TAR Quick Reviews: An Eye For An Eye (1981)

·29 min·2 clips

A San Francisco cop's partner is murdered, forcing him to quit and seek revenge against a Chinese drug ring.

The episode is a solo review of the 1981 Chuck Norris film 'An Eye for an Eye'. Host Tony opens by playing a tense dialogue clip from the movie to set the tone. He summarizes the plot: Sean Keane is an undercover narcotics cop whose partner is murdered, leading him to quit the force and pursue revenge against a Chinese triad smuggling ring. Tony provides background on the film's director Steve Carver and writer James Bruner, and lists key cast members including Chuck Norris, Christopher Lee, Richard Roundtree, Mako, and Rosalind Chow. He shares personal anecdotes about first encountering Chuck Norris through Bruce Lee's 'Way of the Dragon' and seeing Norris's early films like 'Breaker Breaker' and 'Good Guys Wear Black' at drive-ins. Tony recalls watching 'An Eye for an Eye' in theaters with his brother, noting its Bay Area setting in San Francisco and Oakland. He describes specific scenes, such as the rainy alley firefight where the partner is killed, the investigation involving a reporter's murder staged as suicide, and the discovery of a BART locker key. Tony highlights action sequences, including a fight at a house overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge where Chuck Norris performs his signature spin kicks. He mentions subplots involving characters like Heather Sullivan and the villainous Christopher Lee character. The review avoids spoiling the ending, instead encouraging listeners to watch the film. Tony concludes by listing free streaming platforms where the movie is available, such as YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, and The Roku Channel.

As heard by us

A fond, loose return to Chuck Norris's San Francisco revenge thriller, anchored by blunt action and old-movie enthusiasm.

Chuck Norris's 1981 R-rated action thriller works as a revenge story with a simple, forceful motor. San Francisco cop Sean Keane loses his partner, clashes with the response from his superiors, turns in his badge, and goes after the people responsible.

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Why you'd press play

You want Chuck Norris revenge, Richard Roundtree, and a suspect going out a window? Press play.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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