Plot: A stunt driver (Michael Madsen) heading for prison on a minor charge is freed against his will by a terrorist gang. Then by kidnapping his wife, he is forced to drive a getaway car in a plot to kidnap the President from a motorcade.
After the passing of Michael Madsen yesterday, I wanted to loo look back at one of my favourite PM Entertainment movies – Executive Target starring Madsen as incarcerated stunt driver Nick James, Roy Scheider as The President of the United States, Keith David on villain duties and Angie Everhart.
It has the amazingly over the top story of Madsen being broken out of prison and forced to be the getaway driver from a bank heist; then he has to help kidnap the President, All in all not the best day for him. Keith David’s villain Lamar lives in an amazing Bond villain style lair where he plans his nefarious deeds. It’s also where he keeps Nick’s wife to ensure Nick does what he’s told.
What ensues is 86 minutes of non-stop action and as this is PM Entertainment the car chases are spectacular with the entire opening 15 minutes one big chase sequence. There are regular explosions and shoot-outs too making this a well-paced and hugely entertaining movie.
The character of Ripple (Gareth Williams) is insufferable and thankfully he gets take out quite quickly. Keith David makes for a fun antagonist and Angie Everhart manages to be quite unhinged too.
There is also a small role for Matthias Hues, who sadly is only in it a few seconds before getting shot so he’s essentially a glorified extra in it. He apparently asked director Joseph Merhi that his character be killed off in the film, but I’m not sure why.
Nick’s friend Bella (Dayton Callie) is an odd character with all his sex toys, but he comes in useful towards the end during the final rescue.
In terms of dialogue there isn’t much that’s memorable, but its serviceable to move the plot along. The story is so bonkers it’s hard not to love and you can’t go wrong with Roy Scheider as The President; he just feels natural in the role.
The music score also features some awesome electric guitar which immediately makes any movie better.
Overall, Executive Target is packed with action including spectacular car chases, explosions and shoot-outs with Michael Madsen at his ice cool best and an entertaining supporting cast too.
R.I.P Michael and Roy. You are already missed.