While Target might lean into a few convenient coincidences or "incompetent bad guys," it remains an ambitious and intelligent thriller. It’s a solid piece of 80s filmmaking that prioritizes character just as much as its high-speed car chases.
Are you interested in more or perhaps other films from director Arthur Penn ? Target (1985) - IMDb
Filmed across Hamburg and Paris, the movie uses its locations to build a genuine sense of international intrigue, avoiding the "studio backlot" feel of lesser 80s thrillers.
The story kicks off in a deceptively quiet Dallas suburb. Walter Lloyd (Hackman) is a seemingly ordinary lumberyard manager. His son, Chris (Dillon), views him as a "stodgy," overly cautious parent—a typical generational divide.
Everything changes when Walter’s wife is kidnapped while on vacation in Paris. As Walter and Chris fly to Europe to find her, the "stodgy" father suddenly displays a lethal set of skills. Walter isn't just a lumber guy; he's a former CIA operative with a past that has finally caught up to him. Why It Still Works
If you're looking to revisit this classic, you can find the Target (1985) Blu-ray or read more community perspectives on IMDb and Letterboxd .
Critics often note that it’s always fun to watch Hackman "at his best," and here he brings a weary, human quality to the action hero archetype.
Unlike many modern "retired agent" films (think Taken ), Target spends significant time on the emotional fallout between father and son. Chris has to reconcile the boring dad he knew with the cold-blooded professional he sees in action.
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While Target might lean into a few convenient coincidences or "incompetent bad guys," it remains an ambitious and intelligent thriller. It’s a solid piece of 80s filmmaking that prioritizes character just as much as its high-speed car chases.
Are you interested in more or perhaps other films from director Arthur Penn ? Target (1985) - IMDb
Filmed across Hamburg and Paris, the movie uses its locations to build a genuine sense of international intrigue, avoiding the "studio backlot" feel of lesser 80s thrillers.
The story kicks off in a deceptively quiet Dallas suburb. Walter Lloyd (Hackman) is a seemingly ordinary lumberyard manager. His son, Chris (Dillon), views him as a "stodgy," overly cautious parent—a typical generational divide.
Everything changes when Walter’s wife is kidnapped while on vacation in Paris. As Walter and Chris fly to Europe to find her, the "stodgy" father suddenly displays a lethal set of skills. Walter isn't just a lumber guy; he's a former CIA operative with a past that has finally caught up to him. Why It Still Works
If you're looking to revisit this classic, you can find the Target (1985) Blu-ray or read more community perspectives on IMDb and Letterboxd .
Critics often note that it’s always fun to watch Hackman "at his best," and here he brings a weary, human quality to the action hero archetype.
Unlike many modern "retired agent" films (think Taken ), Target spends significant time on the emotional fallout between father and son. Chris has to reconcile the boring dad he knew with the cold-blooded professional he sees in action.
