FIREWALKER

US, 1986, 104 minutes, Colour.
Chuck Norris, Louis Gossett Jr, Melody Anderson, Will Sampson, John Rhys Davies.
Directed by J. Lee Thompson.

Firewalker is a Chuck Norris action adventure. However, it is played for laughs - with Norris exercising some charm and some goofy humour rather than his rather more serious action style. He is partnered with Louis Gossett Jr as his buddy. Melody Anderson makes an attractive and zesty heroine.

The film is a modern variation on King Solomon's Mines, set in Arizona and Mexico (where the film was made). It is matinee material and treated as such. Direction is by J. Lee Thompson who directed a number of excellent British films in the British films in the 50s and 60s including Tiger Bay and The Guns of Navarone, but who spent a lot of the late '70s and '80s directing over-tough Charles Bronson thrillers.

1. Popular Chuck Norris actioner? Buddy movie? The comic touch?

2. Mexican locations, special effects and stunts, the choreographing of the fights, musical score?

3. The basis of the plot in Indian and Mexican myths?

4. The Prologue, tongue-in-cheek, the slam-bang chase, the hero's being left in the desert to die, breaking the bottle and getting free? (And the reappearance of the villain in Fiji at the end?)

5. The bar, Patricia's arrival, her proposal, the shots, the scouting out of the mountain, the visit to Tall Eagle and hearing his story, his giving Patricia protection?

6. The cave, the fight with the Indians, the discovery of the knife, the Indian terrified, hurling himself down?

7. To Mexico, the town, the bar, seeking out information, the informant and his betrayal, on the train dressed as clergy and nun, anointing` the injured man, his recovery, the claim of 'miracle'? Their blessing the police? Arrival?

8. The caves, the search, the attack of Coyote, Leo left hanging, the water receding, Patricia about to the sacrificed, the fights?

9. Coyote and the sacrifice, Patricia hypnotised? Her rescue? The discovery of the gold and packing it up to take away?

10. Max and Leo, buddies, the blend of brains and charm, their misadventures, wisecracks, sharing, the bonds? Patricia and her sixth sense, dreams and visions?

11. A pleasant action comedy?