Cut and Run (1984) User Reviews (51)

Run through the jungle.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 28 December 2015]

From Ruggero Deodato, the infamous director of "Cannibal Holocaust", comes this return to gory and sadistic jungle-based goings-on. It's an interesting mixture of the Italian jungle genre (albeit without cannibalism), drug-based action pictures, and blood and guts horror. Overall, it doesn't make nearly the same impact as "Cannibal Holocaust", but it's still a solid diversion for any cult movie lover who is into this sort of thing.

Lisa Blount and Leonard Mann play reporter Fran Hudson and her cameraman Mark Ludman, who are hot on the trail of a story involving wars between competing drug cartels. They come to realize that a man named Brian Horne (Richard Lynch) is involved. It turns out Horne was a prominent associate of the notorious cult leader Jim Jones. Fran and Mark are also trying to find Tommy Allo (Willie Aames), son of their boss Bob (Richard Bright); Tommy has been prisoner to one of these cartels for some time.

As you can see, there are a fair amount of familiar American actors in this rousing bit of entertainment. Karen Black makes a "special appearance", a young Eriq La Salle plays an informant, and the legendary cult actor Michael Berryman turns up repeatedly as a relentless and REALLY nasty white henchman. His scenes tend to be the most fun. Blount doesn't look too happy to be here, and Aames is too whiny and annoying, but the rest of the cast do some good work. Sexy Valentina Forte, Deodatos' girlfriend at the time, exploitation veteran John Steiner, Barbara Magnolfi ("Suspiria"), and Ottaviano Dell'Acqua (the worm eye zombie in "Zombi 2") co-star.

One gory highlight involves a person being ripped in half. The location shooting adds a lot of atmosphere. And ever reliable Claudio Simonetti of the groups Goblin and Daemonia composed the groovy music score.

Not too memorable once it's over, but it does hold ones' attention.

Seven out of 10.

More Jungle-Madness From The Master Of Shock

[Witchfinder-General-666 · 6/10 · 26 March 2008]

Ruggero Deodato is most widely known for his controversial masterpiece "Cannibal Holocaust" of 1980, which makes him a genius director in my book. None of his other films comes anywhere near the brilliance of "Cannibal Holocaust", and yet most of them are extremely entertaining films that fans of the gory and nasty kind of cinema should appreciate. Deodato's repertoire includes a variety of films of different (sub-)genres such as "L'Ultimo Mondo Cannibale" (aka. "Jungle Holocaust", 1977), "House On The Edge Of The Park" (1980) , or "Live Like A Cop, Die Like A Man" (1976, a Poliziottoesco which I have yet to see), and this "Inferno In Diretta" aka. "Cut And Run" of 1985. While this is certainly not one of Deodato's best films, it is definitely a must-see for his fans.

"Cut And Run" is a film that, once again, takes place in the jungle. The film may not be as disturbing as "Cannibal Holocaust" or some other films by Deodato, but it is certainly not for the faint-hearted. There are no cannibals this time, but there's an atrocious drug-war going on instead, and Deodato is, as usual, not exactly stingy with explicit violence, nauseating gore and genuine nastiness. Horror fans should especially appreciate the casting of Michael Berryman ("The Hills Have Eyes") who, once again, has the creepiest role in the film. Lisa Blount ("Prince Of Darkness") and Leonard Mann, whom Spaghetti Western fans might know for films like "Forgotten Pistolero" or "Three Amens For Satan", play the leading roles as a reporter and a cameraman. The supporting cast furthermore includes Italian genre-cinema regulars John Steiner and Gabriele Tinti. The score is delivered by the great Claudio Simonetti, the genius composer and keyboard player of Progressive Rock band Goblin, who is responsible for most of the greatest scores in Italian Horror cinema. The greatest aspect of "Cut And Run" is the brilliant photography - Deodato sure knows how to to give the jungle the menacing atmosphere of a green Inferno. "Cut And Run" is certainly not one of his greatest films, but his fans should definitely not miss this violent dose of action-packed Deodato jungle-madness!

Thrilling and gory terror/adventure movie with lots of blood and gore

[ma-cortes · 5/10 · 21 December 2019]

Intriguing and violent Italian movie about two journalists follow a lead to the former South American home of Jim Jones but they are instantly pursued by local guerrillas and natives . These journalists are the following ones : a reporter woman , Lisa Blount, and her cameraman Leonard Mann, both of whom go to South America to find clues of the son : Willie Aames, of a wealthy man : Richard Bright, and to connect a surviving Jonestown leader : Richard Lynch . There they become involved with drug smugglers, kidnappers and bloody native tribes led by Michael Berryman, being finally captured. This is the one story you won't be seeing on the 6 o'clock news. Assignment : survival.

A strange mix of noisy action, adventures, jungle fights, grisly killings and gory scenes. Dealing with an expedition searching for a missing son when they are caught up in a drug war and violent natives that threaten to take their own lives. It is a mediocre but passable film and full of blood and gore. Main cast and support cast are acceptable. Lisa Blount plays an intrepid journalist, the Italian Leonard Mann is her camera helper, Willie Aames an abducted young, Richard Bright as his father, Karen Black as an Tv manager, Michael Berryman as an ominous, creepy native chief, being special mention for Richard Lynch as a nasty, mean preacher, Jim Jones-lookalike and brief appearance by Eriq La Salle.

It contains an atmospheric and glimmer cinematography by Alberto Spagnoli. As well as an anticlimatic musical score composed by Syntesizer by Claudio Simonetti of Goblin, usual musician to Dario Argento's films. Being shot on location in Venezuela and Miami, Florida. The motion picture was regularly directed by Ruggero Deodato. He is a notorious Italian director especially known for today considered classic "Cannibal Holocaust". He has directed all kinds of genres with particular penchant for terror, violence, and adventure movies, such as Jungle holocaust, House on the edge of the park, Bodycount, Dial help, Phantom of death, The washing machine, The raiders of Atlantis, Concorde affair, Live like a cop die like a man, Lone runner, The barbarians, among others . Rating 5/10. Average

Deodato's Bizarre Horror/Action Experiment

[Crap_Connoisseur · 14 April 2006]

Cut and Run is one of Deodato's strangest films due to the bizarre mix of genres. The film balances horror, action and adventure elements with gritty cocaine smuggling and hostage situation subplots. There is even an Apocalypse Now inspired crazy Colonel living with natives in the jungle. To say that the film bites off more than it can chew is an understatement, but that the fact that the film works at all is a great testament to Deodato's unique talent.

There is little point passing comment on the film's plot because it virtually makes no sense. There is, for example, no explanation at how the Indian killings in the Amazon jungle simultaneously take place in Miami and the entire subplot involving Colonel Horne remains a mystery. The jumbled plot does have the advantage of giving Deodato the opportunity to dabble in different genres and he shows yet again why he is such an underrated filmmaker. Deodato's direction is technically brilliant and he brings his usual sense of flair to the film's action and horror set pieces. The dramatic moments are less successfully handled and unusually for a Deodato film, some sentimentality creeps in towards the end of the film.

The film really picks up every time the Indians attack. Horror fans might be annoyed by the infrequency of the gore, but when the killings do occur, Deodato does not disappoint. There are beheadings, spears through the neck, darts in the neck and one of Deodato's best ever deaths when a man is literally ripped limb from limb (according to Deodato, inspired by the Vietcong). Part of the fun is watching legendary genre actor Michael Berryman camping it up as a demented Indian. He has several great moments in what is one of his more memorable roles. The other actors are also pretty good. Lisa Blount makes an impression as Fran and Richard Lynch always does a good job of acting crazy, making a perfect Colonel Horne.

Also worth a mention are Claudio Simonetti's great synth score and the beautiful photography of the jungle landscape (Venezuela doubling for Colombia). Fans of Deodato should check out the accompanying "Uncut and Run" documentary in which Deodato rather amusingly talks about the shoot, stealing Wes Craven's job as the director and even bluntly says which actors he did not enjoy working with. Cut and Run might lack cohesion but it remains a highly enjoyable minor work from a truly great director.

Ruggero Deodato delivers in this violent action-adventure

[rundbauchdodo · 7/10 · 24 January 2000]

From the director of Cannibal Holocaust - undoubtedly one of the most impressive movies ever made - comes this action packed thriller about drug dealing and ruthless murder. The film has also a strong adventure-oriented impact that makes other adventure-films as the Indiana Jones-trilogy look like The Adventures of Winnie Pooh (oops - I'm not even sure how to spell this cuddly bear...). Michael Berryman and Richard Lynch give fine performances, and make sure you get the strong uncut version of this film: unfortunately, it was released in two different cuts, the more common one looks like an arbitrary action movie, while the rare version is packed with gross gore FX that strengthen the impact of this enjoyable pic.

Very violent Ruggero Deogdato's action/adventure!

[HumanoidOfFlesh · 7/10 · 27 December 2001]

"Cannibal Holocaust"(1979)is one of my favourite horror movies ever.It's truly a masterpiece of gut-wrenching horror.In comparison to it "Cut and Run" is rather tame,but it features some nasty scenes of violence like where one guy is cut in half by the jungle trap.Sure,it's brutal but not as nasty as "Cannibal Holocaust" or even "Jungle Holocaust"(1978).There's no animal cruelty or sexual violence(apart from the rape scene near the beginning),but the action is fast-paced,the acting is decent enough(I love especially the performance by Michael Berryman-this guy is creepy!)and the script by Cesare Frugone and Dardano Sacchetti is fairly good.So if you like violent and sleazy action give this one a look,just don't expect another "Cannibal Holocaust".7 out of 10.

Some gore, not much else.

[torrascotia · 3/10 · 4 April 2019]

This is one of those movies I recall from the days of VHS tape rental stores. Cut and Run was one of the well know video nasties that had a reputation around it for extreme violence. Its an Italian made 80s movie of the "white people get killed by cannibals" micro genre. There are a couple of secondary narratives about drug dealers, the Jonestown Massacre and a missing man but the movie basically exists to show a few extreme murders. Nothing is really explained as to why what is happening is happening and there is zero character development, you couldn't care less who gets killed. It actually quite boring and despite a few well known faces, including Eric La Salle as a pimp in purple there is nothing really engaging or believable to keep you interested. The only real value in this movie is if you are inclined to see a few gory deaths using old style special effects. And thats pretty much it, what was possibly a cult 80s horror movie turns out to be a borefest by current standards. Its just not a very good movie.

Cut and Run

[Scarecrow-88 · 7/10 · 4 March 2010]

It was nice to finally see Ruggero Deodato's "Cut and Run" uncut, as the only version I had seen before this solid Blue Underground release was a heavily cut Vestron Video release where practically all the affective gore was excised, leaving a somewhat exciting jungle action thriller which alternates between Miami and Venesuela as a supposedly dead colonel, Brian Horne(Richard Lynch, who believes his character was modeled after Col Kurtz from the novel "Heart of Darkness") long gone off the deep end and considered a mastermind in the Guayana suicide massacre, has natives led by two vicious henchmen taking apart cocaine operation camps throughout South America, removing the goods, distributing the drugs themselves. Miami is a city where he recently sent men in to remove drug dealers, as he has in other places like New Orleans and New York. A hungry news reporter, Fran Hudson(Lisa Blount) and her camera man, Mark(Leonard Mann) decide to seek out the location of Horne and their boss' missing son, Tommy(Willie Aimes, in a hideous performance), hoping to get a big scoop which will lift their careers substantially. What they don't expect is to be in danger of Horne and his dangerous army of homicidal natives, and in order to get the story they so desire, will have to brave the elements, the sweaty, uncomfortable surroundings of a jungle and what lies within, which could very well cost them their lives.

With John Steiner and Michael Berryman as soldiers armed with machetes and natives who spit-shoot poisonous darts that sometimes go all the way through the neck of victims, Richard Lynch doesn't have to carry the burden of being a chief heavy, in fact, he's really only in the film towards the end, which, to be honest, for a fan such as I am, it was a bit of a drag to see so little of him. As he always does, Lynch commands the screen when he appears, and his exit is certainly a memorable one.

Regarding the gore, you see one victim ripped from crotch to neck by a rope trap as two trees make a wishbone out of him. Three glorious beheadings, a stomach slit open with guts spewing out, a blade penetrating a poor soul's neck(Berryman relishes his role as a nasty brute who breaks through wooden floors, emerges from swamp waters, and sneaks from behind camp guards out of the darkness of the jungle)and one poor girl getting sticks stabbed into her legs(the most unpleasant scene, in my opinion, the girl struggling as natives rip open her clothes, stabbing her with great big smiles on their faces).

It was great seeing Eriq La Salle as a Miami pimp whose whistle blowing gets him in deep doo-doo. Also featuring the ravishing Valentina Forte(Deodato's lover at the time) taking a shower, attempting to wash the filth of a helicopter pilot from her body after having to submit sexually or else perish at the hands of her boss, cocaine camp leader Manuel(the sleazy Gabriele Tinti), a real piece of trash who mistreats Tommy, only allowing him to live because he's white. Tommy just wants to leave and his father Bob(Richard Bright), desperately wants to find him, hoping Fran and Mark will run into the young man. Karen Black guest stars as the producer of a cable station helping fund the expedition into the jungle. I'm glad this doesn't resort to cannibalism just to recapture Deodato's past success(he admits that he had no plans whatsoever to go in this direction when others wished for him to). I also enjoyed the use of skeletal remains in a key sequence involving the attempt to secure a trapped canoe and accompanying crocodiles. Superb score from Claudio Simmonetti just adds pop to this well-paced actioner that rarely lets up.

Gore haters, cut and run from this unexceptional actioner

[videorama-759-859391 · 4/10 · 10 July 2014]

Cut And Run is a shockingly violent film, that I've just seen, where even back in it's time, would of been over violent, like some of those one off shockers of the 80's. I almost regret not seeing it back in the 8O's, where with the not most inviting of covers, it would of been interesting to see my reaction back at 15, whatever. Even, in it's explosive start, it's shockingly violent, but worse comes later, believe me. The cover actually falsifies Berryman, as if one of the major stars. Like other flicks, his ugly dial only appears at a couple moments here, where he's mostly doing harm. The movie has a bad script, with plain dialogue I couldn't believe, as if through bits of it, a three year old stepped on board. It has some bad actors, where I think you can pinpoint them out. Lisa Blount as an impulsive reporter, Fran, is the real acting strength in this film. She and her cameraman, are on this mission to fly to the lush Columbian jungle to track down the boss's son Tommy (Aames, miscast) who's been used as a muel in the drug smuggling trade, with a hot young Brazilian honey, her nubile nude body, used as sexual collateral. Also, if she's lucky, Blount will score an interview with a enigmatic figure (Lynch) who escaped the Jonestown Massacre which saw a suicide pact of over three hundred people, an interesting angle to a sometimes disjointed story, or lack of it. I'll be honest, this is a bad movie, but it's bloody gruesome too. There are some good action bits and exciting ones, but other parts are slow and dull, you'll almost want something to happen or turn off, as the direction story isn't really one that grabs you, where judging by that, the future of the story doesn't look that much brighter. Being an Italian exploitation flick, the music again impresses, too, the score at the explosive opening. When finally seeing Richard Lynch, again it's worth the wait as the fine late great actor, again doesn't disappoint. I wish I could say more positive stuff about this film, a similarity shared to the director's earlier pic, Cannibal Holocaust is the run ins with deadly reptiles, etc.

good adventure film full of gore.

[dmagri_demajo703 · 7/10 · 6 November 2003]

This is a good film. Obviously this will not suite everyone as it is quite violent. The cut version however is very limited regards to violence and is quite difficult to follow as it limits certain scenes and lets the audience guessing! Watched the uncut version on italaian television but the version i owe is unfortunately cut.Nice ladies involved too.

Very average jungle shocker .........

[merklekranz · 5/10 · 13 June 2010]

"Cut and Run" has some pretty bad acting that tends to drag it down. Willie Ames, Richard Bright, and Karen Black are especially awful. Michael Berryman really doesn't do much other than grunt and pop up whenever least expected. Richard Lynch, although top billed, has very little screen time. The Venezuelan jungle locations are spectacular, and most of the special effects are acceptable, the best being a man torn in half by a native trap. The biggest letdown is with the script, which is unfocused, and at times makes very little sense. Thus, considering all the pluses and minuses, what remains is a very average jungle shocker, and nothing more. - MERK

Better than you think

[haildevilman · 8/10 · 3 January 2006]

Make sure you find the uncut version. It is out there on DVD. However some of the scenes are in Italian only due to lost soundtracks. Deodato actually filmed several different scenes for censored and uncensored versions.

On the whole it was great jungle action. And the Jonestown angle added more to it. A slight hint of conspiracy to go with the fear and tension. And Richard Lynch plays an excellent movie villain. If you find the DVD, watch the interview with him. Hard to believe it's the same guy. Karen Black basically phoned in her performance and Wille Aames supposedly was trying (and failing) to shake his teen image. Richard Bright was rumored to be drunk throughout most of the filming and in some scenes, specifically at the end, he looks it. And lets not forget Michael Berryman. Menacing. And the late Gabriel Tinti (former Mr. Laura Gemser) making an appearance as well.

The drawn and quartered scene will NOT be easy to watch. And some of the carnage scenes are rougher than imagined. But it's definitely worth a look.

Not as masterful as Cannibal Holocaust

[Bogey Man · 7/10 · 20 January 2003]

Ruggero Deodato's Cut and Run (1985) is about same themes as his masterpiece Cannibal Holocaust (1979). Both these films criticize the way how media exploits and capitalizes on things that are necessarily not suitable for that. They also (thus) tell about human nature in general and our greedy and selfish sides that can be seen everyday worldwide.

In Cut and Run, an American TV reporter and her cameraman travel to the deep jungles to search for the lost son of her boss as well as try to find some clues of a bloody drug war that has taken place during the last few months. They arrive there and learn that the gory hell is on the loose in the jungle, too, and that there's much more than they ever could have imagined. There are two versions of this film. The stronger and much more violent to the Italian market, and the "softer" version to elsewhere. I've seen the both, and all I can say is that the softer is much more noteworthy as a serious piece of work. The hard version serves only as exploitation, and very strong exploitation indeed.

The themes of the film are universal as everywhere televison, internet and other forms of media show other people's suffering and pain as some kind of entertainment and amusement as it excites people, their deepest instincts. Cannibal Holocaust is easily among the most memorable depiction of this in the history of cinema. Cut and Run is more about media while Holocaust was also about the whole human nature and our faces, thus making the film even more global and powerful. Cut and Run shows some interesting expressions on faces at the end, and the characters definitely have learnt something, so again Deodato and his screenwriter (Dardano Sacchetti, the Fulci writer) had serious things in their minds while their producers were obviously more interested in exploitation and graphic violence.

The violence is strong in both versions, but the harder version is very strong. The beginning massacre makes it obvious that none of the gushing close ups have any other reason than themselves, which is not good if we want to do serious film with message. More is coming as the carnage at the jungle includes various nasty traps and ways of killing a human being. The soft version is much tamer than this, and that is also its greatest improvement.

The film has some very nice camerawork in the jungle, and especially the soundtrack by the great Claudio Simonetti of the Goblin is mind blowing and effective. It has its jungle themes and urban themes and they all work as fine as in their greatest Argento achievements.

Cut and Run has some stupid reactions by its characters and also minor flaws and weak points in the screenplay and it can occasionally look unintentionally comical or irritating. Still it is among Deodato's best works and delivers its message with impact even though the film (both versions) is in every possible way much tamer and harmless than his one and only masterpiece. 7/10

CUT AND RUN (Ruggero Deodato, 1985) **

[Bunuel1976 · 5/10 · 19 January 2009]

Originally intended for American horror-meister Wes Craven – which probably explains the presence of Michael Berryman from his THE HILLS HAVE EYES movies – this was eventually made by controversial Italian exploitation film-maker Deodato (with whom I have had the pleasure of a long chat around 03:00a.m. at the 2004 Venice Film Festival) as an unofficial last entry in his "Cannibal" trilogy! While I'm no fan of the previous two (in fact, I similarly awarded them ** apiece), it's easy to concede that this is the least of the bunch despite (or perhaps because of) the bigger budget and relatively decent cast accorded it. Apparently, the presence of so many English-speaking actors – Berryman, Richard Lynch, Karen Black, Lisa Blount, Willie Aames, Richard Bright, Eriq La Salle, Penny Brown – required the film to be shot in English in direct sound (a rarity for Italian productions) but I'm a stickler for seeing movies in their native language and thus I opted to watch the film in Italian (despite the presence of a cobbled-together English-language soundtrack on the Anchor Bay DVD which reportedly reverts to the Italian one for certain 'lost' sections)! Anyhow, it's virtually impossible not to think of Lynch's character – an American Colonel 'finding' himself in the Amazonian jungles at the head of a tribe of cut-throats – as having been modeled on Marlon Brando's incoherent turn in APOCALYPSE NOW (1979) but Deodato is much too interested in filming extreme gore (copious decapitations, one disembowelment and Steiner's character literally being split in two!) and his current girlfriend (Valentina Forte) in the nude to let such comparisons or pretensions bother him in the slightest. As usual with Euro-Cult fare, the music is a standout and ex-Goblin Claudio Simonetti's disco-tinged score here is no exception.

nasty italian action!!

[[e-mail] · 29 July 2002]

this movie is an italian action flick, with a lot of nasty things like rapes and chopped of arms and legs in it, if you can find the ita orig (105 min)the first one i caught was here in swe it was only 75 min ,then the eng about 85 min,then the us and danish it was about the same 90 min then i got the ita copy from a friend and it was 105 min and it was nasty,so the us vers is not uncut like it says!!

A great scumfest

[BandSAboutMovies · 6/10 · 17 October 2020]

Cut and Run was originally going to be directed by Wes Craven with the working title Marimba, with Tim McIntire, Dirk Benedict and Christopher Mitchum as the cast. However, when money never showed up, they turned to Ruggero Deodato, who got a script from Cesare Frugoni and Dardano Sacchetti and ended up making Inferno in diretta.

There was a softer R-rated American version and then another one for places that were used to the madness that is Deodato in the jungle.

This one is simple, but the best exploitation movies always are. Reporter Fran Hudson (Lisa Blount, Prince of Darkness) is investigating a war in the jungles of South America between drug cartels and the army of Colonel Brian Horne (Richard Lynch). Yes, that's right. Richard Lynch in the jungle commanding a cult of maniacs, including Michael Berryman.

Does that sell you? What if I told you that Willie Aames is in it? And he wears a Mickey Mouse shirt throughout?

Man, this movie has an Italian star for every Italian. Eriq La Salle from ER? I'll give you Laura Gemser's husband, Gabriele Tinti. Karen Black? I'll raise you Barbara Magnolfi. Plus, you also get Italian Western actor Leonard Mann, John Steiner, Valentina Forte (from Blastfighter!) and Richard Bright.

Seeing as how this is a Deodato movie, there's all manner of lunacy, like people being ripped in half and crucified. Instead of making another Cannibal Holocaust, he decided to make his own Apocalpyse Now, but with the kind of cast I'd choose to be in my version of that movie, with a chaser of Flavor Aid from Jonestown.

Claudio Simonetti did the score, which is really all you need to know. This movie is complete junk food, but the best kind of junk food that melts in your hands, your mouth, all over your face and ruins your new shirt, too. It's filled with massive amounts of sleaze and gore and strangely enough, was filmed with actual English instead of the typical Tower of Babylon shooting style that Italian films usually use.

Ruggero and a Budget

[aolaccountssuck · 7/10 · 9 December 2008]

After Ruggero Deodato made Cannible Holocaust studios granted him with a budget, Because of it was a smash at the box office. Instead of doing a sequel he leaned more towards another movie. But the studios wanted something some what similar. So you get CUT AND RUN.

CUT AND RUN staring Lisa Blount (AN OFFICER AND GENTLEMAN) and Willie Aames (EIGHT IS ENOUGH) is a bloodbath of fun. The story is written like any other Italien film from the 80's. In other words, if you are looking for something like Apacolypse Now, or a so called great film "Saving Private Ryan" or in the wrong DVD Section. This Story hold the Equivalince of Death Wish 3. Entertainment Value and thats it. But, hey, that is more then fine with me.

The Film also Co-stars Karen Black and Michael Berryman (THE HILLS HAVE EYE'S) and appearances by Richard Lynch and Eriq Lasalle. A perfect line up to an eighty's EuroShock feature. The film mostly takes place in the jungle like most Italien films at the time. And our main characters find themselves in the middle of an intricate drug war, and drug slave camps that appear to be the descendent's of Jim Jones. The characters at first wanted to film a story but now once "stuff" hit the fan, are in the game of survival.

The Uncut version has great Decapitations, People being split in half, rape, and torture scenes. It is also shot slightly above average, the camera move's to the feel of the film. Nothing like Sergio or Dario, but above average.

The score is by Cluadio Simonetti (The first time Cluadio and Ruggero Worked together) and actually fell short compared to his prior work with Goblin. But still, falling short from greatness is not to bad.

Overall if you are an Italy film fan, and you like Fulci, and Argento, this is one you will not like to miss. Also, this is a great film to introduce Italien EuroShock films to someone new. It's got an American Style to it that many can Relate to. I hope this has been help-full, enjoy. (Oh and the replay value is very high)

Bad.

[bombersflyup · 1/10 · 21 October 2019]

Cut and Run is an awful r rated film, with cheesy Disney dialogue and much stupidity.

Anybody with any sort of experience dies instantly, but the son, news reporter and camera man all survive many encounters. The two females aren't bad though, why Ana would be killed off screen makes little sense given her earlier appearance.

More jungle-based blood 'n' guts action from Ruggero Deodato.

[BA_Harrison · 7/10 · 31 March 2009]

Five years after he shocked the world with his controversial gut-muncher Cannibal Holocaust, director Ruggero Deodato returned to the jungle to deliver another dose of nastiness in the form of brutal adventure Cut and Run.

In this entertaining slice of gory, exploitative action, Lisa Blount plays Fran, a TV reporter who, along with her cameraman Mark (Leonard Mann), travels to the Amazon where she hopes to interview Colonel Brian Horne (Richard Lynch), the supposedly dead right-hand-man of infamous cult leader Jim Jones, whilst also attempting to locate her boss's missing son Tommy (Willy Aames), who is being held in the jungle against his will by evil drug traffickers.

Despite once again dealing with the themes of reportage and the media, Deodato stays clear of any attempts at a Cannibal Holocaust-style social commentary, preferring instead to concentrate on giving viewers a bloody good time (and I mean bloody!). Large amounts of graphic violence (which includes numerous decapitations and impalements, a disembowelment, and a guy being completely torn in half); frequent scenes of rape and female nudity (including welcome nekkidness from the gorgeous Valentina Forte); and a whole lot of nonsense involving a tribe of bloodthirsty natives (led by bald genre favourite Michael Berryman): all of this takes precedence over narrative cohesion, but it matters not a jot, 'cos you'll be having way too much fun to care.

In addition to all the gory mayhem, we are also treated to a dreadful cameo performance from Karen Black, a nifty turn from ER's Eriq La Salle as a fedora wearing informant, an effective synth score from Goblin's Claudio Simonetti, lush cinematography by Alberto Spagnoli, and, perhaps best of all, a chance to see Willy Aames display his complete lack of emotional range in some unintentionally hilarious dramatic scenes.

Nowhere near as horrific as Holocaust, nor quite as gruelling as Deodato's Jungle Holocaust, Cut and Run is still a worthwhile example of the jungle adventure/survival horror sub genre—just make sure that you watch the uncut version for full effect!

Deodatto at it again, portraying Indio's as simian ape-men – but at least they're not cannibals this time

[t_atzmueller · 5/10 · 22 February 2013]

So, this is it: the finally of Ruggero Deodattos „Amazonia"- (better known as „Cannibal")-trilogy. Almost needless to say that "Cut and Run" in no way lives up to the standards of the infamous "Cannibal Holocaust" but then again, I dare say that no other movie has achieved that to date.

Apart from some very gory scenes of carnage and mayhem (decapitations, gutting and a man being ripped into half), the location, Deodattos misogyny and condescending attitude towards the indigenous crew, "Cut and Run" and "Cannibal Holocaust" haven't got much in common. The later is a hardcore horror-film, containing what some have termed "animal snuff", yet actually had a deeper meaning, that criticized the 1970's Mondo-genre (exploitive and often partially faked pseudo-documentaries) and the Medias attitude toward what they considered primitive cultures.

"Cut and Run" is a more straight action-thriller about a surviving Jonestown leader Colonel Horn (Richard Lynch) who, with the help of an Indio tribe, rips off American cocaine smugglers in the Amazon and a couple of journalists (Lisa Blount and Leonard Mann) out to interview Horn and rescue the missing son of their producer (Willie Ames).

What speaks for the film (apart from the rather heavy violence and gore, presuming this is your thing and the reason to come across "Cut and Run" in the first place) is a very hostile, depressing, even misanthropic atmosphere. This is another thing that "Cut and Run" and "Cannibal Holocaust" have in common. Lynch, as a mix between insane Reverend Jones and drug-peddling General Kurtz, plays the role he has been born to play; same goes for Michael Berryman, who plays a psychopathic killer-Indio; albeit, both only have a few minutes of screen-time. John Steiner is a sadistic, sneering drug-runner, nothing we didn't come to expect from Steiner there. The rest of the are bit-players who go through the motions, trying hard not to embarrass themselves or, like in the case of Karen Black, aren't given much to work with.

If at all possible, Deodatto managed to make the local Indios look even more ape-like than in "Cannibal Holocaust". The grimace, rape and hop from tree to tree, one is instinctively reminded of the sub-humans in Ralph Bakshi pre-stone-age cartoon "Fire and Ice". Like a participant in "Cannibal Holocaust" said: "Deodatto killed apes, turtles and iguanas, but he treated the animals with more respect than he did the natives." Five points from ten – that's one for Lynch, one for Berryman, one for the atmosphere and two for the gore-content and special-effects.

And, on a ps-note, watch out for a very young Eric La Salle ("Coming to America", here playing a jive-talking', purple fedora-wearing pimp which, we had presumed, had died out with 1970's blaxploitation film) and try not to watch out for Hugo Weaving in an extra-role – he's nowhere to be found in "Cut and Run"; his participation is an urban legend.

Superb jungle mayhem by Deodato

[Vomitron_G · 7/10 · 26 May 2010]

Another short comment from The Vault, dated 2006/10/11:

"Now we're talking business! Finally I was able to purchase the shiny uncut and uncensored Anchor Bay edition of "Cut and Run", Ruggero Deodato's notorious 'drugs & jungle'-fest. And yes, it's violent, it's gory, and misogynistic. And it even manages to tell a pretty decent, dual plotted story. An ambitious reporter (Lisa Blount) is after the story of a lifetime when she discovers a renegade colonel (Richard Lynch), who supposedly died years ago, is currently in the drug traffic business, producing cocaine in the jungle. Also, the son of a rich American TV-producer disappeared in that very same jungle. We pretty soon learn that he is held against his will by the colonel to help him fabricate and transport drugs. Further more, the colonel is helped by a ruthless native tribe. You guessed it: there's plenty of room for decapitations, disembowelment, dismemberment, violations of women,... This all boils down to some pretty cruel jungle mayhem. If you see it, then make sure to watch the restored uncut version, because otherwise you'll miss out on some of the fun stuff and even a few additional plot elements."

Cut and Run is a solid movie, and the DVD is a solid addition to anyone's collection.

[tarbosh22000 · 8/10 · 20 October 2014]

Fran Hudson (Blount) is a local Miami TV reporter who never shies away from a story that is potentially dangerous. After some drug-fueled murders in the area, an informant, Fargas (La Salle) points Fran and her trusty cameraman Mark (Mann) in the direction of a mysterious man named Brian Horne (Lynch). Horne was a disgraced Army Colonel who ended up in the employment of the infamous Jim Jones. He was said to have died in the massacre at Guyana, but recent photos have surfaced featuring Horne. Fran and Mark want to go deep into the jungles of Venezuela where they believe he is hiding out in order to interview him. This coincides perfectly with the wishes of their station manager, Bob (Bright) as well as Karin (Black). Bob's son Tommy (Aames) has been missing and thought to be in the same area. So Fran and Mark have their work "cut" out for them, as they must report on the drug killings, find and interview Brian Horne, and rescue Tommy - all the while dodging the many pitfalls of the jungle, not the least of which is the violent and frightening killer Quecho (Berryman). Can they do it? Out of all the jungle movies released in the 80's, Cut and Run has to rank as one of the best. While it sits comfortably with other items on video store shelves at the time such as Cocaine Wars (1985), Cut and Run has a lot more going for it. Namely the strong cast, and equally strong direction by Ruggero Deodato, who most people would associate with Cannibal Holocaust (1980) - but here at Comeuppance we associate him with Live Like a Cop, Die Like a Man (1976), Raiders of Atlantis (1983) and The Barbarians (1987). Though, truth be told, Cut and Run shares more of the themes of Cannibal Holocaust than any of the other movies we mentioned - jungles, white people entering them and facing hostile Indios, and gore a-plenty. So while lesser filmmakers were off making nondescript El Presidente movies or Jungle Slogs (as we call them), Deodato corralled an impressive cast and raised the bar on all films of this type. He set the standard for the 80's video store-era jungle movie, and it has yet to be surpassed.

Lisa Blount makes an appealing lead, and she's an actress we don't often get a chance to talk about. Eriq La Salle - much like his co-stars John Steiner, Gabriele Tinti and even Karen Black - puts in a colorful and worthwhile, but brief, role. Fan favorite Michael Berryman is on board doing what he does best, as is fellow fan favorite Richard Lynch. Both Berryman and Lynch have loinclothed goons - presumably no jungle movie would be complete without them. It's hard to say exactly what's going on with Willie Aames (or is it Willie Bibleman; not really sure) what with his curly mullet and Mickey Mouse tanktop over a red sweatshirt, but like Blount, we don't get to talk about Willie too much on this site, so we were happy to see him in a non-Charles in Charge role. But seeing as how the movie was directed with energy by Deodato, and has typically-excellent Claudio Simonetti music, you can't really lose...or can you? Actually, you CAN lose if you view the New World VHS. The Anchor Bay DVD is uncut so make sure that is the version you see/buy. The moments of well-executed gore are one of the main ingredients that set this movie apart from its jungle-based competitors. So make sure you see it all on the DVD. Corman and New World have a tendency to cut movies and make sure they don't go "too far", and Cut and Run was sadly a victim of that back in the day. But it's been rectified now, so there's nothing to fear. Except maybe Quecho.

Cut and Run is a solid movie, and the DVD is a solid addition to anyone's collection.

Another violent jungle-adventure by Deodato

[Coventry · 7/10 · 7 December 2005]

Not a cannibal in sight in this jungle, but that doesn't keep the almighty Rugero Deodato from making another nasty action movie, largely set in sweltering swamps and amidst brutal savages. The plot is weak compared to "Cannibal Holocaust" and a lot less shocking, but the action is merciless and exclusively meant for people with a strong stomach. Two journalists, specialized in drug stories, go on a jungle mission to unravel a network of drug transportation, led by a pivot figure who presumable died a couple of years earlier. Meanwhile, they also have to search for the son of a media tycoon who was kidnapped and hold prisoner in the same jungle. This is pure exploitation-gold with an excellent score, ingenious camera-work and very raw editing. Michael Berryman, the creep from "The Hills Have Eyes", has a staggering supportive role as – surprise, surprise – an insane madman. Don't bother too much about the lame acting and many plot holes, this is undemanding but fun stuff!

Blood and Guts!

[Mazzarini · 22 October 2001]

Fine action film from Italian Ruggero Deodato that features a great cast of American stars - well you know what I mean when I say stars. I was fortunate enough to see the uncut version under the title AMAZONIA LA JUNGLE BLANCHE - although it was in French with no subtitles, I still enjoyed it though. Claudio Simonetti's bombastic score is a real treat and needs a CD release. Look out for the Anchor Bay DVD release due out sometime in 2002 - Uncut and Widescreen with an interview with good old Ruggero.

A mess, but watchable.

[gridoon · 6/10 · 10 January 2002]

Being directed by the legendary Ruggero Deodato is this film's main claim to fame. I'm not sure if I watched the fully uncut version (the gore scenes WERE there, but they seemed a bit too brief), but hey, even "Commando" had a scene in which a man's entire arm gets chopped off! Deodato does know how to stage his jungle sequences (the film is very beautifully photographed), but he's not equally proficient with the (somewhat irrelevant) Miami-based parts of the film. The whole plot of the film is put together in a jumbled kind of way, too. On the other hand, the acting is pretty good (except for a dreadful Karen Black) and the knockout soundtrack supplies tension in scenes that definitely need it. (**)