Search & Destroy

Search & Destroy (1981)

Genres - Action, Adventure, War, Thriller  |   Sub-Genres - Martial Arts, War Drama  |   Release Date - Jun 5, 1981 (USA)  |   Run Time - 93 min.  |   Countries - United States  |   MPAA Rating - PG
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Review by Jeremy Wheeler

There's nothing really too special about Search and Destroy, other than its overtly masculine themes and wealth of gorgeous settings provided by the Niagara Falls. There's no real style to be had, nor does anything come off as truly exciting; but strangely, it's still an engaging ride with likeable leads and a pace that keeps things rolling. Just one look at the film will make you wish that Perry King took the tough guy angle more -- because he manages to pull the whole thing off really well. Hardened to the point of ridiculousness, but somehow instilling just enough earnestness that you believe he's just that gruff, King oozes a macho charisma that was never achieved by him after the film -- which is too bad. George Kennedy also appears in a supporting role, lending some credence to the cast and pulling off a refreshingly unconventional cop role at the same time. Search and Destroy isn't high art, nor does it carry anything to single it out from the hoards of other actioners from this time, but it is better than you'd think and worth it to catch King before '80s television got hold of him.