Megaforce (1982)

"Oh, I just wanted to say good-bye and remind you that the good guys always win, even in the eighties.", 16 July 2017

I can't be 100% sure, but I may have been part of the $5 million gross when Megaforce was released in 1982. It seems like something I would have been standing in line to see. I'm sure I didn't care for it with the horrible plot, ridiculously silly futuristic vehicles, and lame attempts at comedy. Now, however, I find it terribly entertaining. It's filled with more 80s cheesy goodness than one movie should have a right to.

Megaforce stars Barry Bostwick as Commander Ace Hunter, the leader of a quick deployment special force. He is a total hoot throughout the film and looks like he's having a blast. He's in on the joke - none of this is to be taken seriously. And how could you take Hunter seriously with perfect blown dried hair and an outfit that looks like he's headed to an Olivia Newton John video shoot. His jokes and one-liners are grown-worthy, but in a good way. He's the most non-military commander put on film.

Bostwisk is joined by the scene-chewing Edward Mulhare and Persis Khambatta and Michael Beck, neither of whom seem to realize this thing is a mess and play it straight. Finally, the main cast is rounded out by one of my favs, Henry Silva. He looks like he's having a lot of fun playing the crazed Duke Guerera.

I admit that the first 30 minutes or so can be a bit dry. There's a lot of talking about stuff that doesn't make sense and that no one really cares about. We're here for the futuristic military vehicles (dune buggies and motorcycles with a cheap fiberglass overlay), the explosions (and there are plenty of those), and the laughable special effects (the flying motorcycle must be seen to be believed - one of the most ludicrous looking things I've ever seen). This is what makes Megaforce so much fun.

I know that a movie like Megaforce isn't for everyone. I'm not ever sure I enjoy the way director Hal Needham of Smokey and the Bandit fame intended. But enjoy it I do. A 7/10 from me.

7/10