Bullet Points: Final Round
One of the least dangerous ideas for a producer looking to make an action movie is to make one based on “The Most Dangerous Game”. The concept of humans being the hunted while the rich and sadistic profit is a proven winner that can stand right along side the Die Hard and Walking Tall clones of the action movie world.
Lorenzo Lamas had his opportunity to play “The Most Dangerous Game” in 1994’s Final Round…
- Somebody’s Watching Me: After the opening credits we see some poor soul who finds himself being hunted and it is obvious, he is not going to make it. We also get to see a bit of the operation that beams this version of “The Most Dangerous Game” around the world and the quasi call center that takes all the gambling action from those watching … The movie then cuts to a gym where we see Tyler Verdiccio (Lorenzo Lamas, Renegade) in the boxing ring and living up to his reputation as one of the top local middleweight fighters and teaching the cocky Carlos a lesson… but we aren’t the only ones that see Tyler doing his thing, Jordan (Kathleen Kinmont, Final Impact) walks in and seems impressed with Tyler’s skills… later that day when Tyler is at his motorcycle repair shop working on a bike with his shirt off, busty Jordan rolls up on her own bike and starts flirting with Tyler, next thing you know these two have plans to meet later that evening at Cecil’s Pub.
- Freakshow on the Dance Floor: Tyler shows up in his best overalls (with only one strap buckled) and he spots Jordan on the dance floor… but then he spots some not so gentlemen start harassing Jordan. Tyler goes over and delivers a verbal warning, but when they don’t heed his words he gets physical and the long standing bar fight rule is adhered to. I was a big fan of Tyler picking up a guy and holding him up so the dude’s head got thumped repeatedly by the running ceiling fan (it was more believable than the ceiling fan scene in Superfights). Jordan was a big fan of Tyler coming to her defense and invites him back to her place where the two engage in a lengthy lovemaking scene, complete with plenty of Kathleen Kinmont boobs… but before Tyler can finish, some dude sneaks in and injects Tyler with something that knocks him out… did Jordan set Tyler up?!?
- Danger Zone: Tyler wakes up in a holding cell of sorts, with his head on Jordan’s lap (so I guess she didn’t set him up?!?!) discombobulated as to where he is and what is happening. Also in the cell is former running back/current house painter Trevon (or Mad Dog to his friends), who is loudly looking for answers. After some back and forth between the three, the conversation is interrupted by a heavy who takes the incarcerated trio to see the boss… Mr. Jon Delgado (Anthony De Longis, Masters of the Universe). Delgado lays everything out for the “huntees” in this most dangerous game and introduces them to the five hunters that will be chasing them all over the La Mirada Industrial Complex… a battleground that is 2 miles long, a half a mile wide and surrounded by an electrified fence. Tyler says he’s going to survive Delgado’s game and then he is going to come looking for him!
- Moneytalks: As the game begins, Trevon armed with a giant lead pipe decides to go his own way… but when Tyler and Jordan hear him in trouble they go to his aid and I was an even bigger fan of what was about to happen. Tyler steps in and uses the nearby industrial sized exhaust fan to off one of the hunters… this is a first in the history of the game. But another first is about to happen, Delgado’s former boss Mr. Munro, decides to jump on this opportunity to screw with his former protégé and he wants to bet on Tyler… the game has officially changed and the more hunters that go down, the more the usually confident Delgado begins to sweat… “if” Tyler wins Delgado is going to have to deal with him coming after him and because of the gambling odds, Delgado will not be able to cover Munro’s bet… a desperate Delgado is about to do some desperate things!
There was little that was surprising about Final Round.. that’s not a slight against the movie, but you know what you are getting with a “Most Dangerous Game” inspired action movie. And if you are like me and have seen your fair share of Lorenzo Lamas movies, you also know what you are getting with Lorenzo as your leading man. The only surprise for me was Anthony De Longis in a more prominent role than I am accustomed to seeing him in and the fact his character’s weapon of choice was a bullwhip was pretty sweet.
How about a round of Bonus Bullet Points on me?
- AKA: Final Round was also released as Human Target.
- Out of Context Quote: “Next time, that little white butt of yours is mine!” – Carlos
- Familiar Face: Ian Jacklin of Expert Weapon and Death Match fame played the eye patch wearing Marco, one of the five hunters.
- Arabella Is That You? Quote: “Go screw yourself dingleberry!” – Jordan
- If You Ever: …wanted to hear Lorenzo Lamas admit to being a big Chuck Norris fan, then Final Round is the movie for you.
- Favorite Quote: “Nice boots.” – Marco