Retro Review: ‘Talons of the Eagle’
I believe I may have a medical condition that when I encounter a cheap, B-grade action flick from the 80’s or 90’s I am sold 110% on it. So during the last Vinegar Syndrome sale when I came across this 1992 gem featuring the guy who created the Tae Bo work-out routine, I had to throw it in my cart. The random purchase of Talons of the Eagle proved indeed to be a wise move as this movie was everything I hoped it would be.
When a crime boss in Canada starts making waves in the United States, “loose cannon” martial artist DEA agent Tyler Wilson is sent to Toronto to work with vice cop martial artist Michael Reed who coincidentally is a “loose cannon too”. In a convoluted plan, the two cops enter a martial arts tournament where they catch the attention of the villainous Mr. Li who recruits them into his gang. This allows them the chance to take down the operation from the inside as long as their cover is not blown.
The cast is about what you would expect from a movie such as this. James Hong, who is nothing short of a cinematic treasure to be protected at all costs, towers over everyone else in the actual acting department. But the two leads Billy Blanks and Jalal Mehri do not need such talent, they are decorated martial arts experts and their job is to simply show that off which they do to great success. Those of us who grew up watching Blanks on fitness infomercial need to be reminded that the man is quite capable of kicking ass. Countless other movies of this ilk would have the two, at least temporarily, engage in an “alpha male”-off, but credit to Talons of the Eagle for side-stepping this cliché. Despite Tyler liking hip-hop and Michael preferring Beethoven (gasp!), the two cops put aside any differences so they can focus on beating up bad guys. Despite this there are bits of dialogue telling us there is friction between the two despite the fact we do not actually see this friction. I guess screenwriter J. Stephen Maunder was looking to amp up the tension without actually amping up the tension.
For director, Michael Kennedy, this would prove to be one of his rare jobs helming a full feature, and while he does not rock the boat he proves perfectly capable of holding the director’s chair. The look and style of Talons of the Eagle are no different from the other countless action flicks of its ilk but, composer VaRouje does elevate the score to being better than expected. Where Kennedy succeeds with flying colors, is where a movie like this should succeed, in the fight choreography and stunt work. Somehow he is able to keep the throwdowns slick and flashy yet somehow grounded in realism. It is recognized that the number game is a thing, so at time the baddies do manage to get in a cheap shot or two on Blanks and Mehri. Likewise goons do not go down after a single punch leading to brawls that are more engaging than normal. Despite this, the two martial artists still get plenty of spotlight to show what they can do.
After a brief theatrical run in a few Canadian theaters, Talons of the Eagle found a home on the shelves of countless video stores. If like myself, you find yourself with an itch to watch a fun B0grade action flick, this one will definitely scratch it with the power of the Eagle Claw. This actioner is pure stupid fun without letting up.
