Forgotten Arnold Schwarzenegger Flop Gets Explosive Second Chance On Streaming

Arnold Schwarzenegger stars in Raw Deal streaming on Amazon

By Steven Nelson | Published

The great thing about streaming these days is that it can bring back movies you’ve long since forgotten. It’s the case with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a name synonymous with action and muscle, bringing his iconic presence to Raw Deal. The high-octane flick is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

In Raw Deal, Arnold Schwarzenegger plays Mark Kaminsky, a once-respected FBI agent whose career has gone south

Directed by John Irvin, this action-packed film showcases Arnold Schwarzenegger in his element, delivering a no-nonsense performance that fans of the genre will appreciate. And it might be one that’s gone largely unnoticed as compared to the rest of his career. 

In Raw Deal, Arnold Schwarzenegger assumes the role of Mark Kaminsky, a once-respected FBI agent whose career takes an unexpected nosedive due to his unconventional and unyielding approach to law enforcement.

arnold Schwarzenegger

The story kicks off with Kaminsky’s departure from the FBI, his promising future dismantled by bureaucratic constraints. However, fate takes an intriguing turn when he is offered an unlikely chance for redemption.

When Kaminsky is approached by his former superior to dismantle a powerful and treacherous crime syndicate, he sees this as his shot at redemption. Armed with his unique set of skills and unwavering determination, he embarks on a perilous mission as he infiltrates the underworld, aiming to expose its inner workings and bring down its criminal empire.

Arnold Schwarzenegger as Kaminsky delves deeper into the dark abyss of organized crime, and the plot unravels with heart-pounding intensity. He navigates a labyrinth of danger, deceit, and moral ambiguity, never quite sure whom he can trust.

The high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensnares him in a web of danger that tests his resilience and resourcefulness at every turn. It’s all something Arnold is more than ready for.

arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Raw Deal

Beyond Arnold Schwarzenegger’s portrayal of the relentless Kaminsky, the movie features a cast of characters that add complexity and intrigue to the narrative. Supporting performances by accomplished actors like Kathryn Harrold as Kaminsky’s romantic interest, and Sam Wanamaker as his former boss, contribute to the tension and dynamics of the story.

Released in 1986, Raw Deal was met with a mixed critical reception. While some appreciated its straightforward approach to action, others found fault with its formulaic plot and lack of depth. It’s led to a 31 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Raw Deal made just $16 million at the box office and scored 31 percent on Rotten Tomatoes

The movie’s box office performance also fell short of blockbuster status, earning moderate returns. It made just $16 million on its reported $10 million budget. That’s a far cry from some other Arnold Schwarzenegger fare we’ve seen over the decades. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Iconic Career

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey to becoming a Hollywood icon has been paved with a diverse array of roles that have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

His breakthrough role came in 1982’s Conan the Barbarian, where he flexed his considerable muscles and charismatic screen presence to breathe life into the titular character. This role catapulted him into the realm of action stars and set the stage for a series of memorable performances.

arnold schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan

One of Schwarzenegger’s most iconic roles is undoubtedly that of the Terminator in James Cameron‘s groundbreaking franchise. With his stoic demeanor and catchphrase “I’ll be back,” Schwarzenegger became synonymous with the relentless, machine-like assassin.

The Terminator series not only solidified his status as an action superstar but also showcased his ability to carry a complex character through multiple installments.

In addition to his action-packed ventures, Schwarzenegger has demonstrated his comedic flair in films like Twins and Kindergarten Cop. His foray into comedy highlighted his willingness to explore different genres and his knack for delivering memorable one-liners. Moreover, he showcased his dramatic chops in movies like Total Recall and True Lies, proving his versatility beyond the confines of action-oriented roles.

Arnold Schwarzenegger in Fubar

And even at 76 years old, it doesn’t appear as if Arnold Schwarzenegger is slowing down even a little bit. The dude just released Fubar on Netflix, a series that puts this near-octagenarian back into his action element. Sure, he’s playing into his age some, but that’s all part of the bit in the action series. 

Plus, he’s got other stuff in the works as well with The Legend of Conan set to return him to that titular role, the one that originally put him on the Hollywood map. There’s also Outrider and Breakout which are in various stages of pre-production.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s filmography stands as a testament to his multifaceted talent and enduring presence in the world of entertainment. From his action-packed kabooms to his ventures into laughs and even pathos, he has consistently demonstrated his versatility as a true superstar in Hollywood.

His iconic roles are the ones we go to, but there’s always room for the forgotten flicks. Like Raw Deal which you can stream on Amazon now.