Hurricane Smith (1992)
When Hurricane steps off the plane in Brisbane, Australia, he announces, “I’m Carl Weathers and I’m here to smash up the Gold Coast.” I’m not sure why he refers to himself by his real name, but he does.
Under the Gun (1995)
The early to mid 90s was a ripe time for action films made in Australia. A period where a plethora of beefcakes smashed their way through the Great Southern Land. From Tom Selleck in Quigley Down Under, Christopher Lambert in Fortress, to Carl Weathers in Hurricane Smith.
Sensitive New Age Killer (2000)
If you have read my Dead End Drive-In articles you may have noticed my fascination for Australian action films. From Brian Trenchard-Smith’s forays in the genre, to Mark “Jacko” Jackson’s baffling buddy-cop outing. I can’t get enough. Sensitive New Age Killer fits perfectly as a successor to these films.
Don’t worry, guys, I’m calling 5 ambulances
Fridge-faced Brian Bosworth must be a real swell guy. In One Tough Bastard, Bosworth plays a character hellbent on revenge against MC Hammer (seriously). On the way he treats his foes with the utmost respect. As demonstrated here in this thoughtful scene.
Bullet Down Under (1994)
Mark "Jacko" Jackson tries hard in his role as Jack Moran. Really hard. His effort is admirable. You can see it in his munted face.
Running from the Guns (1987)
Running from the Guns, the seldom-seen Australian crime caper from the late eighties, has almost everything you want in a buddy/car chase film. It contains fast things and furious things. In fact it reminds me of that car movie franchise that has both fast and furious things.
The Chain Reaction (1980)
A fast drive into paradise turns into a nuclear nightmare – an enthralling tagline to an entertaining eco-thriller. The Chain Reaction features the kind of elements modern Australian cinema lacks. Thrills, spills, car chases and Steve Bisley’s junk.
BMX Bandits (1983)
Is there a radder film than Australia’s very own BMX Bandits? Of course there bloody isn’t. How rad is it? Well it contains all the raddest things ever: BMXs, walkie-talkies, Nicole Kidman’s twisted mane and, uh, foam.
Dolph’s wild shootout in Army of One
This has got to be one of the greatest action sequences from the 90s. Dolph’s best starring vehicle, 1993’s Army of One (also known as Joshua Tree), is not exactly a thrill ride for its entire duration. Not to say that it’s boring, but it’s nothing mind-blowing… that is until an absolutely insane shootout in...
Exterminator 2 (1984)
When we think about University professors, it’s not uncommon for images of d-grade 80s action films to accompany the thought. The two undeniably go hand-in-hand. And when we think about d-grade 80s action films, there is only one that understandably comes to mind… Mark Buntzman’s 1984 classic, ‘Exterminator 2’. In ‘Exterminator 2’ John Eastland is back, wielding his...
Royal Warriors (1986)
ROYAL WARRIORS 1986, Dir: David Chung Royal Warriors (AKA In the Line of Duty), stars Michelle Yeoh (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as the imaginatively named super cop, Michelle Yip. On her plane ride home to Hong Kong from a holiday in Japan, Michelle encounters a pair of men terrorising the passengers on this luxurious...
