10 Excellent Films from the Formerly Prominent Carolco Pictures

      Casey Chong presents ten exceptional films from Carolco Pictures...

      Those who experienced the 80s and 90s are likely to recall the era when a particular independent studio reigned over Hollywood. That studio is Carolco Pictures, known for a blend of genre-defining classics and hidden treasures such as First Blood, Total Recall, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Jacob’s Ladder. Co-founders Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna famously challenged the studio system to create their own path, and their business strategies paid off at times. They were notorious for taking significant risks on projects that cost them dearly, like Total Recall and Terminator 2: Judgment Day, which became major box office hits. However, they also suffered substantial losses, particularly with the over-budgeted pirate film Cutthroat Island, which ironically led to the decline of the once-dominant studio. Below, we highlight ten films from Carolco Pictures that are worth revisiting or discovering for the first time if you haven't yet...

      Universal Soldier (1992)

      Roland Emmerich's first collaboration with Carolco Pictures resulted in a modestly budgeted yet engaging B-movie that artfully combines action, martial arts, and sci-fi elements, revolving around resurrected super soldiers employed by the U.S. military as a covert counter-terrorism unit. The film featured Jean-Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren, both at the height of their careers. Emmerich effectively utilized their martial arts skills by casting them as adversaries, with Lundgren delightfully portraying the psychopathic villain Andrew Scott. The action sequences are well-executed, particularly the rain-soaked night climax featuring the high-kicking Van Damme versus Lundgren. Universal Soldier was a box office success, leading to numerous theatrical and direct-to-video sequels.

      Red Heat (1988)

      Walter Hill, known for his work in buddy-cop action comedies like 48 Hrs., attempted to recapture that success with Red Heat. The familiar formula is present: one character is serious (Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Ivan Danko) while the other provides comedic relief (James Belushi’s Art Ridzik). The mismatched partner dynamic is complemented by plenty of gritty violence. Despite not achieving the expected hit status, particularly with Schwarzenegger’s involvement, Red Heat delivers an enjoyable experience. The contrasting personalities of Schwarzenegger's deadpan character and Belushi's carefree demeanor work well together, enhanced by Ed O’Ross's memorable role as the antagonist Viktor Rosta. Hill's signature action style keeps the violence intense, particularly during the climactic bus chase across Chicago.

      Chaplin (1992)

      Long before Robert Downey Jr. received his long-awaited acting Oscar for Oppenheimer, he garnered his first nomination for portraying the legendary silent film comedian in Chaplin. This nomination was well-earned, as many felt it should have resulted in a win rather than Al Pacino's victory for Scent of a Woman. Told primarily through flashbacks, Richard Attenborough adheres to the traditional biopic structure, chronicling Charlie Chaplin's life from his childhood talent on stage to his ambitions as a comedian and his multiple marriages. What elevates Chaplin beyond the standard rise-and-fall narrative is Downey Jr., who embodies the essence of the film with his portrayal of Chaplin's Tramp character, capturing everything from his iconic gait to his slapstick humor. Beyond mere imitation, Downey’s passionate performance also explores Chaplin’s tragic and dramatic experiences beyond his public persona. Unfortunately, Chaplin did not resonate with audiences at the time, especially compared to Attenborough’s well-received, Oscar-winning Gandhi biopic a decade earlier.

      Cliffhanger (1993)

      Cliffhanger marked a brief resurgence for Sylvester Stallone, who had faced two career downturns following attempts at comedy in Oscar (1991) and Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot (1992). Carolco Pictures invested heavily in Cliffhanger, allocating a $70 million budget and hiring Renny Harlin, known for directing Die Hard 2. The film opens with an attention-grabbing rescue sequence and maintains action and suspense throughout. Harlin's "Die Hard on a mountain" concept allows for visceral action moments that highlight the risks of high altitude. Stallone effectively combines his no-nonsense action hero persona with his charisma, contrasting well with John Lithgow’s enjoyable portrayal of the villain. Cliffhanger became a box office hit, earning $255 million globally, which initially led to plans for a sequel, ultimately abandoned in favor of a female-led reboot featuring Lily James and Pierce Brosnan.

      Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

      The follow-up to First Blood shifts the tone from the serious nature of the original to a more action-oriented sequel, showcasing Stallone's physique and his character's combat skills as a Vietnam War veteran. In Rambo: First Blood Part II, the narrative follows