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Reviews
Runaway (1984)
FX are key
Many of the comments here say that the special effects of this movie are laughable. On this point I must disagree.
This movie is science fiction regarding a very near future where humans use robots in their everyday lives. Looking at the state of robotics today, the robots seen in this film are more likely than any seen in other science fiction films (such as Bishop in Aliens or C3PO). This film takes a good look at what robotics and its limitations are and portrays its robots in a realistic way that may not suit those inundated with concepts of the totally, fluid, human like robot.
As for the film itself, it is a straightforward story with very little twists or surprises. Just the story of a cop breaking a case and taking the bad guy down. However, it is enjoyable to watch and I would give it a 7 out of 10.
Silent Hunter (1995)
More Wood in actors than in Forest
There are few movies in which all actors can be said to be wooden. This is one of them. Even the kids at the birthday party at the beginning seem to be reading of cue cards. Have you ever seen kids look enthusiastic when they really are not? Here is your chance. The only actor who brings any presence to the film is Fred Williamson, veteran actor of blaxploitation classics such as Black Ceaser. He reprises these roles right here, in particular the swinging ladies' man.
The plot basically revolves around an ex-seal and cop nearly gets killed after watching three criminals kill his daughter and wife in Miami. He recovers and moves to be a hermit-like mountain man in some northern state. Until, as in such movies often happens, the criminals come to that VERY SAME town and he gets the chance to extract his revenge.
Despite poor sound, poor action, wooden acting, and implausible set-ups. Here is where this film breaks down. It takes two-thirds of the movie to set up the avenger hunting them down one-by-one. The wrap-up is too fast, he needs Fred to take them down, and it elicits sympathy for the crazed killers in much the same way other thrillers make you care for innocent victims. The only high part is the cheesy 80s power ballad as our hero walks away triumphant, but suddenly alone (what happened to Fred?).