Ridley Scott's Forgotten '80s Thriller Finds New Streaming Life
A criminally underrated Ridley Scott action thriller from the 1980s starring Michael Douglas has found a new streaming home, giving audiences another chance to discover this overlooked gem.
Mention Ridley Scott's name in any film discussion, and people immediately think of his legendary masterpieces. Movies like Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, and The Martian typically steal the spotlight when discussing the acclaimed filmmaker's career. Meanwhile, other solid entries in his filmography - including G.I. Jane, Matchstick Men, and Hannibal - often get pushed to the sidelines. But there's one particular 1980s action thriller from Scott that rarely gets mentioned at all, even though it was a genuine box office success during its original release.
The Overlooked Gem in Scott's Catalog
This forgotten Michael Douglas vehicle represents an interesting chapter in Scott's diverse career, showcasing his ability to craft compelling action sequences while maintaining the visual sophistication that defines his work. The film arrived during a decade when both Scott and Douglas were establishing themselves as major forces in Hollywood, yet somehow this collaboration has been largely forgotten by mainstream audiences.
Despite its commercial success at the time, the movie has struggled to maintain the same cultural relevance as Scott's more celebrated works. Critics and fans alike have labeled it "criminally underrated," suggesting that modern viewers might find more to appreciate in this overlooked thriller than contemporary audiences initially recognized.
A Second Chance for Discovery
The film's arrival on a new streaming platform offers movie enthusiasts an opportunity to revisit or discover this hidden treasure in Scott's extensive filmography. For those familiar with the director's later acclaimed works, this earlier effort provides insight into his evolving style and demonstrates his versatility across different genres and decades.
While it may not reach the artistic heights of Scott's most celebrated films, this 1980s thriller still delivers the kind of craftsmanship and entertainment value that makes it worth experiencing at least once. The combination of Scott's direction and Douglas's star power creates a viewing experience that deserves more recognition than it has received over the years.