Eliminators is a 1986 American action film directed by Peter Manoogian and starring Wesley Snipes, Tom Berenger, and Marjorie Monaghan. The film was released on August 8, 1986, by New World Pictures.
The film follows Snipes as John Tucker, a former government assassin who is targeted by his former employer. Tucker goes on the run, teaming up with a group of renegade vigilantes known as the Eliminators. Together, they must stop the government from assassinating Tucker and taking over the country.
At the danger of sounding like an old fart, I’m going to say, they really don’t make em like this anymore. It’s an expression that gets thrown around a lot and yes, people always look back to movies of their childhood through rose tinted spectacles but this movie is IT. I loved this movie in the 80’s and I still love it today, it’s aged like a fine wine for an 80’s sci-fi b-movie. The special effects are showing their age a tad (OK a lot) but who cares? It’s a wild and adventurous flick, born out of a more innocent time when when bad guys weren’t scared to look ridiculous and over the top and the good guys hadn’t a politically correct bone in their body.
The general acting standard is great, the casting dept did a great job on this one; each actor certainly looks their part and nobody let’s the show down. In particular Roy Dotrice is stellar as the menacing Dr. Reeves, the self-infatuated genius who cares for little or nothing of other people. Andrew Prine’s performance as the mercenary-boatman Harry Fontana stands out well. His character helps to bring levity and fun into the movie and Andrew looks every bit the part.
That little robotic flying thingy that Nora Hunter uses always reminded me of the old Nintendo ROB, those of you old enough to remember will probably know what I’m talking about. It’s basically a high falutin K-9 (Dr. Who stylie).
Sadly Eliminators is another 80’s gem that’s been long neglected and doesn’t have a proper DVD / blu-ray release yet. Even though it was made by the old Empire Pictures it’s MGM that now hold the rights, so God only knows when we’ll get to see a proper version of this uncut. As it stands if you can get to see this on VHS then go for it, those waiting on a proper modern release (like us) had best get writing to MGM about getting the finger out, otherwise you may be waiting for a long time.
A true b-movie classic, we love it.
Eliminators is a fast-paced, action-packed thrill ride. The cast is excellent, with Wesley Snipes leading the way. The action is non-stop, and the plot is intriguing. The film is a bit bloody, but it’s all in good fun. Eliminators is a must-see for action fans.
Synopsis
In the year 2042, the world is a very different place. Global warming has created huge amounts of desert, leaving the Earth a hot, dry, and hostile place. In the midst of all this, a group of criminals have created a new form of entertainment: the Eliminators.
The Eliminators are a group of people who hunt down and kill other people for sport. They use high-tech weaponry and are very skilled in hand-to-hand combat. They are also very ruthless, and will kill anyone who gets in their way.
The Eliminators are hired by a wealthy man named Simon (played by Andrew Stevens) to kill a rival businessman. Simon also hires a group of mercenaries to protect him from the Eliminators.
The Eliminators soon find out who their target is, and begin to stalk him. They eventually corner him in a parking garage, and a fierce battle ensues. The man is able to hold his own against the Eliminators, but is eventually outnumbered and killed.
With their target dead, the Eliminators turn their attention to the mercenaries. They begin to pick them off one by one, using their skills and weaponry to kill them all.
In the end, only two people are left alive: Simon and one of the mercenaries. Simon is wounded, but the mercenary is able to get him to safety. The movie ends with the two of them looking out over the desolated Earth, knowing that the Eliminators will be back.
Movie Details
Director: Peter Manoogian
Writer: Peter Manoogian
Actors: Denise Crosby, Patrick Kilpatrick, John P. Ryan
Release Year: 1986