Lone Wolf McQuade (1983)

This modest but solid action programmer isn't as strong as its cult reputation suggests but it is one of the better entries from Chuck Norris' early-'80s action-star heyday. The story of Lone Wolf McQuade strives to reconfigure the mythology of the Western to fit modern action film standards but hits a few stumbling blocks: The villain never really has a clear-cut plan against the hero or real motivation to clash with McQuade and the female characters are both sketchily written and poorly integrated into the narrative. The acting is also hit and miss: The reliable cast of character actors lend the film solid support (L.Q. Jones is the standout in this area) but Norris is wooden in some scenes and Carrera and Kimmell turn in melodramatic performances that only reinforce the flimsiness of their roles. Despite these problems, Lone Wolf McQuade remains worth a look for Norris fans thanks to its accent on action; director Steve Carver compensates for the film's lack of compelling drama with a steady stream of well-choreographed action sequences, usually set to the over-the-top strains of Francesco de Masi's spaghetti Western-styled score. The best of these scenes is the climactic fight between Norris and David Carradine -- it's melodramatic to the point of being kitschy but still pretty impressive stuff nonetheless. All in all, Lone Wolf McQuade's mediocre narrative might put off some viewers but its high action quotient makes it worthwhile for Norris' cult following. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide