10 Overlooked Action Films from the 90s That Deserve Another Look

      Casey Chong revisits ten 1990s action films that merit another look...

      The 1990s were a golden era for action films, with blockbusters like Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Die Hard 2, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Lethal Weapon 3 and 4, Mission: Impossible, The Fugitive, and Under Siege dominating the box office and captivating audiences globally. However, not all action films found their footing, leaving some entertaining entries to fade into obscurity over time. Here, we highlight ten overlooked action movies from the 90s that deserve a revival…

      Chill Factor (1999)

      The final years of the twentieth century produced several buddy films such as Die Hard with a Vengeance, Bad Boys, Lethal Weapon 4, and Rush Hour. Among them is Chill Factor, an often-forgotten buddy action comedy that features Skeet Ulrich and Cuba Gooding Jr. Unfortunately, it was a box office flop, earning just $11.8 million against a reported $70 million budget.

      The plot is familiar, borrowing elements from The Rock (involving chemical weapons) and Speed (where the weapon, dubbed “Elvis,” must remain at a temperature of 50 degrees), and it takes a while to get started, dedicating the first 40 minutes to setting up the story. Nonetheless, Hugh Johnson’s sole directorial effort manages to effectively intertwine buddy comedy and action, complete with thrilling sequences reminiscent of a Jerry Bruckheimer film. The chemistry between Ulrich and Gooding Jr. as mismatched civilians—one a short-order cook, the other an ice cream deliveryman—who must work together to protect “Elvis” from mercenaries led by a vengeful former U.S. Army colonel played by Peter Firth adds charm.

      Rapid Fire (1992)

      Brandon Lee is mainly remembered for his unexpected final performance in The Crow (1994), a film intended to launch his Hollywood career. Before that, he starred in Rapid Fire as Jake Lo, an art student and martial arts expert. The plot follows his character witnessing a brutal murder, prompting the mafia (led by Nick Mancuso's Antonio Serrano) to target him. Power Boothe surprisingly plays the good guy here as an honest police lieutenant teaming up with Jake Lo.

      Dwight H. Little, who showed his action direction skills in Marked for Death (1990), crafts some entertaining sequences. The film's primary draw is young Brandon Lee, who exudes some of his late father Bruce Lee's charisma and confidence, having choreographed the fight scenes with Jeff Imada, demonstrating Lee's martial arts talent, including a showdown against Al Leong in the final act.

      Fair Game (1995)

      Though casting Cindy Crawford, one of the era’s most recognized supermodels, seemed like a strong marketing strategy for Fair Game, critics and viewers did not see her film debut as the rise of a future Hollywood star. Her portrayal of an attorney fleeing from ex-KGB members lacks conviction, resembling cosplay more than a serious performance. Nevertheless, Crawford undoubtedly looks great on screen, despite spending most of her time in a tank top and jeans. She also deserves recognition for performing some of her own stunts.

      Andrew Sipes, in his only directorial effort, showcases considerable style throughout the film, keeping it brisk at just 90 minutes while maintaining a fun, escapist vibe despite its implausible plot. The involvement of producer Joel Silver is evident in the well-crafted set pieces packed with shootouts, explosions, and impressive stunts. The film delivers a thrilling car chase, while the chemistry between Crawford and William Baldwin is engaging, augmented by Steven Berkoff’s sinister performance as the leader of the ex-KGB members.

      Metro (1997)

      Metro marks Eddie Murphy's return to a cop role, something that once made him famous with Beverly Hills Cop in the early 1980s. However, this time, Murphy’s role as hostage negotiator Scott Roper is more serious and straightforward, sprinkled with his comedic flair. Directed by Thomas Carter, known for his work on various TV series, he combines fast-paced action and comedy well.

      A highlight of the film occurs during an elaborate chase through the streets of San Francisco, showcasing the chemistry between Murphy and Michael Rapaport as buddies. Additionally, Michael Wincott plays a chilling jewel thief, bringing his knack for portraying despicable villains.

      Striking Distance (1993)

      Despite being a hit internationally, Striking Distance struggled in the U.S. and remains one of Bruce Willis’s lesser-known projects from the ‘90s. Like his iconic John McClane in the Die Hard films, Willis brings his stoic charm to the role of a disgraced Pittsburgh homicide detective turned River Rescue Squad officer, featuring notable action scenes like an impressive opening car chase.

      Beyond the typical action framework, Striking Distance also serves as a police procedural and psychological