angry confusion - and she alternates between them almost at random. Rachel, honey, you look fabulous and I love you, but you can't carry a feature movie, anymore than Cory Everson could.
So Pyun's response to this problem is to exploit MacLish's body far more than even the biggest MacLish fan could ever want. There really is no need for this - MacLish (or her stunt double) can actually move fairly well, and she is reasonably convincing in the mid-shot action scenes. But every chance he gets, Pyun zooms the camera in for close-up shots of various parts of the lady's anatomy, held for many more seconds (and some times in slow motion zooms) than anyone but a bodybuilding fetishist would desire. It's actually pretty distracting and ludicrous after the fourth or fifth time. It's as if Pyun is simply admitting to the viewer, "OK, we really don't have a single bloody idea for something new, so here is a shot of Rachel's heaving, sweaty muscles to pass the time."
Pyun also tries to justify the use of MacLish's exotic looks and stone-cut physique by mixing in plot elements involving tribal Indian traditions, shamanistic mysticism and and obsessed revenge against the men who killed her parents...but the results are ham-handed and cliché ridden.The 'bad guys' are so slimy and one-dimensional that no one could possibly swallow it. (One exception: poor William Atherton, who tries to salvage a modicum of dignity as the front-man for the bad-guys). The tribal folks are cardboard cutouts who suffer mutely and have the moral high ground because they are victims.
One especially egregious example is the young man who plays the character of the reservation police guy. The actor playing the part is like Lorenzo Lamas without the sense of humor. Someone needed to sit down with him and talk to him about acting being more than projecting an attitude on camera, but it's obvious that no one did. Nothing personal against the young man, who is obviously some kind of clothes model in real life, and who was undoubtedly cast for his ability to wear slim cut jeans and to grow attractive beard stubble - he just sucks as an actor and needs acting lessons even more than MacLish.
So in summary, "Ravenhawk" is typical Pyun - 2nd rate movie making based on third rate screen writing, with just enough flash here and there (including a good chase sequence among the mountain cliffs and some spectacular scenery) to keep the viewer from turning it off in irritation.
I hope MacLish gets her agent to sign her up for some real acting lessons, and holds out for parts that show her as a woman and an actress, not just a Body.
'Rachel MacLish has an ass! Would you like to see it???"
There is always JUST ENOUGH good stuff in Albert Pyun movies to keep you watching, but the good stuff is always mixed in with a bunch of hokey, crappy, clichéd storytelling and camera work that make it hard to KEEP watching. So you can't just turn it off, because something good, or cool, or at least picturesque might come along, but you can't pay attention because you have to wade through endless stupid clichés to do it.
Case in point: Rachel MacLish in "Ravenhawk".
MacLish (the first Ms. Olympia) runs around in front of the camera in spectacularly "cut" condition, and she's not wearing a whole lot of clothing to hide her muscle definition. She's got killer cheekbones; huge, dark eyes; and hair to die for. So we are talking major eye candy here.
However, we are NOT talking about dramatic range. As striking as MacLish is, she isn't an actress in any sense of the word. She has two expressions - furious intensity and angry confusion - and she alternates between them almost at random. Rachel, honey, you look fabulous and I love you, but you can't carry a feature movie, anymore than Cory Everson could.
So Pyun's response to this problem is to exploit MacLish's body far more than even the biggest MacLish fan could ever want. There really is no need for this - MacLish (or her stunt double) can actually move fairly well, and she is reasonably convincing in the mid-shot action scenes. But every chance he gets, Pyun zooms the camera in for close-up shots of various parts of the lady's anatomy, held for many more seconds (and some times in slow motion zooms) than anyone but a bodybuilding fetishist would desire. It's actually pretty distracting and ludicrous after the fourth or fifth time. It's as if Pyun is simply admitting to the viewer, "OK, we really don't have a single bloody idea for something new, so here is a shot of Rachel's heaving, sweaty muscles to pass the time."
Pyun also tries to justify the use of MacLish's exotic looks and stone-cut physique by mixing in plot elements involving tribal Indian traditions, shamanistic mysticism and and obsessed revenge against the men who killed her parents...but the results are ham-handed and cliché ridden.The 'bad guys' are so slimy and one-dimensional that no one could possibly swallow it. (One exception: poor William Atherton, who tries to salvage a modicum of dignity as the front-man for the bad-guys). The tribal folks are cardboard cutouts who suffer mutely and have the moral high ground because they are victims.
One especially egregious example is the young man who plays the character of the reservation police guy. The actor playing the part is like Lorenzo Lamas without the sense of humor. Someone needed to sit down with him and talk to him about acting being more than projecting an attitude on camera, but it's obvious that no one did. Nothing personal against the young man, who is obviously some kind of clothes model in real life, and who was undoubtedly cast for his ability to wear slim cut jeans and to grow attractive beard stubble - he just sucks as an actor and needs acting lessons even more than MacLish.
So in summary, "Ravenhawk" is typical Pyun - 2nd rate movie making based on third rate screen writing, with just enough flash here and there (including a good chase sequence among the mountain cliffs and some spectacular scenery) to keep the viewer from turning it off in irritation.
I hope MacLish gets her agent to sign her up for some real acting lessons, and holds out for parts that show her as a woman and an actress, not just a Body.
Not All McLish's Fault ( Poorly Written, Executed,)
ccthemovieman-129 April 2007
Well, I think just about everyone agrees Rachel McLish had a much better bodybuilding career than an acting one. In this Class B action film, she's the female equivalent of Arnold in his first action movie, "Conan The Barbarian." Of course, Arnold made an incredible career out of his acting and has gone on to bigger and better things. This was it for Rachel, acting- wise. Oh, well, at least she was a two-time Ms. Olympia winner.
To McLish's credit, she looked good in the film which was made when she was about 40 years of age. How many 40-year-olds do you know are in the shape this woman was here? And, in her defense, the person who wrote the dialog for this film didn't help her out much. The screenplay is really lame. Not many actresses would look good with dialog this dumb.
Basically, what we have here is another simple revenge tale, and not one that is well done. Not recommended.
To McLish's credit, she looked good in the film which was made when she was about 40 years of age. How many 40-year-olds do you know are in the shape this woman was here? And, in her defense, the person who wrote the dialog for this film didn't help her out much. The screenplay is really lame. Not many actresses would look good with dialog this dumb.
Basically, what we have here is another simple revenge tale, and not one that is well done. Not recommended.
Southwestern Travelogue with Revenge
kapecki17 July 2004
Beautiful southwestern scenery is the only redeeming virtue of this by-the-numbers revenge film. The ecological, pro-Native American theme seems more exploitive veneer than imaginative twist, and the direction lacks suspense or even much of a climax. Acting is dull and unconvincing, though William Atherton is on board to lend his trademarked sneer to the chief villain. There is little more to the plot than "heroine framed for parents murder; heroine kills the real murderers." None of the characters are developed at all, even to the limited extent of an action film. That's too bad, because I was prepared to like this movie, and yes, the scenery was nice.
Stark "Raven"....
Mister-630 September 1999
Okay, I saw Rachel McLish was in this movie so I had to watch it. I had seen "Pumping Iron II: The Women" and "Aces: Iron Eagle III" on the same merits.
First off, this is a "Die Hard" with a sex change and a different locale. Nothing more or less. The fact that they had to use the American Indians and their plight as a plot point is nothing short of reprehensible.
This is basically a revenge melodrama against the toxin-dumping white men who have killed the family of a young girl who is arrested for their deaths. Years later she grows up to become McLish and exacts her revenge on the guilty members one by one.
Poor McLish; she looks great posing and running, every muscle out proud on display. She looks ESPECIALLY great standing in front of a fire wearing nothing but a loincloth (sigghhhh....). But she is left with just a dull, bored expression most of the time and when she speaks, she sounds like her mind is on other things - Met-RX endorsements, perhaps?
But then there's that business of the Indians. This is a serious problem and it's simply glossed over as the bad guys shoot at McLish as she clings precariously on the side of a mountain, escaping death many a time thanks to Indian luck and good muscle training.
Two stars. Watching McLish is usually enough, but not with such a "Hawk"-ed up plot.
Rachel, as much as it pains me to say this, maybe you should pick better projects. Maybe, say, as a villainess who beats the beans out of Jean-Claude Van Damme?
Lord knows he could use the work, too.
First off, this is a "Die Hard" with a sex change and a different locale. Nothing more or less. The fact that they had to use the American Indians and their plight as a plot point is nothing short of reprehensible.
This is basically a revenge melodrama against the toxin-dumping white men who have killed the family of a young girl who is arrested for their deaths. Years later she grows up to become McLish and exacts her revenge on the guilty members one by one.
Poor McLish; she looks great posing and running, every muscle out proud on display. She looks ESPECIALLY great standing in front of a fire wearing nothing but a loincloth (sigghhhh....). But she is left with just a dull, bored expression most of the time and when she speaks, she sounds like her mind is on other things - Met-RX endorsements, perhaps?
But then there's that business of the Indians. This is a serious problem and it's simply glossed over as the bad guys shoot at McLish as she clings precariously on the side of a mountain, escaping death many a time thanks to Indian luck and good muscle training.
Two stars. Watching McLish is usually enough, but not with such a "Hawk"-ed up plot.
Rachel, as much as it pains me to say this, maybe you should pick better projects. Maybe, say, as a villainess who beats the beans out of Jean-Claude Van Damme?
Lord knows he could use the work, too.
Boy was this bad...
BigGuy28 July 1999
For the first half of the movie I thought McLish wouldn't talk, for the second half I wished she hadn't. Not since Bolo has a lead character had so few lines, both with merit.
First of all, what is with the naked woman at the beginning? No joke, just sitting in the background being naked, basically a part of the set.
I realize this was a movie about the horrible ways that people take advantage of the Native Americans, but that ended up being such a subplot, that it was almost insulting. Basically this movie was about revenge, plain and simple, oh and if the toxic chemical plant happens to suffer to, all the better.
There is also the "professional" bounty hunters, who suffer from all the classic problems. They are really good at luring the hapless hero in, and/or tracking him/her. Then they can't shoot their victim, who is able to get away and hunt them. Only in this case it worse than most.
And I will end with the question, how the heck can she run around and climb and stuff with a bullet through her thigh? I mean most heroes at least attempt to limp or have a pained/stoic look on their face.
And this is from a fan of the "you killed my ____ prepare to die" genre.
First of all, what is with the naked woman at the beginning? No joke, just sitting in the background being naked, basically a part of the set.
I realize this was a movie about the horrible ways that people take advantage of the Native Americans, but that ended up being such a subplot, that it was almost insulting. Basically this movie was about revenge, plain and simple, oh and if the toxic chemical plant happens to suffer to, all the better.
There is also the "professional" bounty hunters, who suffer from all the classic problems. They are really good at luring the hapless hero in, and/or tracking him/her. Then they can't shoot their victim, who is able to get away and hunt them. Only in this case it worse than most.
And I will end with the question, how the heck can she run around and climb and stuff with a bullet through her thigh? I mean most heroes at least attempt to limp or have a pained/stoic look on their face.
And this is from a fan of the "you killed my ____ prepare to die" genre.
It inspired me
Luca-2320 September 1999
I'm no critic, but I know what I like. I am American Indian and this film spoke to me on 2 levels. As a woman, I liked the idea that Ryah Shadowfeather did not need anyone to help rescue her or avenge her parents' murders. I think it also gives the non-Indian a look at some very real problems still faced today on the rez. Rachel McLish may not win an Oscar, but I saw the anger in her face and the rage that lived inside her character. Overall, I like the premise that change will not come from the outside but from within ourselves as a result of inner courage, strength and pride.
Lacking in Spots
refinedsugar18 February 2024
I had high hopes for Rachel McLish's starring vehicle 'Raven Hawk' after seeing her in 'Iron Eagle 3'. Unfortunately this revenge tale centered around murder and the stealing of Indian land has one note greedy racist villains, surface level only themes and a plot that isn't handed with much subtlety. It's not a complete loss, but this action trip is mostly by the numbers.
Rhyia Shadowfeather (McLish) watched her parents be murdered as a young girl by men (Michael Champion, Dick Warlock, Mitch Pileggi, William Atherton) who wanted them to approve land for development. With false testimony & help of the corrupt Sheriff (Ed Lauter), she's blamed for their deaths & remanded to a mental hospital. That is until 12 years later she escapes a transfer to prison and immediately picks up making these men pay for what they have done one by one.
Once they start getting picked off, three hired killers are brought in to take her out in typical action movie fashion. There's a half Indian Federal Marshall (John Enos III) subplot used for story beats, but it's really Rachel's show. Her buff look, cast of faces (Mitch Ryan & John De Lancie too) and memorable freefall stunt work go in the plus column. Desert scenery, treks among the cliffs and some aerial photography stand out too.
'Raven Hawk' with some Western elements ultimately has nothing new to say and the action isn't always shot that well. Perhaps a troubled production (not a first for director Albert Pyun) is partly to blame. The ending is certainly nothing to write home about. Dtv fans might wanna give it a go, but you'll have to agree McLish's inclusion is what got you here in the first place.
Rhyia Shadowfeather (McLish) watched her parents be murdered as a young girl by men (Michael Champion, Dick Warlock, Mitch Pileggi, William Atherton) who wanted them to approve land for development. With false testimony & help of the corrupt Sheriff (Ed Lauter), she's blamed for their deaths & remanded to a mental hospital. That is until 12 years later she escapes a transfer to prison and immediately picks up making these men pay for what they have done one by one.
Once they start getting picked off, three hired killers are brought in to take her out in typical action movie fashion. There's a half Indian Federal Marshall (John Enos III) subplot used for story beats, but it's really Rachel's show. Her buff look, cast of faces (Mitch Ryan & John De Lancie too) and memorable freefall stunt work go in the plus column. Desert scenery, treks among the cliffs and some aerial photography stand out too.
'Raven Hawk' with some Western elements ultimately has nothing new to say and the action isn't always shot that well. Perhaps a troubled production (not a first for director Albert Pyun) is partly to blame. The ending is certainly nothing to write home about. Dtv fans might wanna give it a go, but you'll have to agree McLish's inclusion is what got you here in the first place.
Entertaining female revenge flick .......
merklekranz21 August 2013
"Ravenhawk" turns out to be far better than one might expect of a TV movie. Rachel McLish is wrongly convicted of killing her parents, to the benefit of a large toxic waste recycling plant. Twelve years later she escapes from confinement and unleashes revenge on the villains who set her up. This comes across like a female version of "Rolling Thunder", with McLish instead of William Devane dishing out the punishment. The desert locations are used to full advantage, and there is a nice assortment of stunts. If you would enjoy a buffed female heroine in place of the usual, usual, then seek this one out. I thoroughly enjoyed "Ravenhawk". - MERK
Bad guys listen to Italian operas, don't they?
unbrokenmetal17 March 2004
American Indian Shadowfeather (bodybuilding queen Rachel McLish) stops desecration of holy ground by industrial corporation and avenges her family. Similar to Steven Seagal's `On Deadly Ground', `Ravenhawk' is a tough action movie pretending to say something about ecological matters and the rights of minorities. You needn't buy that, but it's tremendous entertainment anyway. Director Pyun always had great landscapes in his movies, I wish I could watch this at the cinema instead of playing a videotape. There are some beautiful shots you won't forget, for example Shadowfeather climbing on the cliff (a tiny human lost on a giant rock), or riding on her horse across the industrial estate (when nature meets technology in stark contrast). Shadowfeather has to face an impressive opponent: William Atherton (`Die Hard 2') plays the bad guy, you'll easily notice that because he wears black and listens to Italian operas instead of country'n'western now that's what I call suspicious behaviour (just kidding). If you like Norris and Seagal movies, check out Rachel here. She worked hard for it.
Good Enjoyable action film
malmusher018 February 2000
i enjoyed this film it was a good (to me)film and i will be buying it for my video library. Rachel McLish was stunning as the heroine. The locations were great. John De Lancie ( Star Treks "Q") was execllent as one of the chief villains
A woman exacting revenge for a crime she did not commit
Ms. V31 October 1999
Great film. Very underappreciated by those who saw it apparently, but not this viewer. I loved the way this movie starts out, focusing not only on a Native American family standing up for their rights concerning environmental infringement on their reservation, but also giving a glimpse on how contemptuously Native Americans have been treated in this country as well throughout its history. And when the young girl is charged with the murder of her parents, in a crime she clearly did not commit, she quietly awaits the day she can get revenge as well as clear her name. Becoming an introvert in ways she was not necessarily so when the movie began, the girl grows up not only into a beautiful woman, but also one powerfully built as well--hence the former Ms. Olympia Rachel McLish's still-beautiful body figuring nicely into this role. Not only did her muscles serve her well in getting her revenge on those who wronged her, but also for Ms. McLish's stunts as well, which, by the way, were all her own. Just as David Janssen did a lot of his own physical work in "The Fugitive," so did Rachel here also, giving each respective character authenticity in their chases. And if anyone, by the way, loved "The Fugitive"--in either classic television or latter-day movie remake form (and for that matter, "U.S. Marshals, a sequel)--then there's no reason for this film to be bagged at all. Why, there is even a Gerard figure present in this film as well, making things compellingly and interesting. A Fuge ripoff, you may say? Nah. Just another movie doubtlessly inspired by it on one level or another--not unlike many others in its genre which have sprung up after it. Open your minds, check it out and see a woman on the run fighting for her justice for a change--especially one as compelling as Rachel McLish is in this role.
Just like the title RavenHawk, the movie showed insight into an insidious environmental problem.
koolgirlie20 May 2003
I saw this awhile ago and bought the VHS for my own personal collection, because if the storyline is worthwhile I like to see it again and again. I thought Ravenhawk was good in that it called attention to an environmental problem of polluting both air and water with nuclear waste. It pointed to the problem of corruption in high places with corrupt officials who were part of the problem and heroically enough to those dedicated individuals, such as Del Wilkes played by John Enos, who persist in seeing the problem through to the solution. In the end, Del wound up killing one of the perpetrators himself, knowing the guy would be out of jail within the hour and beat the charges within a year. I'm not saying this was the answer, but John Enos did a beautiful job in the story, doing the research necessary to get to the bottom of the problem, despite interference from the Sheriff himself, whom Del later knocked out which probably caused a further investigation, since this was witnessed by yet another observer. Sadly many of these problems are solved later than sooner, but in THIS case, the plant was shut down and yet it was interesting to see that corruption continues on to this day, as some of the officials were exonerated despite wrongdoing. I thought this film drew attention to some of the problems of the American Indian on reservations as well as environmental issues. I enjoyed Rachel McLish's role, but let's not overlook JOHN ENOS contribution to the movie, because John has a real presence, makes an impact, and I for one would like to see much MORE of him in BIGGER and BETTER roles. Let's not waste this guys gifted talent.
I Luv Rachel
bemyfriend-4018421 December 2020
So I gave ten stars, to this little movie. In too many scenes, she's wearing long jeans, and a long sleeve flannel shirt. Got to dress like an Indian, you know? And yeah, they pad the scenes to stretch the film into a full length movie. But, well, I luv Rachel.
Just like Limberger cheese, this stinks!
castle_rock6 February 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Spoiler within:
This movie happened to be playing on Fox at approximately 3:30 AM. I work third shift, so my sleep schedule is a little messed up. Seeing as how it was on so late/early I didn't expect a gem of a movie. I watched the first 30 minutes and realized, this is NO gem. Here comes the spoiler. After her parents were murdered, they actually convict Rhyia, a 12 year old girl, of committing these murders. Was there no crime scene investigation? I mean, clearly, the father was stabbed by someone completely different! Certainly some fingerprints could have been taken, or perhaps a shred of DNA evidence would have been left behind. Did they even question Rhyia about the crimes? Anyway, besides the first 30 minutes, the rest wasn't any better. It was typical revenge-type cheesiness. If you like horrid one-liners, you're gonna love this!!!
-Castle_Rock
This movie happened to be playing on Fox at approximately 3:30 AM. I work third shift, so my sleep schedule is a little messed up. Seeing as how it was on so late/early I didn't expect a gem of a movie. I watched the first 30 minutes and realized, this is NO gem. Here comes the spoiler. After her parents were murdered, they actually convict Rhyia, a 12 year old girl, of committing these murders. Was there no crime scene investigation? I mean, clearly, the father was stabbed by someone completely different! Certainly some fingerprints could have been taken, or perhaps a shred of DNA evidence would have been left behind. Did they even question Rhyia about the crimes? Anyway, besides the first 30 minutes, the rest wasn't any better. It was typical revenge-type cheesiness. If you like horrid one-liners, you're gonna love this!!!
-Castle_Rock
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