Okay so nowadays with so many films coming out it in the cinemas and so quickly (so it feels) being transformed to DVD, it is becoming really hard to figure out what films are worth watching. This is especially troublesome for the action film junkie as so many similar scenes have been used over again and that thirst for newer, fresher and much more original material remains parched! HOWEVER have no fear as here is a list of some action films that are original in their own right and contain unique ‘tough guy’ scenes that action film lovers should still be watching today. Don’t worry, I won’t bore you with endless analytical approaches to these films JUST the reasons why you should watch!
So here goes…
1. The Last Boy Scout
Year: 1991
Director: Tony Scott
IMDb rating: 6.9
Trailer: http://youtu.be/UbASN5yCgAI
Reasons to watch?!
This film really does epitomise the happy-slap action style off films, containing unique scenes of action, tough guy lines and the typical “Go F*** Yourself” attitude exhibited by Willis in his early days. Bruce Willis plays Joe Hallenbeck, a rugged and somewhat troublesome private detective (similar to Die Hard) teams up with Jimmy Dix (Damon Wayans) to solve a murder involving himself and another upstanding member of the community. The same director of this film also produced such master pieces like ‘Man on Fire’ (2004) starring Denzel Washington, also praised for its authentic approach towards realistic action and the relationships between the main characters and their peers.
2. Bulletproof
Year: 1996
Director: Ernest R. Dickerson
IMDb rating: 5.8
Trailer: http://youtu.be/RzVGlzm2geE
Plot summary
In this other film from the ’90s Damon Wayans (Keats) sees himself infiltrating the lower levels of a drug smuggling gang, making an unexpected criminal friend in Adam Sandler (Archie Moses) whilst on the job. However, this relationship goes south once Sandler realises the truth and comedy and action ensues when Wayans has to escort his perp, Sandler to a safe police district whilst evading their pursuers.
Reasons to watch
Whilst on the road together, the relationship between the two characters both develops and diminishes and the comedy scenes in this film are both original and laughter-provoking. The story line is also very capturing, revealing the reasons for the distrust between protagonists the near swapping of roles and good/bad attitudes portrayed by Wayans and Sandler. And of course, the action scenes are very engaging and frequent leaving you wanting more but satisfying those needs to see gun-toting, explosive scenes!
Best scene for me?
On the road, these two protagonists find themselves sharing a honeymoon suite in one of those stereotypical love-in bed and breakfasts in some deserted town. In this scene Sandler pretends to come onto the somewhat socially uncomfortable and experienced male receptionist using most encouraging words- ‘sandwich action’. This scene and many others had me in stitches and I’m sure you would love this film as much as I did.
3. The Marine
Year: 2006
Director: John Bonito
IMDb rating: 4.6
Trailer: http://youtu.be/xSpqXC3V7iw
Reasons to watch?!
So during the early noughties movie viewers were witness to many wrestler to action star conversions (thank you Dwayne Johnson) and many of these conversions failed due to the doubtful attitudes of the movie audiences. However, this particular film, despite it’s rather low IMDb rating was actually pretty good. The action scenes were original, the story line wasn’t actually that bad and John Cena (John Triton) made a very good typical buffed-up action star. The bad guy in this film, Rome played by Robert Patrick or as we know him as the Terminator sent to kill John Connor in the second terminator film, played an excellent evil doer. The use of this familiar face engages the audience well and adds some familiarity to the audience to a film not very well known.
4. The Raid: Redemption
Year: 2011
Director: Gareth Evans
IMDb rating: 7.6
Trailer: http://youtu.be/6f6f_kfp1Z8
Reasons to watch
So this film made by Sony Pictures which takes place in Jakarta, to me seemed somewhat underrated. In the United Kingdom this film was not very well publicised however among the film community had earned itself several film awards! This film sees a crack police squad in Jakarta infiltrate a high rise building full of organised crime affiliates overrun by drugs, armed weapons and degradation all operated by a big- boss figure. The martial arts in this film Silat was a fine addition to the action film genre as this provided fresh action scenes which most film audiences had never seen before. Also for you Bruce Lee fans, this film has a somewhat modern feel to the classic Big Boss film which help make Bruce lee famous.
5. Alex Cross
Year: 2012
Director: Rob Cohen
IMDb rating: 5.1
Trailer: http://youtu.be/wXtRKrcPwKE
Why watch this?
This film sees James Patterson’s novels come to life depicting Alex Cross; a by the book detective turned renegade in order to capture the ingenious assassin who killed his wife. This is not just a ‘let’s blow things up’ action film like the examples I have given before, but rather a unique detective story which encompasses good action sequences and interesting plot twists which keeps audiences very attentive in this action thriller. Also the main killer in this film Picasso played very well by Matthew Fox gives a more eerie feel to the nature of killing rather than a cash for kill business and has intrinsic links into the psychotic nature of Picasso.
6. The Last Stand
Year: 2013
Director: Kim-Ji Woon
IMDb rating: 6.4
Trailer: http://youtu.be/0yMc9h3h9bs
Another Schwarzenegger film? Any good?
So Bodybuilding and tough guy legend Arnold Schwarzenegger nowadays has a slight reputation for being a somewhat geriatric in the eye of cinema goers, however he shows he has still got it in this later version of cop action. In this film Arnold plays an ex DEA honcho turned small turn sheriff who finds himself in the cross hairs of a prolific cartel member and has to defend his town. As you would expect Schwarzenegger exhibits the same tough guy exterior found in most of his films, however if you are looking for a happy run of the mill action film to keep you sated on an evening then this film is for you. The car chase scenes in this film are very unique and even though Arnold is considered as geriatric, he certainly shows age is just a number in this action special.
7. Homefront
Year: 2013
Director: Gary Fleder
IMDb rating: 6.6
Screenplay: SYLVESTER STALLONE
Trailer: http://youtu.be/tjSOj8b804U
Yep that is right, action cinema hero Sly Stallone was the influence and brains behind this should be action classic!
In this rather new addition to the action film genre, Phil Broker (Jason Statham) detaches himself from his high DEA position to better his and his daughters lives in the bayous of the southern states. However, once one of the Red-neck drug manufacturers finds out who he is, things turn for the worse when another crime syndicate is notified.
This film is littered with amazing action sequences and the storyline is also something that keeps you going just when you think you have pre-seen what’s going to happen. From start to finish you are launched into this characters life and feel compassion for him and and his daughters security which keeps you glued to the screen and as usual Statham mixes good quality action sequences with good standard acting.
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to like and post!
Sources include YouTube and IMDb
M.Palk 
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