Raw Deal, released in theaters on June 6, 1986, delivers exactly what fans expected from an Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle of the era: a relentless barrage of gunfire, a no-nonsense protagonist, and a straightforward, satisfying revenge plot. The film is a solid, albeit unpretentious, entry in the action genre that provides plenty of explosive entertainment.
The story centers on Mark Kaminsky (Schwarzenegger), a former FBI agent now working as a small-town sheriff, exiled due to an incident of excessive force.
When the son of his old FBI friend, Harry Shannon (Darren McGavin), is killed by a ruthless mob boss, Luigi Patrovita (Sam Wanamaker), Shannon enlists Kaminsky for a dangerous, off-the-books mission. Kaminsky must infiltrate Patrovita’s organization, posing as a tough-as-nails criminal named “Joseph P. Brenner,” to uncover the mole within the FBI and dismantle the crime syndicate from the inside. His deep cover operation leads him into a violent underworld, where he must navigate treacherous loyalties and relentless enemies, all while seeking justice for his friend.
Schwarzenegger is in his element as Kaminsky/Brenner, delivering his signature blend of physical presence, deadpan humor, and unwavering determination. He’s a force of nature, making every shootout and confrontation feel impactful.
Kathryn Harrold provides a compelling presence as Monique, a mob associate who finds herself entangled with Kaminsky, adding a touch of intrigue and a human connection.
Robert Davi is excellent as the menacing mob enforcer Max Keller, providing a strong foil for Schwarzenegger.
McGavin brings gravitas as the grief-stricken Harry Shannon.
Paul Shenar is a chilling villain as Paolo Rocca, the mob’s brutal killer, while Wanamaker embodies the calculating mob boss Patrovita.
Ed Lauter and Steven Hill also contribute solid performances in their respective roles.
Director John Irvin keeps the pace fast and the action continuous. The film leans heavily into its action set pieces, which are plentiful and satisfyingly explosive, featuring impressive practical effects. The plot is relatively simple, allowing the focus to remain on Schwarzenegger’s methodical dismantling of the criminal enterprise.
While not as high-concept as some of Schwarzenegger’s other hits, Raw Deal embraces its gritty, no-frills approach to the revenge thriller. The film’s charm lies in its commitment to pure action entertainment, delivering exactly what its audience expects.
Raw Deal (Photo/De Laurentiis Entertainment Group)
Reception for Raw Deal
Raw Deal grossed $5.4 million on its opening weekend, finishing second at the box office behind Top Gun ($8.2 million) starring Tom Cruise and just ahead of Cobra ($5.01 million) starring Sylvester Stallone.
The film would gross $16.2 million in its theatrical run.
Legacy
Raw Deal is a robust and enjoyable action film that stands as a testament to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s undeniable star power in the 1980s. It’s a straightforward, hard-hitting thriller that doesn’t waste time on unnecessary complexities, opting instead for relentless action and satisfying retribution. For fans of classic 80s action cinema, Raw Deal is an explosive and highly entertaining watch.
