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Ghost Canyon

Action U.S.A. [Blu-ray]
(Ross Hagen, Cameron Mitchell, Barri Murphy, Gregory Scott Cummins, et al / Blu-ray / R / (1989) 2021 / MVD Visual Rewind Collection)

Overview: After her boyfriend is murdered by the gangsters whose diamonds he stole, a girl is protected by two FBI agents who plan to keep her from sharing the same fate.

Blu-ray Verdict: Billy Ray is a bad risk. He took the mobs family jewels, now they want his! They tried beating and scaring it out of him, but he is not giving them up.

So they kill him and now everyone believes Carmen must know where the jewels are. The Mafia boss has brought in his top gun to find her and the jewels.

This slime-ball and his trained killers follow our heroes through car chases and gun battles across the state of Texas leaving a trail of fireballs and hunks of twisted metal!

Stuntman-turned-filmmaker John Stewart created one of the most dangerously high-octane action films of the 80s with Action U.S.A. A non-stop barrage of daredevil stunts, practical explosions, outlaw gunfights and wild chase sequences.

Unfortunately for Stewart, Action U.S.A. did not get the appreciation it deserved back when it was released in 1989 and slipped under the radar until Vinegar Syndrome rescued it from oblivion. This is a diehard action junkies wet dream and a real monster truck of a film that has to be seen to be believed.

Opening with "Long After Midnight" by Urban Shocker, a gorgeous blue-coated 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray fires on all cylinders, much like the film is about to.

In the first twenty minutes, the audience is treated to a full-on assault to the senses with an insane showcase of vehicular stunt work.

The opening chase scene moves from cars to a helicopter and back to cars before inevitably ending in a balls-to-the-wall blaze of glory.

Action U.S.A may hit its peak in the first twenty minutes but everything that comes after is definitely close enough to matching its level.

With a hackneyed script from David Reskin that is every bit as worn and forgettable as they come, Action U.S.A. simply is not the type of film to watch for the plot.

However, considering how much it is lacking in that department, the film bombastically skates by on its pure machismo and action dynamics.

The holy trinity of Gregory Scott Cummins, William Hubbard Knight and Barri Murphy are a charming trio to ride this rollercoaster of a film alongside. Ross Hagen, who plays our villainous assassin, steals the show from them as the stoic badass, Drago!

In closing, Action U.S.A. is a violent extravaganza of adrenaline-fueled mayhem, buddy-cop tropes and beefcake heroics and is a true hidden gem in every sense of the word!

It is honestly upsetting that John Stewart did not have much of a directorial career following this film for his death-defying direction and impeccable focus on stunt work is incredible throughout.

The wise will inject Action U.S.A. directly into their veins with this Texan blend of fun for eternal stimulation. Its recklessness is addictive, endlessly rewatchable and worth the trip every time! This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

High Definition (1080p) presentation of the main feature in 1.78:1 aspect ratio
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 Surround
Optional English Subtitles
Audio Commentary with Director John Stewart, star Gregory Scott Cummins and cinematographer
Thomas Callaway moderated by filmmaker Steve Latshaw
Interview with Director John Stewart (HD)
Action U.S.A. Behind the Scenes - Stunts Featurette (SD)
Theatrical Trailer
Collectible Mini-Poster
Reversible artwork
Special Features May Not Be Rated, Closed Captioned Or In High Definition.

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