Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins

Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins is an oft-overlooked action-adventure film from the mid-1980s. Released in 1985 and skillfully directed by Guy Hamilton, this film teems with excitement, humor, and vibrant characters. Starring Fred Ward, Joel Grey, and Wilford Brimley, and based on the pulp novels "The Destroyer," the movie mingles suspense, theatrical combat, and raw witticism into the fun tale that leaves many yearning for more of Remo's adventures.

The Adventure Begins is just that - the promising start of Remo Williams, a character that breathes life into the action-adventure space with his unique personality. Fred Ward stars as Remo Williams, a New York cop with a strong sense of common ethics. One day, Williams is suddenly thrown into an unexpected twist of events. As he becomes the target of a staged assassination attempt, viewers can only echo his confusion, unsure of where the plot might take him next.

Selected by the unflappable Harold Smith, played by the unforgettable Wilford Brimley, Williams is discretely pulled out from his old life. Smith, an obscure government official, enlists Remo into the ranks of CURE, a secret organization tasked with fighting corruption and maintaining national security at all costs. The integrity and determination of our protagonist to dive headlong into his new role despite the ambiguities reflected in the decision lead to a captivating narrative.

Remo Williams' secret weapon turns out to be Chiun, a comically robust character performed by the versatile Joel Grey. Chiun, a Korean martial arts master, serves as Remo's mentor, instructor, father figure, and reluctantly, his friend. Wielding the mysterious and deadly Sinanju martial art, Chiun whips the tough-talking cop into shape, transforming him into a fascination-inducing superspy of sorts. From cantankerous interactions to witty one-liners, the affable relationship between Remo and Chiun steals the show, offering comic relief that's the perfect foil to their serious exploits.

The movie revolves around Remo's training under Chiun, his struggle to adapt his headstrong will to the mystic's teachings, and their fight against an exploitative weapon manufacturer. The storyline is packed with thrilling set pieces, where Remo's newfound skills are put to the test in nail-biting sequences. This snapshots of urban America, laced with deadly threats, form a tension-packed narrative touched with moments of levity, making for a thoroughly entertaining viewing experience.

The Adventures of Remo Williams is not your conventional action movie thanks to director Guy Hamilton’s approach. Known for his work on several James Bond movies, Hamilton injects excitement and humor into every corner of this film, setting the stage for a popcorn movie that is as entertaining as it is funny. From the heyday of the action sequence to the wit-fest between Remo and Chiun, Hamilton makes it clear that this film is more than mindless kicks and punches. Instead, it presents an exciting adventure that balances heart, humor, and high-stakes action.

Fred Ward delivers an excellent performance as Remo, balancing intensity, charm, and a consistent thread of comic timing throughout. Joel Grey steals scenes as the wisecracking Chiun, packaging centuries of wisdom with a fair share of quirks. The chemistry between them animates the storyline in a manner that is rare in the action genre. As Harold Smith, Wilford Brimley adds depth to the character by blending being a part of the authority with skeptical undertones. The cast’s individual strengths harmonize perfectly to turn an action film into a character-rich thrill ride.

Despite the title hinting at sequels, unfortunately, Remo Williams's adventure, for the most part, ends with this film. While successful in many aspects, the box office did not incite the series it seemed destined to launch. However, the film remains a cult classic, captivated by those who seek more than simple punchy affairs from their action flicks.

In summary, Remo Williams: The Adventures Begins is an action-adventure film that serves as a delightful departure from the norms of the genre. Replete with a mix of sharp humor, exciting stunts, and stimulating character dynamics, the movie remains a must-watch for any adventure enthusiast, immersing viewers in its fascinating world while leaving them longing for more.