Cobra (1986)

Director: George P. Cosmatos

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, Reni Santoni

A tough-on-crime street cop must protect the only surviving witness to a strange murderous cult with far-reaching plans.

I have fond memories of watching ‘Cobra’ when I was very young. I remember the motorcycle gang’s chanting with axes. And I remember the great climax.

A serial killer named The Night Slasher has killed sixteen people already. When Ingrid (Brigitte Nielsen) drives past a crime scene and the gang of killers trace her number plate, she seeks help. Cobretti – or Cobra – (Sylvester Stallone) and his partner Gonzales (Reni Santoni) are assigned to protect her. I enjoyed the chemistry between Cobretti and Gonzales. When the gang keeps on their trace, Cobra suspects an insider might be one of the gang members. This fact enhances the suspense.

The film is so intense at times, it might even pass as a slasher horror, especially with the evil looking antagonist Night Slasher (Brian Thompson) – the leader of the motorcycle gang. Thompson delivers an unforgettable, creepy performance.

‘Cobra’ features good editing, and excellent action sequences with fantastic stunts. There’s even a romance interest here that works very well, and doesn’t distract you from the action. This is a fast-paced film with an action packed finale.

‘Cobra’ earned $160 million on a $25 million budget.

Would I watch it again? Yes.