Under the lens takes a deep look at films by focusing in on one or two particular areas of the picture that helped to define it for better or for worse. Spoilers will be included in this review.
Tango & Cash is a 1989 action-comedy picture starring Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell that follows them as a mismatched LAPD crime-fighting duo has to put its differences aside after being framed by their ruthless arch-nemesis and must even the score with the evil kingpin who put them behind bars once and for all.
Under The Lens: Action and Villain
Action: Tango & Cash was doing its best to play off of Lethal Weapon, which had released a few years before, and Tango & Cash starred two of the biggest action stars in the world at the time, thus action is a must. Thankfully for as many faults as the film has it delivers in the action, we get massive set pieces, complete with heavy earthmovers, missiles, military miniguns, bombs, and tens of thousands of rounds of ammo expended in the final third act. The action is heavy and over the top, but this fits well with the style of the film and its stars.
Villain: Every film needs a bad guy! Filling the roll in Tango & Cash is screen legend Jack Palance as the evil mastermind Yves Perret. Perret is a drug and gun runner who makes it his goal to frame Tang and Cash to get them out of the way. Palance plays the role with all the flair of a Bond villain, Perret plays and kisses mice, has long monologues and crafts a long complicated plan to frame Tango and Cash, and is even asked many times why he is making the plan so complex. In the end, though Jack Palance looks to be having a ball hamming it up, and the picture is stronger for it.
Highlights
The final confrontation with Perret in a room full of mirrors was clever and well constructed, while it should have been longer, it was creative.
The chemistry between Sylvester Stallone and Kurt Russell is palpable, they seem to be having a great time together.
The whole sequence in the prison and escape was well shot and thrilling.
Quotable Quote
Yves Perret: Ah, the infamous Cash and Tango. Dishonored. Imprisoned. Such a shameful fall from glory.
Something to think about
Which picture did you enjoy more? Tango & Cash or Lethal Weapon? Both are very similar and star the same type of police archetypes.
Conclusion
Tango & Cash was not well received upon release and bombed at the box office, yet over the years it has gained a cult following from those who appreciate its action set pieces, chemistry between the two stars, and outlandish premise. It falls into the “So bad its good” category, that being said its action is well done and very exciting with lots of practical effects and one-liners. Tango & Cash asks you to turn in your brain at the door and enjoy it for what it was, a shameless rip off of Lethal Weapon that was not afraid to get even crazier and more violent than Riggs and Murtaugh.