User reviews

Unusual blend of action adventure and comedy: 4 typical white-collar Californians (led by Brolin), fed up with barely making it, head down to the jungles of South America to steal a cool $5 million out of the safe of a drug kingpin (Coburn). But, as they soon find out, and the audience is a step ahead of 'em, getting in was the easy part. Besides the drug lord, who has a police force on his side, the 4 buddies also contend with a gang of bandits (led by Quinn, ornery in that good-natured way). Lindsay Wagner, formerly the Bionic Woman, pops up as a weed-smokin' American trapped in a jail cell. And that's just the start of the fun.

This was completely ignored on release; I saw it back then in '81 and was puzzled why no one else did. It's even more baffling that not even a cult appreciation has surfaced in the past 20 years (and no quality DVD - drat!). The filmmakers managed to present the 4 guys out of their element as stumbling and with a loser mentality, but not stupid, so that you're on their side all the way, and you have to admire the daring - the gall, really - of what they're attempting. The whole point is to stop losing, to come out winners, and somehow or other, you feel they'll stumble their way there, eventually - maybe. The picture treads the line between slapstick comedy and real action: there are moments when one or more of the 4 are in serious danger. There are some fine chase scenes around the exotic wilderness and, in the gun battles, though hardly anyone gets hurt, it feels kind of lifelike (there ARE deaths), since most people miss in real life too, unless they're an expert marksman.

The performances are all great. Watch Coburn when first confronted by the 4 dudes. He's a master of his domain, serene in his power; who are (?) these 4 bozos tying me up in my own mansion, he thinks. You get the feeling throughout the film, this is the way it would really happen; no well-timed explosions, no clichéd formula for escape, just a rough-and-tumble forward momentum. There's a great scene which shows how it would go if you really tried to knock someone out in real life - it's not as easy as in the movies. And, there's no real mystery for me about the ending; the whole story depicted a rush of one step forward and two steps back. The end, which may not be the end, just leaves the viewers with a final question mark - are they about to take two steps back again? If this had been a big success like "Romancing the Stone," a sequel would have answered it. But we really don't need a sequel. Each viewer can make up the next scene for these guys in their own minds.

Really liked this flick when I was only 10. Hadn't seen it since then and even stole a gag from it for something I was writing. Just found it at Amoeba in the bargain bin for 2$. Had to see if that gag was as funny as I remembered. It was. The ending, however, I can't explain. Sorry. Still, I enjoyed the performances and how silly that the dog kept finding them all over the country, then ended up racing down the runway with them in the end. The bad James Brolin wig on the matador double was great. The escape from prison with the little boy was also a nice bit, an old gag taken to a higher level. This film enjoys being a film and that's what I like about it.

I absolutely love this film! Whenever I have theatre nachos (which is not often) I think back to 20 years ago when I fell in love with this forgotten gem at the Meridian Quad theatre in San Jose. That's what I ate during the film. They went together perfectly. I had the original one-sheet poster hanging on my wall for awhile. Many people who saw the poster had no idea this film even existed. If it ever comes out on DVD, I'll purchase it. Anthony Quinn was priceless as the bandit Mariano; and Borgnine's one scene is a classic! I recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine diamond-in-the-rough eighties film! Just terrific!

Truth to tell, I doubt much will stay with me from this muddled tale of a group of four friends who parachute (with a Maltese-like pooch!) into fairly dense forest. From their chatting and actions prior to the drop, including the fact that they are purchasing arms of considerable firepower, it dawned on me that these fun-loving city slicks led by James Brolin were actually planning a heist.

The mark: the extremely wealthy James Coburn, who keeps $5 million in his personal vault, and likes to perform as toreador in his own bull ring. Thankfully, dialogue flows fast with attention-grabbing repartee, and some clumsy actions that reflect the level of gullibility and inexperience of these wannabe thieves.

Well, prepare yourself for a bumpy ride requiring heavy suspension of disbelief. You might ask what I found most memorable about HIGH RISK: perhaps the cameo by Quinn as a self-styled "general" guiding a crowd of gypsy-like thieves and assorted criminals and moaning about the rich, or the cameo by Jim Coburn as the tycoon who sees James Brolin and his genial sidekicks steal $5 million from his hacienda-like mansion.

Standard cinematography, repeated shootouts in the middle of lush vegetation and rocky ground, sleazy hispanic gangs, generous gore, sputtering aircraft, plenty of near-impossible stunts.

Doesn't sound like much, does it? Darned right! 6/10.

Some reviewers have noted the mix of comedy, action and adventure in "High Risk." That says it all for the score I can give the film. The plot and premise carry such close resemblance to some other films of the drug-running and underworld genre, that one can't help making comparisons. Not serious ones, mind you, but things that just come to mind based on the very serious side of the drug underworld that other films have shown us ("Scarface," for example).

I wonder why this film was made at all, except that it might have been a late showcase for a bunch of very talented actors in their senior years. And, except for one, these are mostly cameo-like appearances. Ernest Borgnine, James Coburn and Anthony Quinn are good in their roles – the latter with more screen time. Yet, even the roles they play, as written in the script for this film, are just not very believable.

The main four characters, headed by James Brolin as Stone, are not that good. From start to finish the script plays out more like fantasy or sci-fi. That four unemployed guys, with no training, conditioning or noticeable skills, could do what they set out to do was ridiculous. OK, so Hollywood realized that but wanted to make this funny. So, they start shooting and killing people. Whoops, there goes the funny. How could a millionaire drug lord in a South American country compound be taken so easily by what are obviously incompetent combatants? And, the further incompetence of the foursome is seen in their flight, sleeping in broad daylight with no one on watch, etc.

As I said, I don't know what the push or backing for this film must have been. If not for the small time of the big names in the cast, and just enough intrigue and disbelief in the mission, this film would have nothing at all going for it.

We were scanning my watch list for something we could all agree on and when we got to High Risk, I warned my dad and brother, "oh, this is just another one of those B movies I like. We can watch something else". But, they were curious how actors like Anthony Quinn, James Brolin, Lindsey Wagner, James Coburn, the guy from Blazing Saddles and Ernest Borgnine could possibly be in a B movie or otherwise train wreck of a film.

We kept waiting for it to really screw up and reveal it's amateur chops but it never did (though occasionally it treads close). It's a fun story, well shot, well-edited and the cast puts in great work. The characters are very far from throwaway or stand-ins, unlike most formulaic action comedies of today.

There's a gimmick involving a pet dog with a bow in its hair, probably the film's goofiest flaw, but what film in the '80s didn't have gimmicks like that and far worse? Thankfully, the dog's role is minimal and entirely forgivable.

Despite the film's simple premise of four average guys trying to make a big score, they actually feel like good friends and lifelong buddies. The camaraderie feels genuine and oh-so 70s/80s. Those friendships are put to the test because there are some violent moments of real danger and violence.

According to one source, the distributor of High Risk went broke during the film's release, and as a result it wasn't shown in many theaters. That's certainly one reason I can see this film not doing better than it did. Another reviewer said it deserves some cult revival love and I absolutely agree.

At the same time, it has moments that are comedic, almost slapstick, and others that are quite dark, and the dark, violent scenes aren't played with endless one-liners or levity as you might expect. A friend is shot and seemingly left behind. Another is in shock when he sees what one of his best friends is capable of and how far he's willing to go - but I can't say more without spoilers. The transitions never feel jarring or out of place, but it might have confused movie-goers as to how to take the film.

Others have covered the film well, and I offer this review mainly for the reason of balance. This is 6 or 7 out of 10 viewed on its merits and absent nostalgia. It's no 10/10 hidden gem, but it definitely punches well above it's current (perplexing) 5.6 star rating.

This movie is a high camp adventure thriller. If I had seen a gleam of humor in Brolin's eye, I would have bought into the farce, but there was none. If was kinda fun in parts, but you're required to suspend belief for every plot development, twist, or turn. 10,000-1 bullets hit their mark.

There must be an interesting back story due to the remote locations and the notable actors that were attracted to doing the film.

Lastly, there is something interesting but confusing at the very end, almost the last frame or two that another reviewer mentions. Anthony Quinn and his woman are walking away with the airplane buzzing overhead, and then they suddenly turn and the airplane sound changes. The End. I still cannot explain what that was. Anyone?

RELEASED IN 1981 and directed/written by Stewart Raffill, "High Risk" is an action/adventure about four wannabe soldier-of-fortune Californians who fly down to Colombia to make a commando-like raid on the hacienda of an American-born drug lord (James Coburn) for an easy $5 million, but things don't go as easy as planned. The four-man team is played by James Brolin, Bruce Davison, Cleavon Little & Chick Vennera. Anthony Quinn is on hand as the leader of a motley crew of jungle bandits while Lindsay Wagner appears as a desperate woman who joins the protagonists. Ernest Borgnine has a glorified cameo as an arms dealer.

This is an obscure action flick that's solid for what it is with little fat. The plot is reminiscent of "Where Eagles Dare" (1968), but with a jungle locale and taking place in the modern era. There are also occasional flashes of amusement, unlike that thoroughly austere WWII movie. It's great to see Lindsay Wagner; I forgot how beautiful she was in her prime (not that she's my type, but she's undoubtedly striking). Quinn was 65 during filming and well plays the part of a desperate-but-likable post-revolutionary.

The characters played by Davison and Little are too nonchalant and naïve in life-or-death situations to be believable, but that's a minor cavil (and can be defended on the grounds of their greenhorn status); besides, the film moves so quickly that it hardly matters.

THE DVD I viewed was the "Digitally Remastered" version from Digiview Productions and it was fine for such an obscure flick.

THE FILM RUNS 94 minutes and was shot in Mexico.

GRADE: B

Talk about an independently produced film! This one's a wonderful example of how hard the indies work, and what good movies they make.

How they ever convinced a cast like this to go sweat it out in a jungle, I can't imagine. James Brolin shines, but so do they all.

And I still can't believe they got somebody to handle a snake that BIG just for a 5-second shot, which you better believe they captured in one perfect take, 'cause that snake was headed for home the instant they released it!

This is a fine, light hearted action film, fast paced, well written and plotted and with a lot of depth. Each actor obviously got way into his role, especially Anthony Quinn. And those whacko airplane pilots! The old C-47 STILL RULES!!!

James Brolin. Lindsay Wagner. Anthony Quinn. James Coburn. Ernest Borgnine. Bruce Davison. Cleavon Little. What is a cast of such highly recognizable actors doing in a movie like this? 'High risk' is a far-fetched amalgamation of "get rich quick" wish-making and uniquely American power fantasies. It's a somewhat outrageous adventure romp with tongue-in-cheek flavor that predates more high budget fare of similar tenor in the 90s and beyond.

The story is set against the backdrop of economic downturn precipitated by arbitrary capitalist notions of finance and misguided priority. These underpinnings are given a passing handful of lines before being dropped entirely in service of 'High risk's' action-adventure bent. The incredible ease with which four astoundingly unprepared nobodies are able to haphazardly gather information about a drug lord and sneak into his compound is outstandingly implausible.

Still, if you're able to engage hearty suspension of disbelief and get past all the considerable hang-ups - against all odds, 'High risk' is a fair bit of fun.

It distinctly lacks the production values of more recent features of a like slant. Editing, including transitions between scenes, leaves a bit to be desired, and sound is imperfect. Yet scenes are put together well, including some shots that are pleasing, if not especially remarkable. There's a minor sense of comedy in some dialogue and in the madcap energy of some parts, while some action sequences bear low-key thrills. Filming locations and set design are swell; with Mexico standing in for the film's setting of Colombia, at times we get an eyeful of some great scenery.

Particularly when considered as a bridge between crime thrillers of the 70s and 80s and more recent adventure larks in the years since 'High risk,' the plot here is actually pretty entertaining. It's easy to get caught up in the misadventures of characters who show some varied personality as the slightly tawdry exposition gives way to more highfalutin exploits. It's hard not to think that the cast had a good time making this - especially Coburn in his part as the cold, powerful drug baron Serrano, and Quinn as the aging leader, Mariano, of a ragtag band of revolutionaries.

It's noteworthy that especially with the original score of Mark Snow lending a generally boisterous air of conflict-laden drama to the picture, the movie doesn't take any time to allow more quiet moments to breathe. Likewise, there are a couple emotional beats that are totally brushed over in the clamorous rush to a rather enjoyable climax. Yet let's be honest, this is nothing we're not used to in pictures of this nature.

There was a time when I had a copy of this on DVD, plucked from the dollar bargain bin. I think I watched it once or twice, without any real appreciation for it, and eventually rid myself of the DVD without further consideration. I'm glad to revisit it under conditions that allow for more engagement. For all its faults and the sensational improbability of its story, 'High risk' remains a reasonably well done bit of lighthearted fare, worth checking out if you come across it.

this film falls a little flat for me.....with all of the movies that came out at the time this film came out this film got short changed....

and after watching it again, to me there wasnt all that much to it...the acting was good, but the story was a little dry... I did find it for $5.99 on Dvd, so had to pick it up.....the ending is O.K...this film is one of those late night flicks you would see on cable chopped up (just for language)..its an average film that could have been Much better!

I am a long time fan,and i feel this movie has the best surprise ending of any I have seen.Really good character devlopment,it is certainly a REPEAT VIEWER,but stay with it until the very last or you will miss out.Some of the best action and dialogue are in the closing scenes.

A wet and wild heist in the South American jungle. Lots of guns but nobody knows how to shoot. Maybe the C. I. A. Sold them blanks and they just didn't know the difference. Who knows, it's all in good fun anyway. Yuk yuk. I watched it because of the cast and they played their parts well but the whole story was such a flop that I can't recommend it for serious viewers. Lots of bad language and some tawdry scenes that were poorly done. 5.6/10.

A small role for the great Anthony Quinn. Much smaller role for Ernest Borgnine. Two great actors wasted already. James Brolin runs all the time, all the movie, with the money stolen from a drug dealer played by James Coburn. He doesn't run alone, he's accompanied by other 3 desperate guys, played by 3 second hand actors: Bruce Davison, Cleavon Little and Chick Vennera. Lindsey Wagner also appears, just to have also one female character. An ungrateful role for the actress. Overall, a waste of time. The best "actor" is the puppy! A star for him only!

Don't be surprised if you've never heard of "High Risk." I know few people who have. But if you like adventure and excitement with some humor thrown in then this is your ticket.

James Brolin stars as one of four friends sick and tired of working hard and being paid little. They decide to take a trip to Colombia to steal money from a reputed drug lord. According to plan they'll walk in, get the money, and head back to the states via two airplane pilots they've hired that more resemble Cheech and Chong then they do pilots. Naturally, things don't work out as planned and the chase is on.

The reason you may never have heard of this film is that it was released back in 1981 for a one week only stint. It happened to be the week before another action film opened I'm sure you've heard of - "Raiders of the Lost Ark." This film got lost in the hype.

So go out and find this movie at the local video store (the television version is usually butchered). You won't be disappointed.

This movie has everything! Shootouts, planes, bandits, drug dealers, great locations, and most of all, a really good bunch of actors at the top of their game. When four buddies try to rob a big time drug lord, Murphy's Law comes into play and everything goes wrong. James Brolin has never been better, as the determined leader of a group of suburban losers who want to strike it rich, and James Coburn is excellent as the drug lord. Bruce Davidson, Cleavon Little, Ernist Borgnine, and Lindsey Wagnor are all good, and Anthony Quinn stand out in an exceptional performance, reminding us what a good actor he really is.

There's enough action for two Rambo movies, as lots of lighthearted comedy. My favorite scene is when Brolin gun-butts a guard, and the guy doesn't just fall unconscious like everybody always does in the movies. Instead he grabs his head and starts yelling, and Brolin has to hit him again. The director takes conventional action scenes we've seen million times, like whacking a guard, and makes them original. It's hard to believe he went on to direct Mac & Me, a really silly E.T. ripoff.

A group of unemployed auto-workers decide to rip off a South American drug lord in this very enjoyable "blue-collar-guys-on-a-mission" movie.

In the wryly amusing first act the desperate group of amateurs tell their wives they're going fishing for the weekend. Then they buy a crap-load of guns from Ernest Borgnine.("You guys aren't going to be doing anything to hurt any animals, are you?" he asks before selling them the weaponry.) Finally they hire some sketchy mercenary-types to fly them to South America, with a promise to return in two days. What could go wrong?

James Brolin has the right flinty charm as the nominal hero.("I sold everything I own for this deal! I sold my house, my car, hell, I even sold my damn dishes to raise the money for this!" he snaps at one point when morale is flagging.) Cleavon Little, Chick Vennera and Bruce Davison provide reliable 2nd banana support. Lindsay Wagner is sparkly and sweet in her role as a hippie they meet and help spring from jail during the course of their misadventures. James Coburn smiles like a shark in his cameo as the vicious drug lord. But it is Anthony Quinn as a feisty bandit/revolutionary who could've stumbled in from The Treasure of the Sierra Madre who steals the show. He is clearly having fun and it is infectious.

This is a good action movie that was over looked because Raiders of the Lost Ark came out at the same time. Hard to find a video, but it is an excellent comedy-action movie.

This is a great movie for 30-40-50-somethings and anyone who remembers Borgnine, Coburn and Quinn (probably won't appeal to the youngest generation - they won't get it). Great performances from James Brolin, Bruce Davidson, Cleavon Little, Chick Vennera and Lindsay Wagner. Cameo appearances from Ernest Borgnine , James Coburn and Anthony Quinn. Pretty much non-stop, roller-coater action from the get-go and it just keeps building up until the very end. Best of all is the ending. I won't spoil it, but you don't often get a drama/action movie with a such a happy ending. And that final quirk!? Watch it - highly recommended! Be warned, however, that the DVD transfer is absolutely awful.

I caught this flick on cable back in the day. It will have you laughing your butt off while biting your nails off. A dramidy, a comma. I'm not sure, but it mixes the best of drama and comedy to produce one of my favorite films. James Colburn, Ernest Borgnine and the Bionic Woman play bit parts because they knew this one would be FUN! Remember to think twice before you decide to go to Columbia to rip off a drug lord. Especially if he's got a mean streak. Then remember that you have to get home alive with the swag before the wife finds out that the fishing trip you went on ran into a few snags. My favorite moment, out of many favorite moments is when, to shut up an unsuspecting guard that our brave heroes run into while executing a not so smooth getaway, one of them hits the guard over the head with a gun to knock him out. The result is not the one anticipated.