The picture talks about a veteran CIA agent attempting to begin a new life in honorable issues , as he hopes for a tranquil life in the placid Pacific Northwest . As C. I. A. Assassin Richard Malone (Burt Reynolds) wishes the retirement , a guy running away from his past, but then things go wrong . The ex-CIA man whose car breaks down in a small town who then gets close to a family ( Cynthia Gibb , Scott Wilson) and attempts to battle an ominous villain . Along the way , nasty enemies led by fascist Delaney (Cliff Robertson) are menacing his plans and then goes into action . They go after him but Malone'll execute his legitimate defense as well as extreme wrath and he'll become in judge , jury and executioner . The woman held the key to his past. The man wanted to buy his future. Now both were trying to kill him. Ex-Cop. Ex-CIA. Ex-PLOSIVE! He didn't start the fight... but he'll sure as hell finish it.

In the film there is action , exciting pursuits , shootouts , thrills , suspense and a little bit of violence . From the beginning to finish the noisy action-packed and fast-moving are continued and that's why it results to be entertaining . The great climax of the film is the final confrontation between the starring and the enemies that's stimulating and moving . The story is an adaptation from the novel "Shotgun," by William Wingate and script by Christopher Frank .Film attempts hard but doesn't succeed in being believable. Burt Reynolds acting is wooden but likeable , as being habitual in his roles as a merciless revenger . As he plays a burnt-out agent with secret missions stumbles into a real state swindle/murder plot in Oregon and sets out to stop it . This picture represents one of a handful of films starring Burt Reynolds playing tough and brave agents or cops or avengers in which he exacts his assignments by violent and expeditive ways , such as Rent-a-Cop, Sharky's Machine , Stick ,White Lightning , Fuzz , Gator , Hustle , Shark , among others . Reynolds is well accompanied by a good cast such as : Clift Robertson as a right-wing extremist plotting a secret revolution , a young Cynthia Gibb , Scott Wilson as her good father , Kenneth McMillan as a corrupt sheriff , Lauren Hutton , Philip Anglim , Tracey Walter , Dennis Burkley , Duncan Fraser , and Dennis Burkley.

It contains an enjoyable and moving musical score by David Newman. As well as colorful and adequate Cinematography by Gerald Hirschfeld . The motion picture was professionally directed by Harley Cokeliss . This filmmaker is a good artisan directing some decent films such as : Paris Connections , An Angel for May , Warlords of the 21st Century , Dream Demon , That Summer , , Black Moon , The Battle of Billy's Pond and making episodes of popular series, such as : Dark Knight , The Immortal , Xena and Hercules. Rating : 6.10 . Good , acceptable and passable movie. The pic will appeal to Burt Reynolds fans. Worthwhile seeing.

"Malone" manages to at least be watchable without being distinctive in any way. It's pretty much a routine action drama of the time as well as an okay vehicle for veteran star Burt Reynolds. The action is largely perfunctory, and yes, the plot isn't always terribly believable, but a strong supporting cast keeps the attention from wandering too much. There is some effectively brutal violence as bodies get ripped apart by bullets, and some explosions as part of the deal. Harley Cokeliss directs competently if not stylishly. The location shooting in Canada is decent, and that wilderness setting is lovely. (Stock shots of Langley and L.A. are also used). A great score by David Newman is an asset.

The story (scripted by Christopher Frank, based on a novel by William P. Wingate) is awfully familiar stuff: Malone (Reynolds) is a former CIA assassin with no more desire to do his job, so he takes it on the lam. Car trouble forces him to stop at a remote service station run by nice guy Paul Barlow (Scott Wilson),who just so happens to have a cute daughter, Jo (Cynthia Gibb). Malone has arrived in this community just in time to get caught up in the schemes of Delaney (Cliff Robertson),a rich man buying up property like crazy; Delaney turns out to be a right wing zealot hoping to establish a base of operations in the area.

Despite receiving a very serious bullet wound at one point, Malone is a tough s.o.b. who takes on all comers. Fortunately for him, most of Delaney's henchmen are completely useless idiots. That definitely removes a lot of suspense. Reynolds delivers a commendably low key performance in the lead, the ever likable Wilson is excellent as always, Robertson is amusing in a very unsubtle turn, and Gibb (whose character Jo becomes quite attached to Malone) is endearing. Lauren Hutton co-stars as the CIA agent sent to take care of the Malone problem, Kenneth McMillan is the local sheriff, and Tracey Walter and Dennis Burkley play a troublesome pair of redneck brothers working for Delaney.

If nothing else, this obvious "Shane" homage should be a mild diversion for Reynolds fans.

Six out of 10.

In many of his later films, I noticed that Burt Reynolds had a tendency to say very little...such as in "Heat" and "Malone". In "Heat" it was a deficit but here in "Malone" it seems to match his character.

When the story begins, you see that Malone (Burt Reynolds) is a CIA assassin. But he's tired of the work and retires....and the CIA is not at all happy about it.

Just by chance, Malone ends up having car trouble in a small mountain town. During the time he's stuck there, he sees that some rich guy, Delaney (Cliff Robertson),has bought out many of the locals and pretty much runs things...including the police department. His bullies also terrorize folks because they know the Sheriff will do nothing. Eventually, it becomes so bad that it turns into a war between Malone and Delaney's private little army.

I liked this film. Sure it isn't realistic (especially Reynolds' hairpiece) but it is enjoyable to watch. It's the sort of film you could also imagine Chuck Norris making...though I actually think Reynolds is a bit better suited for this role.

By the way, if you are curious, this pretty American mountain town is in British Columbia!