On Dangerous Ground

On Dangerous Ground, also known as Choke Canyon, is an engaging and action-packed Science Fiction movie from 1986. The film features celebrated actors Stephen Collins, Janet Julian, and Bo Svenson in lead roles. The narrative is a rich blend of adventure, corporate intrigue, volatile romance, and hard-hitting confrontation.

Directed by Charles Bail, the film was born of the Cold War era, a time when nuclear issues and the related dystopian fears were prolific in film and media. The movie significantly leans on these universal concerns to drive its captivating script forward, exuding a compelling mix of the science fiction and action genres.

Stephen Collins stars as Dr. David Lowell, a brilliant scientist and high-tech farmer, who operates a nuclear-powered farm in the desolate eponymous valley. Harnessing the power of a small, controlled nuclear reactor, Lowell hopes to revolutionize agriculture by creating an advanced system that can produce crops year-round, essentially making farmland out of worthless desert.

Opposing Dr. Lowell's noble experiments are profit-seeking corporate antagonists led by the cunning businessman Pilgrim (Bo Svenson), the head of Pilgrim Industries. Pilgrim, desperate to control the world's supply of radioactive isotopes, sees Lowell's nuclear reactor as a source to achieve his nefarious goals. Resorting to fraudulent government permits and muscle power, Pilgrim aims to shut down the reactor farm, effectively obstructing the path of scientific progress.

Caught in a high-stakes game, the white-knuckle narrative delves into how Dr. Lowell, assisted by a plucky helicopter pilot, Brooke (Janet Julian), battles the relentless onslaught of corporate juggernauts and ruthless mercenaries. The pair’s tenacity and budding friendship become the wholly human story that fights its way through the high-action plot, grounding the narrative and providing its beating heart.

The film is commendable for its meticulous depiction of scientific processes and the passionate commitment of a scientist to a noble cause. Collins' portrayal of Dr. Lowell gives us a powerful and likable protagonist, one who is steadfast, intelligent, and determined. His confrontations with Pilgrim are a primary source of tension throughout the film, leading to some exciting and heart-stopping scenes.

On the other hand, Bo Svenson's Pilgrim is an intimidating villain who is willing to fight dirty to get what he wants. Svenson's performance successfully infuses Pilgrim with an icy menace that perfectly contrasts Dr. Lowell's warmth and idealism. A subplot involving Lowell and Brooke adds a dimension of gentle romance and personal stakes to the primarily action-driven plot. Janet Julian's performance radiates strength and vulnerability, providing a welcome complexity to the character of Brooke.

In addition to thrilling action sequences, the film also explores the profound implications of misusing nuclear power and manipulative corporate practices. The scenic locations further add to the movie's appeal, providing a stark backdrop to the unfolding drama. The desolate expanses and the eponymous canyon create a specific atmosphere that serves the narrative effectively. It’s a tale of human perseverance against insurmountable odds, amplified by the very isolation of the setting.

Overall, On Dangerous Ground is the kind of film that not only offers high-octane action sequences but also forces us to think about the wider implications of scientific advancement and its potential misuse in the wrong hands. Its dynamic character relationships, particularly the confrontations between Dr. Lowell and Pilgrim, and the budding romance between Lowell and Brooke, ensure a well-rounded viewing experience. Balancing thrilling action with a thought-provoking theme and powerful performances, the film is a significant entry in its genre and a must-see for fans of action and science fiction cinema.