Review of Cliffhanger (1993) by Anthony G — 06 Aug 2017

When I first saw this film back in 1993 on cinema release I was blown away by the cinematography of the mountain locations that added impetus to the stuntwork and action scenes.

Some of that impact is lost on the small screen but the film still is an action packed thriller with plenty of great set pieces including a stunt that cost over $1 million back in 1993!

Sylvester Stallone is the main star as mountain rescuer Gabe Walker. Stallone still packs a punch (as in the Rocky franchise) and his mangled physique of later films hasn't kicked in!

The cast also includes the old guy (now no longer with us) of the television series The Waltons as a fellow rescuer or helicopter pilot Frank and John Lithgow in a delightful performance as the main villain Qualen.

I found a henchman quite laughable. The cockney character played by Craig Fairbrass who some people may remember as Dan Sullivan off the UK TV soap Eastenders.

The stunt work is a delight (provided by veterans of the James Bond films) and Stallone gave up some of his salary to ensure stunt work could be funded.

1993 was a good year for Stallone and was probably his last great year as an action heavyweight before he frankly became embarrassingly old.

The film perhaps finds some motivation from films like The Eiger Sanction and itself went on to provide impetus to Vertical Limit.

An entertaining film.