Raw Deal (1986 film)

Raw Deal, released in 1986, is an American action film helmed by director John Irvin with a screenplay by Gary DeVore and Norman Wexler, adapted from a narrative conceived by Luciano Vincenzoni and Sergio Donati. The movie features performances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kathryn Harrold, Darren McGavin, and Sam Wanamaker. Its storyline centers on Harry Shannon, a veteran FBI agent, who enlists Mark Kaminski, a former FBI operative, to take down a mafia syndicate.

The film premiered in North America on June 6, 1986, and achieved a domestic box office total of $16.2 million against an estimated production budget ranging from $8 to $10 million.

Plot

Following the assassination of a mob informant under FBI protection along with his security detail, including Blair Shannon—the son of FBI agent Harry Shannon—Harry vows to seek retribution.

Mark Kaminski, once an FBI agent but now serving as a small-town sheriff, faces suspension after aggressively confronting a suspect. Meanwhile, Marvin Baxter, an ambitious Special Federal Prosecutor, spearheads an inquiry into Luigi Patrovita, the influential leader of the Chicago Outfit.

Amidst an FBI mole causing agent casualties, Harry Shannon recruits Kaminski for an off-the-books operation to penetrate Patrovita’s criminal network. Kaminski stages his own death and adopts the identity of convicted felon Joseph P. Brenner. He earns Patrovita’s trust by disrupting rival mob boss Martin Lamanski’s activities and develops a connection with Monique, who is associated with Patrovita’s lieutenant Max Keller.

Kaminski intensifies his undercover work by retrieving $100 million in heroin and cash confiscated by authorities and facilitating the assassination of Lamanski. Keller grows suspicious and uncovers Kaminski’s real identity. The FBI leak is exposed as Baxter, who is coerced into colluding with Patrovita. During an assassination attempt, Kaminski reveals himself to protect Shannon, killing Keller but leaving Shannon critically injured.

With Monique’s assistance, Kaminski arms himself and launches assaults against Patrovita’s men at a gravel pit and later at Patrovita’s casino. He eliminates those responsible for Blair’s death as well as Rocca and Patrovita. Confronting Baxter, Kaminski demands his resignation under threat of prosecution. When Baxter tries to shoot him, Kaminski kills him in self-defense.

Kaminski provides Monique with $250,000 to start over and regains his position within the FBI. Reunited with his expectant wife Amy, he encourages the now-disabled Shannon to complete physical therapy by inviting him to be his child’s godfather as a token of appreciation.

Production

Principal photography took place in October 1985 across Chicago, Illinois, and Wilmington, North Carolina.

Box office

Upon its United States release on June 6, 1986, Raw Deal garnered $5.4 million during its opening weekend and ultimately amassed $16.2 million domestically. While it turned a profit and was considered a commercial success, its financial performance fell short of initial projections.

Critical response

The film received predominantly mixed to unfavorable critiques from reviewers. Roger Ebert awarded it 1.5 out of 4 stars, highlighting confusion in the plot despite its straightforward premise. Vincent Canby of The New York Times remarked it was not suitable for awards but occasionally amusing in unintended ways. Todd McCarthy from Variety criticized the screenplay as "terrible," which director John Irvin was unable to redeem. Sheila Benson of the Los Angeles Times commended Schwarzenegger’s portrayal for its subtle warmth amid the chaos. Gene Siskel rated it one star, noting an overcrowded cast and lack of engagement. Paul Attanasio from The Washington Post dismissed it as a dull shoot-em-up recycling stereotypical TV cop drama elements. Pauline Kael described it as both "reprehensible and enjoyable," mixing lowbrow humor with trashy entertainment.

John Nubbin of Different Worlds magazine faulted the movie for illogical plot twists, weak antagonists, and formulaic storytelling, anticipating waning audience interest over time.

On review aggregator sites, Raw Deal holds a 31% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 16 critiques (with an average score of 4.6/10) and scores 44 out of 100 on Metacritic from 12 reviews, reflecting mixed or average feedback. Audience surveys by CinemaScore assigned it a grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale.

See also

• List of American films released in 1986
• Arnold Schwarzenegger filmography