User reviews

Rutger's the MAN! I found this film at Best Buy about 4 or 5 months after September 11th, and it just hit the spot! I had never heard of the movie but being a Rutger fan I usually will spend the money to add his films to my ever growing collection. Sometimes he's the only thing that adds to the life of some very dreary films and he's in a bunch of them. The '80's however seems to have been his decade and this film is a pretty good outing for him.

It is in the B-Movie range, for sure, but it works well. Gene Simmons plays a great villain. The action and pacing of the film works well, and frankly the subject matter couldn't be more up-to-date.

I wish they were making more movies like this today where the terrorists get what they deserve and the audience can enjoy the pay back and feel like they are participating in the action.

The very end of the film is great and it certainly is a statement that works even better today. I think most people would feel the same way as Rutger does at the end of this movie and want to do the same thing. I certainly did!

For fans of action and/or Rutger hunt this movie down!

Unassuming 80s b-grade action joint that delivers on what counts. Helping largely is the charismatic performance of Rutger Hauser as a former CIA agent turned bounty hunter on the trail of international terrorist planting bombs around L.A, which is played with menacing glee by Gene Simmons. His slimy character is one real nasty piece of work. Hauser just reeks of coolness clutching at his pump-up shotgun and harmonica. There's a great final exchange of dialogue by Hasuer to Simmons' captive character.

Director / co-writer Gary Sherman (""Vice Squad", "Dead & Buried" and "Death Line") keeps it tightly engaging with well-timed, punishing action set-pieces that pack a punch and devious plotting keeps one step ahead. The laid-back script throws up some macho, but memorable dialogues. What occurs isn't anything out of the ordinary and plot progression can become contrived, but the familiar, straight-forward nature has its excitement and the performances are suitably tailored. The support has some reliable faces in the shape of Jerry Hardin, Robert Guillaume, Mel Harris and William Russ. Very 80's soundtrack too. But that's not a bad thing here.

"I hate getting stabbed in the back."

After making his mark playing vicious characters in NIGHTHAWKS, THE HITCHER and FLESH + BLOOD, Rutger Hauer plays the hero in a solid action thriller,set in LA. While it is not as slick as the first LETHAL WEAPON movie, it is still quite witty and entertaining. Gene Simmons gives an understated, menacing performance as the terrorist and there's some good action.

This is the type of hero, we all need. Someone who can handle the situation and get the job done! And done indeed, he does as 'Nick Randall', a bounty hunter with a proved ability for survival.

I hadn't followed Rutger's rolls very closely until he played a very controlling and virtually unstoppable cereal-murderer.

Eric Red's story and Robert Harmon's directed film, 'The Hitcher'. A thriller that makes the hairs on your neck stand straight up, with a strange echoing eeriness.

Rutger was 'mesmurizing' in the roll that he just, took over. He was aptly the killers's killer.

I walked out of the theater stunned at his absolutely convincing performance. So when I went and saw, 'Wanted' with the reversal of 'rolls' for Rutger, Hell! He goes back and forth through 'Goodguy' 'Badguy' 'Protag' and 'Antag' character rolls better than Sylvester Stallone or Kevin Costner, even better than Harrison Ford for crying out loud.

This man has that skilled ability, to lay it out unmistakably. The Hero that Nick Randall is in "Wanted: Dead or Alive" is a 'Snake-Eater'. First zero's in on his target and sets it up, then hit's them hard, knocking them down and then out. He is a 'Patriot', that doesn't want to be 'Snowed' by anyone. He is a strong man and yet he's a caring friend to fellow actor William Russ's character ((the L.A. officer Danny Quintz and even Agent Walker of the F.B.I. who considers him a 'Friend' for over 15 years)) the most impressive part(s) to me are when you can feel the emotionally-loaded response from Hauer's 'Randall'. You see him angry, hot, sweating feeling the strain. He is broken down emotionally with tears in his eyes at the death of his friend and his new love'Terry' whose lives have been brought to an 'abrupt end' by an anti-American group of killers. He still doesn't lose accurate focus under the pressure of his 'cover' being given away to his enemy, 'used as live bait' by those supposedly on his side of the fence (for their own strategic manoeuvrings).

Even so, he forces himself not to stop or even slow down but follows his conscience through to the very ending of this Government contracted game, in which they are involved with 'holy-waring' terrorists. Rock group lead-singer Gene Simmons plays a jihad-violent terrorist that is a madman out to appease himself and his killing partners. Even with Simmons who plays well, he knows being an Israeli what it feels like to have a terrorist organization plotting to destroy your very existence.

An incredible action movie that blows doors off of many others in this film 'genre'. If you haven't seen this one, but you have seen 9/11 on the television news and the papers...do yourself a favor, rent or buy this on D.V.D, watch it and feel better.

This was not four-star acting. But the story can take you through if you're into it. It's like a late night made for television feature to be honest...but its fun. No fear but loss, triggering anger, causing Nick to bring about 'exacting' vengeance and then...comforting relief. (**)

A rather convoluted and tedious 'action' movie from the 80s, Wanted: Dead or Alive stars Rutger Hauer as Nick Randall, a tough-as-nails bounty hunter on the trail of nasty Arab terrorists (led by Malak Al Rahim played by Gene Simmons), who are out and about in L.A. blowing up innocent people.

Hauer is his usual reliable self, and turns in a good performance as the hardboiled ex-CIA operative who makes his living bringing in the bad guys any way he can. Likewise, Simmons (the demon bassist from my favourite rock band, Kiss) makes the most of his part as the head terrorist, sneering and glowering to the max and generally looking very evil. But with its rather dull script and pedestrian direction from Gary Sherman, even they can't save this movie from being a less than average production.

Apart from a few bits of nasty violence, and a nifty ending which sees Randall wreaking revenge on Malak Al Rahim in explosive fashion, Wanted: Dead or Alive is a pretty forgettable movie.

I saw this movie back when it came out in 1987, and it had a tremendous amount of hype about the Steve McQueen connection to the original 1950s TV series. Steve McQueen had died in 1980, and the buzz about the Wanted Dead or Alive movie started around 1984.

Rutger Hauer had big shoes to fill, to capture the spirit of Josh Randall. Steve McQueen's Josh Randall character was very direct and to the point. He was not sentimental at all, and he often had to use his smarts and his sawed off rifle to get out of trouble. Josh Randall also used a lot of snappy dialogue and quick wit. Josh never stayed in one place. He was always on the move, making decisions on impulse. He loved women, but he was never in love.

Rutger Hauer's version of the character is very morose and sentimental. He is in love with a girlfriend. He has a boat that is also his man-cave, and a warehouse that is his main headquarters. Rutger has a motorcycle, but he is very much grounded to his possessions. He is not a traveling bounty hunter in this movie. Hauer is very methodical, his style is closer to Hunter, or Walker Texas Ranger than to the original Josh Randall. The spirit of the TV series Renegade was closer to the original Wanted: Dead or Alive, than this movie.

The action is typical of a Chuck Norris movie, The A-Team TV series, or Hunter TV series. There is a fair amount of shooting, explosions, and killing. Gene Simmons plays a major role in this movie, and that is a plus for KISS fans!

This movie is not bad, but it could have been better. There was a feeling from the tone of the movie's ending that sequels were intended, or a TV series re-boot, but it never happened. This film is an interesting footnote to the legacy of the original Wanted: Dead or Alive TV series.

This movie is rather loosely connected to TV show with Steve McQueen (the main hero is supposed to be a grandson of McQueen's character ), so if you're a fan of the TV show don't expect too much. Otherwise you might be disappointed. It's funny because I would love to see a TV show based on this movie. Oh well.

This one of those rare movies where Rutger Hauer plays a hero not the villain . It was made during the same when Stallone made his own action/thriller – "Cobra " . It is in the B-Movie range. After the 9/11 this movie feels very up-to-date. The terrorists here get what they deserve.

Rutger Hauer is charismatic as Nick Randall , yet he gives he's character a depth that is not often seen in this kind of movies. Gene Simmons is quite effective as a cold-blooded Islamic extremist Malak Al Rahim. He looks sinister and acts so. They have a decent support from Robert Guillaume ( CIA officer Walker ) , William Russ (sergeant Danny Quintz ) and Jerry Hardin (incompetent CIA leader Lipton ).

Nick Randall is quite cool character . He wears black leather jackets , plays on harmonica and drives a enormous truck. Not too mention he has his own Batcave – empty huge warehouse with lots of guns , motorcycles and electronics . He even has what may be the first car GPS seen on a movie screen .He's essentially an loner and an outlaw who makes a living by supporting the law . Isn't that cool ? In a way he's Batman only with gun and without the costume.

I really like the music made by Joseph Renzetti . The harmonica solo during the ending credits is quite beautiful . There are also two great songs : "Live bait " by Delaney Bramlett (during the opening credits) and " Doncha know that " by Simon Stokes ( when Nick is in his hideout).Both were also composed by Renzetti .

"Wanted dead or alive" has some good 80's atmosphere and un-PC moments. The pacing is good. The low budget is sometimes a problem . The movie looks bad in some places. Some dialogues aren't bad , some are uninteresting. The body count is low and the violence is really nasty, so the movie feels like a real life not overblown Hollywood action movie. "WDOA" has a decent story. The ending is quite memorable, unexpected, satisfying and also a bit sad too. Quite un-Hollywood type of ending . Reminded me of a 70's movie type of ending. The line " F*** the bonus" is one of my favourite lines in movie history.

I give it 5/10. Nothing really special , but decent enough and fun overall movie. Hauer had better and worse movies than this.

I recently revisited "Wanted Dead Or Alive" after a period of almost 20 years. The film's really stood the test of time and it's a shame there weren't any sequels produced. Rutger Hauer's time as an action hero was short-lived.

The film's low budget roots can't be missed but there are enough strong performances from the cast to carry the movie. Hauer's bachelor loft is the ultimate guy pad and, in my opinion, worth watching the movie for. To say his crib is cool is the understatement of the year.

Gene Simmons delivers the goods as a thoroughly nasty baddie.

Great '80s "B"-movie fun.

I watched this movie now for the first time, but it made me feel very familiar. It was like all those action movies that I watched from tv in mid-90's when I was very young. This means two things. It's got the classic b-movie cheese, the style before everything was done with computer effects. But also, I get the irritating feeling that it's "not a very good movie". Even when I was a teenager I sometimes felt this same thing when watching action movies. I liked them but at the same time even as a youngster I sometimes felt a bit stupid, like wasting my time with those movies.

Rutger Hauer is a cool actor and for some reason I haven't ever seen many of his films. But now I started to check them out because fans of cheesy action movies often mention Rutger's name as some sort of cult icon. He does have a certain charm and makes this movie enjoyable.

I was maybe expecting a little bit more action. There are big guns but they are being shot only rarely, and most of the film is like a detective thriller drama. But the action scenes are nicely divided throughout the movie so it doesn't get too boring.

So, I'm not going to take a Rutger Hauer tattoo but I'm probably going to watch a couple more of his movies.

a bounty hunter(Rutger Hauer)takes on a terrorist(Gene Simmons).while it's refreshing to see Hauer in a non bad guy role,there's not much else to recommend this movie. found it boring and tedious from the get go,right to the final credits.Robert Guillaume is also in the movie and is good,as always,but he is wasted here.Garey Sherman directed the movie.he also directed Poltergeist III and wrote several episodes of the TV series Poltergeist:The Legacy and he co-wrote Wanted:dead or Alive with Michael Patrick Goodman.i wanted to like this movie,but it just doesn't have much going for it in the originality or action and excitement dept.the most i can give Wanted:Dead or Alive is a 4/10

This film to me was pretty good. It sort of is a bit like "Nighthawks" another film featuring terrorist, one of which being Hauer himself. This one though has Hauer as the good guy and Gene Simmons as the bad guy. Both are very good in their roles. Both never being or becoming super celebrities. Hauer has been in a lot more movies than Simmons and he has been in some very big movies during his days. Still, he rarely got to be the lead star in films. Simmons just played bad guys like the one here and the one in "Runaway". He was actually rather good in both films and I am surprised he never got more chances to play in movies cause I so could see him in a horror movie as the sadistic killer. This film has terrorist on the attack and a bounty hunter is going to be the one to bring them down. I loved watching Hauer as Nick Randall do his thing. He is a former CIA operative and a descendant of a legendary bounty hunter. The action is pretty good here and there, it could use a bit of work, but I still thought it played out rather well. The ending to this movie is really good, though at the same time while it is satisfying it is also a bit sad too.

The former CIA operative in the Middle East Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer) is presently a bounty hunter in Los Angeles. He chases most wanted guys to get the reward and is saving money for repairing a vessel. He intends to retire and travel around the world with his girlfriend Terry (Mel Harris) and his best friend is Detective Danny Quintz (William Russ). After a terrorist attack in a movie theater, Randall is assigned to catch the evil terrorist, Malak Al Rahim (Gene Simmons), who has killed more than 140 persons in his attempt. However, the real intention of his disaffection from CIA, John Lipton (Jerry Hardin), is to use Randall as a bait to catch Malak. Terry and Danny are murdered by one terrorist and Randall discovers that the Malak's agenda is to blow-up a chemical facility and kill thirty thousand persons. But Randall now seeks revenge against Malak.

"Wanted: Dead or Alive" is a B-movie full of clichés, but supported by good actors. Today I have just seen is again (01 May 2013) and the promising beginning unfortunately becomes a totally predictable story. The conclusion is awful, with Randall chasing Malak in a refinery crowded with policemen, detectives and agents and nobody hears the shooting. Anyway this movie entertains. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Exterminador Implacável (on DVD)" ("Implacable Exterminator") or "Procurado Vivo ou Morto" (on VHS) ("Wanted Dead or Alive")

and this is one of my favorites, although he look really big and out of shape he adds some real gravity and feeling to the lead role and his nemesis played by Gene Simmons is very effetive.

Full of sensational one-liners, delievered with an absolute straight face by all involved, it is fast, furious, 80's action.

My personal favorite (used it the other day) "next time give me a kiss before you f*ck me".

In fact I'm off to the video store to rent it right now.

Jimbo

Wanted: Dead or Alive is a not much known Action Film from the 80s and it's not a good one. The Story isn't Suspenseful, It's Boring and Slow and Action Fans will be disappointed. There is not much Action here, some briefly shootouts and Explosions That's it. Not recommended 4 stars for Rutger Hauer the rest is forgettable

An exciting movie if you're a Rutger Hauer fan. I enjoyed the story line. So it's predictable? I didn't predict seeing Gene Simmons as a middle eastern terrorist with a diabolical scheme to take over the world! Rutger fans know his acting talents aren't like Tom Cruise, but they're not like Steven Seagal either. This movie was entertaining and certainly ahead of it's time. Of course, we had no idea that the level of domestic terrorism demonstrated in this movie could happen. It was incomprehensible. So it fits the bill for me for excitement in it's continuity, dialog's, ubiquitous explosions, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I like action movies and this movie delivers action.

The stage curtains open ...

This movie, I guess, is a continuation of the television series back in the late 50's by the same name where Steve McQueen played the part of Josh Randall. In this 1987 film, Rutger Hauer plays a bounty hunter named Nick Randall, a descendant of Josh Randall. Other than the fact that both characters are related to each other and are both bounty hunters, there really is nothing else similar between them - so we'll just drop the whole Steve McQueen / Rutger Hauer comparison since there is none.

Nick is tasked with finding and either eliminating, or bringing in the terrorist Malak Al Rahim (played by Gene Simmons) after he blows up a movie theater, killing 138 people. At first, Nick is reluctant to take the job since he is asked to find him by his former boss in the CIA. But, the money is too good to pass up, so he accepts. If Nick finds and stops him, he will be paid $250,000. If he brings him in alive, he gets a $50,000 bonus. However, his former CIA boss is crooked and helps Malak to find Nick and take him out of commission. The race is on to see who can get to who first.

This is your typical Rutger Hauer action movie - so if you are fan of his work, then you would probably love this one. I personally found it to be rather generic and plain, nothing special - but not bad either. It was okay. Gene Simmons did a decent job as the villainous terrorist, but for the most part he seemed more preoccupied with looking and acting "cool" in his part rather than just allowing himself to become realistic in his role. And the story is a little confusing, so you need to pay attention along the way. The explosive ending was pretty good though, and a memorable scene.

Not a recommend necessarily, but worth a look.

I love Rutger. I always have and always will.

This was a really bad movie. Nothing worked. The story, the editing, the action.

All flat. The score made no sense.

Even Rutgers acting just wasn't really there.

You'll see glimpses of Rutgers charisma here and there.

Too bad!

Action all the way, this is Hauer at his best. I first saw this movie about ten years ago, and remembered it only for its final scene; I still remembered the line "**** the bonus!". When watching the film again all these years later, unlike most movies, I actually got more from it than the first time I saw it. For action fans everywhere, put this on your must-see list.

I am posting this in hopes of contacting a Wanted Dead or Alive trivia buff. I have a real challenge for you. I have been searching and searching. Yet I am unable to find the name of a song in the movie. I have searched for the name of this song, the artist who performs it and even the soundtrack. Yet, can't find anything. I need your help. It's the song playing when Nick Randall (Rutger Hauer) drives his Caddilac Seville into his secret loft, gets out and shoots a basketball. Then the song ends. Anyone out there think they can take on this task and find the song for me and post it? I really like this movie. My son Nick loves it as well. But we can't find our VHS tape of it. We miss watching it. We both love that song too. He asked me to try and get another copy of the movie and find the soundtrack. So first I thought I'd post my plea first, see if anyone might help us out! Please try.

Thank you,

Wendy