A good flag waving idea, poorly executed. The film almost has the opposite effect of what is intended. It intends to be a justified indictment of the M.I.A. issue, but approaches it in exploitative fashion. Norris is a one man army with seemingly limitless resources, who returns to Vietnam, actually the Philippines, to free M.I.A.s. A couple of old VC foes resurface. Some good action, suspense, and tension is offset by a weak script, like most of Norris' movies. The film moves quickly from scene to scene, changing locations frequently, which helps. Highlights include the raft scenes and an escape scene near the end. The film contains the famous preposterous Norris pose of rising out of the water, firing with weapon in hand. Enjoy it for what it is instead of what it tries to be. Contrary to what some think, Rambo was made after this movie, not before. Jean-Claude Van Damme did stunt work on this film. M. Emmet Walsh lends able support, but why on earth would he wear a Hawaiian shirt when entering a hostile country to rescue M.I.A.s? "I'll see you in Hell!" ** of 4 stars.
Review of Missing in Action
