Raven Hawk (1996)

An Exercise In Nonsense

Admirable film.

This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

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.

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.

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.

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.