Recon Game

I saw this one on a bootleg off a Norwegian (?!) prerecord that was partially letterboxed (about 1.80:1), with subtitles in the lower matte. I ended up fast-forwarding through large portions of it because it was THAT BORING. It reminded me in a lot of ways of "Funny Games", another pretentious piece of s**t movie. They're both sadistic, anti-humanist exploitation pics and shouldn't pretend to be anything else. Don't get me wrong: I like movies that wallow in violence for the sake of violence - as long as they have the courtesy to be at least entertaining. This movie is not entertaining. It made me feel personally abused, much like the victims of the hunters, which maybe is the point, but then why in the f--k would I want to spend 100 minutes of my life enduring that (though, obviously, I did...).

Out of the comments I have read about this movie, including the locations where the movie was supposedly shot, it appears that someone did not do their homework, or has not done much traveling. I saw this movie at a theater when it first came out, and recognized the scenery immediately. As the guys were headed out on their vacation, it showed them crossing the Mackinac Bridge, which separates lower Michigan from the upper peninsula, as they were obviously headed for Canada on their hunting trip. Whether the rest of the movie was shot in Canada is questionable, and the bridge may have been a "file shot" which is why it wasn't mentioned in the shooting locations. I have been wondering for years why this movie isn't mentioned in most of the lists of his movie credits. Good, bad, or indifferent, I for one, would like to see it again, just for old times sake. Please... would someone release this on video or DVD?!

Peter Fonda and William Holden WOW!!, 2 excellent actors. Why this movie is not on DVD is beyond me. The movie was very real and had an original plot. The acting impeccable and one of William Holdens last movies. I believe the movie had an interesting social message as well. Yes perhaps squeamish for some but nonetheless a flick well done with superb acting. I believe that the commentary is timeless and can well be a successful movie today ... in fact maybe even more so than back 35 yrs ago or so. I think the movie was actually a bit tame compared to todays psychological thrillers but still done well. If you get a chance to see this movie go for it , you will not be disappointed.

Three buddies (Fonda, Law, Lynch) kidnap a couple (Sharpe, Mendoza) up in the mountain. Forced Mendoza to be a cook and housekeeper, and the Sharpe to be a sex slave to them. And after the weekend is over, they turn them loose in the wood to hunt them, not knowing the father (william Holden)of a girl that that they raped in High School that had their retarded kid is waiting and watching to pick off Fonda and the gang one by one. I can't understand why Fonda who was getting leads in action films and drama, and Holden who is a respectable actor to be involved in a distasteful film like this. The film looks like it was shot in Spain for the supporting actors looked dubbed. Spanish Actor Simon Andreau is billed as special guest star, but is not in the US or UK print. Annoying title song sounds like Oliver Onions from Italian pop band Guido singing it. TV print loses some of the nudity, but the violence is intact. See it if you like this sort of film, others beware.

This movie is great. I just wish the picture quality was better. I saw this in the theater in 1978 and again on TV in 1985 and the film quality was marginal both times. Technical considerations aside, this movie rocks. Ken, Greg, and Artie take a break from successful suburban lifestyles for some good old American big boy fun. Every year they abduct a couple and take them to their lodge in the north woods for a few days of fun and games. They crack jokes and laugh it continuously they force the male captive to clean their lodge while the girl is used for cooking and sex. An especially compelling scene is when the girl clings to Ken's leg begging and sobbing that "I'll do anything". Ken shakes her off like a leg humping dog. Excellent performances by Peter Fonda (Ken) and John Phillip Law (Greg) I forgot who played Artie but he was pretty good too.

Richard Lynch often plays the villain, but seeing hero types Peter Fonda, and John Philip Law as Lynch's comrades in crime is what really makes "Recon Game" a winner. It appears the three leads had a long leash as far as improvisation goes, and their constant bantering probably strays somewhat from what might have been scripted. The film is not perfect, and there are at least a bunch of tedious moments, especially inside the hunting lodge, including a truly boring sequence involving a Monopoly game. Once the "prey" are turned loose and the hunt begins, this raw revenge flick kicks into gear. "Recon Game" compares favorably with another rarely seen hunted in the woods film, "Hunter's Blood". If you can find it, see it, and along with "Recon Game" they would make a terrific double feature. - MERK

This movie is great. Richard Lynch's performance is superb. He carries this movie. He makes this movie happen. The other members of the cast are fine, but without Richard Lynch, this movie would be okay but not great. The movie offers a compelling story, strong acting, high tension and fast-paced action. There is nothing subtle about this movie. It dramatizes the sadistic cruelty of some people and how depravity can go undetected. This movie also features William Holden in one of his better roles. It's surprising that this movie has not received more attention because it offers what today's audience seem to want: gratuitous violence and sadistic depravity, presented in a neat cinematic package. After watching this movie, you will think twice before sharing a cabin with a bunch of guys who seem like the nicest guys in the world.

Three Vietnam war buddies have been given a taste for violence and make a game of torture,rape and hunting humans.They abduct a couple and imprison them in the lodge.After sexual degradation of the woman both victims are set free and hunted down.A father of one of their victims decides to take revenge."Open Season" is a taut and disturbing survival thriller with enough nastiness to satisfy fans of early 70's exploitation cinema.The screenplay was adapted by author David D. Osborn from his own novel of the same name.The film is exciting,brutal and suspenseful.The characters are well-developed and the scenes of violence are pretty hard hitting.Why this cult classic is not on DVD is beyond me.The same can be said about criminally underrated "Wolf Lake".8 out of 10.