Menu Search

Archive: It's Impact's Top Ten from 1994...

12th December 2014

In this week's look back at the Impact archives, we go back to the November 1994 issue where Impact named it's top 10 action movies...

Top ten list in Impact magazine November 1994Top ten lists are always subjective. In this field, the goalposts are particularly illdefined. What IS an 'action' movie? If it's a film that features a memorable villain and a whole slew of stunts and special effects, then the Nightmare on Elm Street films should be classified as belonging to the genre. If it's a movie with a charismatic lead and thrill-a-minute combat sequences, then Top Gun would qualify. Our definition of what makes a GREAT action flick is as follows:

(1) Powerful leading man

(2) Credibly mad, bad and dangerous villain

(3) State of the art stunt sequences and

(4) If possible, a 'message', or at least personal elements to appeal to the softer side of the psyche.

With these distinctive details laid down, here's a highly-personalised Impact rundown of the highest flyers of high concept:

10 - Hard Target

Under-appreciated, under-reviewed and under-played at the box office, John Woo's American debut provided a surprisingly accurate recreation of the finest elements of his Hong Kong work. Surprisingly few critics picked up on the tragi-ironic undertones of the piece. Our own Ian Fryer provided the film with its best written review, in which he managed to see beyond the surface flashes and bangs, impressive though they are. Van Damme at his best. Will he ever look so good again?

9 - True Lies

At number 9 with a bullet (or a thousand), the film that out-Bonds 007. Earlier hits like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Lethal Weapon and Die Hard all borrowed elements from the best of the Bonds, but True Lies is the first film to go head-to-head with the now sadly defunct 007 series. Arnold goes On The President's Secret Service, supplied with the latest and greatest stunts and special effects by hitmeister James Cameron.

8 - Goldfinger

Probably the best of the Bonds, and perhaps the most influential actioner of all time. Had a profound effect on later film-makers like Spielberg, Cameron and Joel Silver. THE 007, Sean Connery, at his best, the Aston Martin, Oddjob and girls 'n' gimmicks galore. All the film's elements have been updated time and time again in subsequent super-thrillers.

7 - Enter the Dragon

The one martial arts movie that EVERYONE has seen. Like so many action films, draws its inspiration from a James Bond movie, in this case Dr No. The brief, bright moment of Bruce Lee, and of director Robert Clouse, who made nothing memorable before or since. Its particular charisma is evident from the fact that no-one has come close to matching it. Its hand-to-hand combat scenes still make those of current actioners like Batman and the Lethal Weapon films seem old-fashioned!

To read the rest of this article and gain access to all previous articles you need to have a subscription to Impact Extra. Sign up to Impact extra now and get a one month free trial.

Impact Extra Subscription - One month free trial!

Unlimited & unrestricted access to all the Impact Extra content all the time.

Sign up now and get a one month free trial!

Find out more about Impact Extra

View Subscription Options

Cookies: We are required by law to tell you this website uses cookies. We assume by using this site you agree to this. Click here to read more or click here to hide this message.