Toxic Masculinity Tuesday: ‘Shoot To Kill’ (1988)

by

The genre embodied by “Shoot To Kill” is notably scarce in contemporary films, and that’s the sub-genre known as buddy movies. In the past, buddy films were quite common in Hollywood, with many leaving lasting impressions on audiences. Examples include “Stir Crazy”, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “48 Hours”, “Trading Places”, “Lethal Weapon”, “Die Hard”, among others. Similar to these classics, “Shoot To Kill” follows this pattern, as Sydney Poitier and Tom Berenger display a remarkable on-screen rapport in this action film that occasionally transitions into a survival tale.

The battle against toxic masculinity continues in 2025 by consuming more toxic masculinity!

Take a look at the trailer for “Shoot To Kill,” known as “Deadly Pursuit” internationally, since they’re less brave everywhere else!

Plot:

The film starts by showing a character hastily collecting gems in a jewelry store while wearing a robe. When the authorities are informed about this suspicious behavior, the man becomes uncooperative, claiming he’s the owner and has the right to do whatever he wishes with his precious stones. However, it isn’t until FBI agent Warren Stantin, played by Sydney Poitier, interrogates him that we learn the truth: the man is taking his jewels as a ransom for his wife who is being held captive at their home.

Stalin and the FBI encircle the large house, illuminating it to prevent anyone from escaping unnoticed. Stalin then communicates with the thief, who informs him that he’ll send the maid to deliver a message instead.

As a child, I was astonished to witness the thief casually kill the maid and inquire from Stanit, “Have you received my message?” This immediately made it clear that this wasn’t an ordinary thief, for such violence came effortlessly to him.

It becomes even more evident that the cunning of the thief-turned-murderer is remarkable when Stantin adheres to the FBI’s strategy and offers a means of transportation. He assumes his sniper will have an opportunity to take a shot, but the killer outwits the FBI by exiting the house with his hostage, both concealed under a blanket.

It’s puzzling why criminals don’t employ such methods as using an x-ray scope (if one exists), or something similar, that I’m unaware of. Nevertheless, it would be fascinating to incorporate this idea into a future novel. Moving on from that thought, in the film, the killer escorts his hostage into a waiting vehicle, with Stantin positioned as the sniper in the back seat. They trail the killer to the docks where he parks amidst the shadows.

Engaging with the enigmatic antagonist, I was coaxed into hurling pebbles, an action I reluctantly complied with, albeit only a few yards away. My hope was to provoke him enough for a clear shot, given my sniper’s position. However, he once more outwitted me by skillfully concealing himself behind his human shield, making her the unwitting barrier between us.

After slipping back into obscurity, the murderer reprimands Stantin for complicating the crime and squandering his efforts. Demonstrating his abhorrent nature, the murderer fires a shot that strikes the hostage in the eye and boards a hidden boat, sailing out towards the sea. In response, Stantin contacts the coast guard he had stationed and sets out in pursuit. However, it becomes apparent that the killer remained concealed beneath the docks to effect his escape.

As a film enthusiast, there’s nothing more exhilarating than a captivating villain who fearlessly takes lives to drive the plot. In my latest project, we introduce Stantin – a detective who refuses to let his past failures define him. His pursuit of justice takes an unexpected turn when the ruthless killer, sensing a road block leading into Canada, veers off-road. The authorities radio Stantin about a grisly discovery: a body with a bullet in its eye. The chase is on!

Stalin boards a plane to examine the crime site. He identifies the murderer’s method and discovers charred hair fragments there, suggesting the culprit modified his appearance. Meanwhile, it is mentioned that Kirstie Alley’s character, Sarah Rennell, runs mountain guide tours. Stalin hypothesizes that the killer replaced one of the group members in this tour, providing a potential lead for us in the mountains.

To make up for lost time, Stantin is advised to seek out Jonathan Knox, who’s married to Sarah, and ask him to guide him through the mountains. Naturally, Knox was keen on going alone, as he anticipated Stantin might hinder his pace due to being more accustomed to city life. However, when Stantin mentions that Knox could only legally chase the culprit with him present, Knox, albeit reluctantly, agreed.

Instead, Knox doesn’t spare Stantin any hardships, pushing him to his limits in an attempt to make him reconsider his path. Remarkably, Stantin perseveres, matching Knox’s pace as they navigate treacherous shortcuts to gain an advantage. This scene is a fascinating twist in the movie where Stantin and Knox find themselves struggling not just against the harsh environment but also each other, in their relentless pursuit of the killer.

Why You Should Watch:

I’m making an effort not to reveal any spoilers about this movie for those who haven’t seen it yet. The film Shoot To Kill, set in the buddy genre, takes an interesting twist by transforming into a survival story. Despite Knox being an expert in mountain terrain, he’s compelled to take Stantin with him through numerous challenges. The high altitude, harsh weather, wild animals, and rugged landscape all pose obstacles as they race against time to reach the Canadian border before their group does. Stantin proves crucial in helping Knox, whose determination to find Sarah lands him in risky situations. It’s a tale of two men, raised in contrasting environments, who manage to unite for a shared objective – an idea that can be quite perilous.

As you journey with the hiking group, you find yourself unaware of the identity of the murderer. Sarah, a charming woman, wins over each male member as she guides them through the mountains. It’s an engaging game of cat and mouse, as the killer subtly tries to impede anyone who might be on his trail, leaving you in suspense about just how far he’ll go to evade capture.

The film ‘Shoot To Kill’ showcases resilience, camaraderie, cleverness, and teamwork among men – traits that are currently dangerous for our democracy. It’s crucial to eliminate such toxic qualities from our society.

One more reason to tune in is that the exceptional performance by Kirstie Alley recalls why the transition from Diane to Rebecca on Cheers was seamless and flawless.

You can currently watch Shoot To Kill for free in HD at the link below!

1. Take a look at my thrilling superhero novel titled “Fiasco of Adventures” right here or here, and don’t forget to visit my latest site TheMegacosm.com!

2. Feel free to peruse my exciting superhero book called “Fiasco of Adventures“, found either here or here. Also, be sure to check out my brand new website, TheMegacosm.com!

Read More

2025-01-14 21:45