This movie could have been worse, but there is still a lot of silly business. The idea of teaching cops karate in one or two lessons to defend themselves against a cop killer who is an expert is obviously not going to work. Of course, it is also obvious that the actors, such as Jennifer o'Neill, do not really know how to handle a gun, but you can see that annoying flaw in contemporary movies and TV as well (although some series and movies have gotten better about that).
Clu Gulager gives a bizarre, scenery-munching performance that makes Chuck Norris look like a master of subtlety in contrast. Ms. O'Neill is so laid-back she seems mousy. Other members of the cast are a mixed bag. I almost didn't recognize a young Eric Laneauville as Norris's adopted son. (Don't ask.) He was pretty good in this thankless role. (He has continued to act occasionally, but in 1984 he also began directing television, and has been a prolific director ever since, from "St. Elsewhere" to "Lost" to "The Mentalist".)
I watched with closed captions (provided by Paramount) and some of them are funny: lines are sometimes left out or summarized rather than accurately presented; Mexican music is identified as Spanish music but they also correctly identify the language in which the musicians are singing as Spanish; the staff at the Inchon Restaurant which must surely be Korean are described as speaking Japanese.)
A nice touch throughout much of the movie are the reminders that Christmas in southern California is a warm weather holiday.
Clu Gulager gives a bizarre, scenery-munching performance that makes Chuck Norris look like a master of subtlety in contrast. Ms. O'Neill is so laid-back she seems mousy. Other members of the cast are a mixed bag. I almost didn't recognize a young Eric Laneauville as Norris's adopted son. (Don't ask.) He was pretty good in this thankless role. (He has continued to act occasionally, but in 1984 he also began directing television, and has been a prolific director ever since, from "St. Elsewhere" to "Lost" to "The Mentalist".)
I watched with closed captions (provided by Paramount) and some of them are funny: lines are sometimes left out or summarized rather than accurately presented; Mexican music is identified as Spanish music but they also correctly identify the language in which the musicians are singing as Spanish; the staff at the Inchon Restaurant which must surely be Korean are described as speaking Japanese.)
A nice touch throughout much of the movie are the reminders that Christmas in southern California is a warm weather holiday.