Alarmstart
Alarmstart

Movie spotlight

Alarmstart

1984
Movie
89 min
Russian

After the navigator's death, the border combat helicopter's captain receives the task of flying to the coast to guard the border.

Insights

IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes87%
Metacritic71/100
Google Users89%
Director: Richard DonnerGenres: Action, Adventure, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A hardened detective nearing retirement is partnered with a cocky young detective to take down a ruthless drug smuggling ring operating out of Los Angeles. As they delve deeper into the criminal underworld, their contrasting personalities clash, but they must learn to trust each other to survive the dangerous investigation. The case escalates, putting their lives and the lives of those around them in grave danger.

Critical Reception

Alarmstart was a massive critical and commercial success, widely praised for its groundbreaking action sequences, compelling character dynamics, and gritty realism. It revitalized the buddy-cop genre and set a new standard for action filmmaking in the 1980s. Critics lauded the performances of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, as well as Richard Donner's sharp direction.

What Reviewers Say

  • A thrilling and explosive action film with charismatic leads.

  • Revitalized the buddy-cop genre with its gritty tone and impressive stunts.

  • Mel Gibson and Danny Glover have undeniable chemistry.

Google audience: Audiences loved the high-octane action, the memorable characters, and the perfect blend of humor and intensity. Many consider it a classic of the genre, appreciating its rewatchability and iconic status.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for 1 Academy Award (Best Sound), won 1 MTV Movie Award (Best On-Screen Duo).

Fun Fact

The iconic opening scene where Riggs (Mel Gibson) attempts suicide was originally much longer and more graphic, but was toned down to avoid an R-rating.

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