Ruckus (1981)

Very different & very of its time but a great film none the less

I got to say I only ever seen Dirk as Face, Starbuck and in Alaska however this was an entirely different role and though First Blood literally stole this whole film.

This really is a gem, great casting and comedy, a simple story that works on all levels without having what the Bruchiemers etc would do with it today, the chemistry between the two leads was awesome there commentary that went with the DVD made it worth the buy & I got to say for the 1980's this film really has stood the test of time very well.

A refreshing change for Dirk Benedict & put it this way Face was in the making here! Good film & one worth keeping & it also dealt really well with Vietnam again DB rose to the occasion along with his co-stars.

Nice work all round & because of its humanity & grittiness is actually way better than First Blood a rare find & great for the humour as well! October 9, 2006

What's the Ruckus?

I saw this in the early 1980s. I beleive after I saw "First Blood" at theater and this as a video store rental, I then realized it came out pre-Stallone version. This version is family friendly as it has hardly anything near violence. Exceptional cast with Dirk Benedict, Linda Blair, Ben Johnson, Matt Clark, and others you will recognize. Mostly comical and plenty of action. It is more like watching the "Dukes of Hazzard" than "First Blood". I recommend you buy it immediately if you want the DVD as it seems the first editions are about sold out so it may go out of print for awhile since sales haven't been great because this is a sleeper of a movie. I mean that it is not well known, because half the junk coming out on DVD does put me to sleep, this movie is great fun to watch. I ordered my DVD since they only have a few copies left.

The story is a Viet Nam vet is travelling by hitchhiking across country. He is wearing his Special Forces jacket from the Army. When he enters a small town he is harassed by some locals looking to pick on someone. In more of a self defence move than a threatening action he beats the bullies up and flee's the town. They chase after him into the woods where he sets traps that slow them down in funny ways rather than the deadly variety in "First Blood". Although the Viet Nam war was becoming unpopular back in the late 60s to early 70s, the irony here is small town folks were not the ones that would treat a vet this way. That might have happened in a large city, but this movie implausible or not since "First Blood" is definitely implausable, this movie is very entertaining. The DVD quality is excellent and includes a commentary in the way of extras. T

Addendum: This DVD has gone out of print. Do not pay more than $15.00 for it. It was selling for about $9.00 or less before it went out of print. Anyone wanting more than around $15-20 is just being excessively greedy. I am sure it will become available again. You may be able to rent it until then. - C. Luster September 5, 2006

My search is over

I seen this movie several years ago on VHS. I have wanted it ever since. My search is now over. What a great action movie without all the blood. A great love story without all the mushy stuff. And a great comedy without all the stupid stuff. This movie is the total package. I can not believe it did not do better than it did! March 4, 2003

Love to make a ruckus

This movie was my absolute favorite way back then. Haven't seen it on video until recently. It still kept my attention after all the years. The story is very believable, and who wouldn't fall in love with Linda in this movie. Dirk was great too. A very real character knowing some of my vet friends. Made me wish I was him.
All in all, a great way to spend the evening watching this movie. January 15, 2003

a private war

If you like action movies, but don't like a lot of carnage, this is the one for you! A simple story of a Vietnam Vet who comes through town only to get picked on by the local "good ole boys" and ends up in a small-scale war with them, it's also humorous. Linda Blair gives a credible performance as the young widow of another vet whose father is the local rich guy. Her small son is a doll and the whole movie is one that most anyone in the family would enjoy. For once, the sheriff in the small town is not the bad guy (although his deputy isn't all that likeable!) and the action is not dependant on murder and mayhem--but lots of stuff gets blown up and there are enough shots fired to please action film lovers. It's a great movie! September 5, 2002

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