Just because I’m crazy enough, I will do the impossible.
I will compare ‘Rage’ with Gary Daniels with Scorsese’s ‘Raging Bull’ (1980) starring the iconic Robert De Niro.
There are only two obvious reasons to do this, the first one being that both movies contain ‘rage’ in their titles and they both revolve around raging characters.
The second reason is the fact that I love both movies even though they are completely different like for instance a giraffe and a koala are.
In truth, both movies are awesome in their own genre.
‘Raging Bull’ is an all-time mainstream sports classic, whereas ‘Rage’ is an excellent b-rated action flick.
Also and most importantly, they are both very entertaining in their own way, even though they are on totally different layers.
Ok, enough on this ludicrous comparison!
There is no need for Gary Daniels to be a raging bull like Robert De Niro to kick ass.
Even without being enraged, he is doing it just fine in all of his movies.
In ‘Rage’ (1995) however, Gary is probably at his best.
This is arguably his best movie so far in terms of stunts, action and martial arts scenes.
The action literally never stops and it is really jaw-dropping and well-done for the standards of a 1995 direct-to-video actioner.
Also, the acting is so bad that it is super amusing.
Contents
The Plot
The so-called storyline is just an excuse for the huge quantity of action but that is just fine.
In the heart of the story lies the second-grade school teacher Alex Gainer who lives an idyllic life with his family.
One sunny day, he is kidnapped in order to become a lab rat.
A corporate scientific organization that performs laboratory tests for illegal purposes, injects him with a lethal chemical that provokes high levels of rage.
The whole purpose is to create super soldiers.
Somehow, Alex manages to escape from the lab and goes on a search for the antidote that can save his life.
In order to catch him, the mad scientists proclaim him as a dangerous fugitive and quickly Alex becomes a framed enemy of the state, chased by the government and the criminal scientific organization.
In brief, the action flick shows us that it is highly recommended to practice martial arts and to be able to shoot with AK-47, even though your life is devoted to the education of minors.
Not bad, huh?
Cast and Crew:
The movie is directed by the skilled director Joseph Merhi, known for funny action flicks such as ‘Last Man Standing’ (1995) with Jeff Wincott and ‘Final Impact’ (1992) with Lorenzo Lamas.
Besides Gary Daniels who plays the teacher Alex Gainer, the other actors taking part in the film are…not important.
That’s right. No known names in the cast so I rather won’t bother you with superfluous information.
This is a Funny Action Movie Because
‘Rage’ contains plenty of martial arts stunts with Gary Daniels and many other infamous actors (whose acting is very bad) beaten by him.
It is also infested with impressive car chases, huge explosions, an absurd storyline and of course, the so common for such kind of movies action fun.
Be sure that there are also many of those hilarious noisy punch slap fights that are as realistic as the world of Narnia.
After watching this movie you will start looking on the teachers with a different eye.
Who would suppose that a tutor is capable of such lethal actions like kicking, boxing, shooting with AK-47, jumping from high buildings and beating prostitutes?!
Alex Gainer constantly runs to various extremes.
Watching him perform such dangerous stunts makes you puzzling how a small-town teacher knows this kind of navy seal stuff?!
It is so funny and absurd to see Alex Gainer standing in a classroom in front of small innocent children, explaining to the kids what is a monkey and just a few minutes later, he transforms into a killing machine.
He unleashes all his hidden fighting potential, trapped in the walls of teaching.
Later on, we see the educated teacher hanging from a skyscraper, driving a truck while shooting all around and performing impossible stunts.
Sure enough, he enjoys these new abilities only because of the serum running in his veins, which provokes rage.
Without it, he cannot even kill a fly or shout at people’s faces.
Joking apart, Gary Daniels makes all the scenes very intense and entertaining.
The ending scene in the mall is very fast paced, action packed, and with an unbelievable kill count.
At the very emotional end of the movie, you might want to shed a tear of joy, happiness and love, while watching Alexe’s little students visiting him in the hospital and giving him presents-a pig toy and flowers.
How sweet!
He is again a carrying husband, teacher and loving father.
The deadly assassination machine is forever gone, along with all his fighting skills shortly after taking the antidote.
Yeah, gimme a break.
Conclusion
‘Rage’ is surprisingly good and entertaining, even though it is a funny action movie.
It is rare to see such masterful execution of stunts and action scenes in a b-rated martial arts action film.
Joseph Merhi’s film delivers great fun and unstoppable, heart-pounding action scenes.
If you are a fan of martial arts and Gary Daniels, then you should definitely try this one, trust me.
Summary
‘Rage’ is one of the best direct-to-video hits of the 90’s. A must-see for every dedicated action fan.
Do you know better direct to video movies than ‘Rage’? Leave a comment below and share this post!