The last person anyone would think of to be carrying an action film would be Christopher Walken (though he’s toplined more than one). The man is a brilliant performer but an action star, he’s just not. Or is he? 1991’s McBain has always been on my radar, although I didn’t think it was a straight-up action film. Yet it is.
Written and directed by James Glickenhaus, it was budgeted at about $16 million and released by Shapiro-Glickenhaus Entertainment theatrically. Sadly, it didn’t perform as was hoped, and MCA/Universal would release it to videocassette, where it would eventually develop a following. In 2013, the stars of MST3K released their own commentary/riff track, which poked fun at the finished product. Here we are in 2023, and Synapse Films has delivered a stunning disc to preserve what should be remembered as a perfect representation of ’90s action films.
Robert McBain (Christopher Walken) is a prisoner of war rescued by a group of Rangers during the Vietnam War. Led by Santos (Chick Vennera), McBain offers him his gratitude. Santos tears in two a $100 bill, both keeping half and vowing that if the other half ends up in McBain’s possession, that’s when he can repay his debt. Eighteen years later, Santos is killed by corrupt politicians in Colombia, leaving his sister (Maria Conchita Alonso) to lead the rebel army on her own. She goes to New York to find McBain and return the other half of the bill. McBain assembles his old team, stocks up on weapons, and heads over to Columbia to lend their expertise to the rebels and make sure their old friend has not died without purpose.
Walken easily carries the film with his trademark delivery and sly demeanor. What really makes this movie work is the fact you have Walken, Michael Ironside, Maria Conchita Alonso, and the late Steve James kicking ass together. If anything, the movie is worth watching or revisiting just because of James’ involvement. He was such a dynamic performer who somehow always ended up playing a sidekick but could go toe to toe with the lead. Ironside can just show off his twisted smile, and you’re immediately in awe of how he can command an audience. Alonso may have been the sensitive sister who needs help, but her character is never above getting her hands dirty. The actress gives a fantastic and believable performance.
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There’s plenty of action, shoot-outs, and explosions in this modern war picture that preaches a message without being preachy and delivering high-octane entertainment from start to finish.
Synapse Films has painstakingly and flawlessly brought the classic to Blu-ray with a vibrant and sharp picture while creating a brand new 5.1 surround mix that brings the war into your home. The disc also includes a commentary track and the original trailer. McBain is a terrific time; you couldn’t ask for a better presentation.
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