User reviews

Steve McQueen's last film features him as an aging modern day bounty hunter who drives a crumbling jalopy barely strung together. He is only just managing to make a living. The story is based on a real life bounty hunter, Ralph Thorson, who worked as technical adviser on the production, I believe.

This film has pretty much always been critically dismissed and, to be sure, it barely has a story line, just a series of incidents, some of them humorous, involved in Thorson's arrest of bail jumpers. There is a major chase sequence towards the end that is excitingly staged, involving a subway car passenger being taken captive, among other things. There's even a little bit of humour to be found here, as well, this prolonged chase sequence the highlight of the film.

I have to say that I found the film to be quite watchable as a time waster, despite its mediocre reputation. I liked the (presumably) on location shooting of some of the seedy areas in which the character had to work.

McQueen has a seasoned presence and is quite effective in his role, though he doesn't have much of a characterization to work with. There are also a few twists to be found here. One inside joke for McQueen fans is that in this film his character is a bad driver who can't seem to parallel park without mounting the curb several times and doing damage to the cars around him.

The supporting cast includes Eli Wallach, Kathryn Harrold as McQueen's pregnant girlfriend, and Ben Johnson as a good old boy town sheriff who pulls a gun on McQueen to emphasize the fact he wants him out of his town. McQueen gives him no argument. Frustrating that the film uses so little of Johnson. He has two reasonably effective small scenes and then he's gone for good. What the film has plenty of, though, is Tracey Walter as a vengeful psycho sworn to kill McQueen. Walter's character likes to indulge in cat-and-mouse games. There's nothing subtle in this actor's over-the-top performance.

I saw no sign of the cancer that would lead to McQueen's death in his appearance here. The actor found out about the asbestos-related mesothelioma shortly after filming on The Hunter was completed. (He died of a heart attack following a brutal operation to have tumors removed in Mexico).

"The Hunter" is no masterpiece, certainly, and not on a par with Steve McQueen's classics from the 1960's. But it did showcase a looser, more easy going McQueen and showed a direction he might have gone further in during the 1980's had he lived. Certainly its no worse than a lot of the films Clint Eastwood and Burt Reynolds were churning out in this time period. I enjoyed the movie, its certainly watchable, but it is hampered by what seems like a made-for-TV look and budget at times (Steve McQueen couldn't get a bigger budget??). The musical score sucks in the way many 70's and 80's films did, and there's one howlingly ludicrous classroom scene featuring Kathryn Harrold as McQueen's girlfriend. But its all about McQueen in his final performance really. Fortunately he looks pretty good in this film, at least better than he did in "Tom Horn" and "An Enemy of the People" and he also looks like he was having a pretty good time. It was also nice to see him in his final film go full-circle playing a modern equivalent to his break-through role as a bounty hunter in "Wanted:Dead or Alive", which was where I first became a fan of McQueen's. He was a true movie star and a man's man and I still miss him.

I saw this film several times as a kid and really enjoyed it--seeing it as a 13 year old, it was my introduction to Steve McQueen. Watching it recently as an adult, I still find it amusing. As another reviewer said, it is Steve McQueen in self-deprecation mode. He is relaxed and amusing. And has some great one-liners. Example--

LeVar Burton: "What's that, Papa?" Steve McQueen: "Stun gun." LeVar Burton: "What does it do?" McQueen: "Ruin your day."

McQueen is almost child-like in this movie. The way he interacts with Kathryn Harold, and the thugs he goes after. But he's still the McQueen we know and love when he confronts the Texas ranger played by Ben Johnson. See this movie--it's got some great humor and stunts. The music is a bit cheesy and the story is rather episodic, but still a fun night at the movies.

McQueen's last film before his tragic and untimely death from cancer was this minor but enjoyable action comedy based on the exploits of real life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson. The small scale, episodic structure and a few plot contrivances sometimes make it feel like a glorified made-for-TV movie (TV veteran Buzz Kulik directed), but Steve is terrific in the role and he's aided by a large and colorful supporting cast. Plenty of action, along with nice touches of warmth and humor make this more than passable entertainment, especially for fans of McQueen. ** 1/2 stars

I first saw this in the late 80s on a vhs. Revisited it recently. As a die hard fan of McQueen, i enjoyed this film which many dubbed as the last n weakest of McQueen's films. The film is about a modern-day bounty hunter who captures criminals who have skipped on their bail to bring them back for a reward. His job doesn't allow him to spend time with his pregnant girlfriend n at the same time a psychopath is stalking them. The film has a good rooftop chase, a foot chase, a train sequence n a funny chase in a corn field with ample amount of dynamites. In this film McQueen came up with the idea of going against his famous car n bike racing abilities by portraying his character as a terrible driver. The film does have a very weak villain n the screenplay is a mishmash.

He's not as fast as he used to be... That's what makes him human. He's a bounty hunter... And that's what makes him dangerous and he is constantly putting his life on the line. With the arrival of civilization and the closing of the American frontier in the early 1900s, the "bounty hunter" became extinct. But someone forgot to tell Ralph "Papa" Thorson...", the last of his kind - a man born into an age to which he really does not belong. Among other things, insurance companies will not insure his life, and he will never receive any social security payments . Steve McQueen stars the life of bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson, who traveling from one state to another in pursuit of fugitives as he has apprehended more than 5,000 criminals and bail jumpers . His schoolteacher girlfriend Dotty (Kathryn Harrold) is pregnant . A subplot involves an old enemy seeking vendetta (Tracey Walter) at Thorson . Based on real life of troubleshooter Ralph Thorson (performed three roles on this movie ,he acted as a technical consultant, had written the novel on which it was based, and played a small cameo), well portrayed by Steve McQueen in this movie, Ralph was killed by a car bomb in 1994.

Action-filled film contains an uneven plot with familiar drama , thrills ,car races , pursuits and many other things . Very good acting by Steve McQueen as Thorson , an old-fashioned guy who has a love of antiques , classical music and drives a 1950s convertible . Steve McQueen's final film , when he arrived at one of locations used for the film, he was checked into a really nice hotel with all the amenities available at the time, then he found out that the crew was staying in a cheaper motel nearby, he checked out of the hotel and stayed in the motel with the crew. Supporting cast is frankly good just like Elli Wallach , Ben Johnson , Tracey Walter , Al Ruscio , Levar Burton and many others . Highlights of the film are a pursuit in a cornfield, where driver in a tractor try to mow down and a chase through Chicago atop a fast-moving train. Atmospheric and gripping photography Fred Koenekamp , one of the main cameramen of the 60s and 70s , he photographed classics such as ¨Patton¨and ¨The towering inferno¨ . Mediocre musical score by Michael Legrand , in fact , producers of this picture were not satisfied with Michel Legrand's musical score which was too baroque for a thriller, they said ; finally,they came to an agreement with the French composer. Legrand's music was kept on US copies but a new musical score composed by Charles Bernstein was mixed with the soundtrack for copies released in Europe.

The motion picture was middlingly directed by Buzz Kulik . It was final theatrically released movie for director Buzz Kulik. Buzz was an expert filmmaker of TV movies and occasionally for cinema . He directed notorious series and TV films (The Lindberg kidnapping case , Pioneer woman , Brian's song , Riot , Rage of Angela) and adapted famous films for TV (From here to eternity with Natalie Wood , Women of valor) . Furthermore , he filmed some vehicles for notorious actors as Burt Reynods (Shamus) , Lee Marvin (Sergeant Ryker) , Steve McQueen (The hunter) and Pierce Brosnan (Around the world in 80 days) .

Steve McQueen's farewell performance in The Hunter is a fine action thriller based on the true story of Ralph 'Pappy' Thorsen, bounty hunter and scourge of bail jumpers everywhere or at least those in and around the Chicago area.

It's interesting how the film builds up the level of difficulty of McQueen's cases. His first case was bringing in LeVar Burton who was between the two roles that made his career, in Roots as Kunte Kinte and in Star Trek the Next Generation as Geordi LaForge. The two of them hit it off so well that when Burton's charges are dismissed, he goes to work for McQueen.

The film itself builds up gradually to McQueen's last two cases where the action in the last 25 minutes doesn't let up at all, almost like an Indiana Jones film. There's a fine action sequence involving pursuit on the Chicago Metro and later in a parking lot with McQueen trying to apprehend Thomas Rosales, Jr. who is one real psycho. And then McQueen has to deal with Tracey Walter, a psycho out to kill him who kidnaps McQueens's pregnant girl friend Kathryn Harrold. Walter makes Rosales look like Cary Grant, in fact it was the best psycho act since Steve Ihnat in Madigan.

Always a pleasure in any film is Eli Wallach, reunited with McQueen from one of McQueen's earliest triumphs in The Magnificent Seven. Wallach plays the bail bondsman who hires McQueen's services and is his friend and confidante.

McQueen's last illness came on him with suddenness, though he looks his 50 years, he doesn't look ill in The Hunter. As so he did not get the kind of cinema valedictory that John Wayne did in The Shootist. Still The Hunter is a fine film for a screen legend to go out on.

A really good cast to say the least ... and a pre Star Trek movie of LeVar. Now for me that was a new one and it took me a bit to actually recognize him (not wearing those "goggles" or whatever you'd call them). But of course he is like the others a bit player, because top billing goes to Steve McQueen, who does his best to fill the character he portrays with life.

Overall a decent movie that has some tone issues (and maybe even pace?). From funny to serious and back again. For some that may work better than for others. So it will be up to your taste what you make of the movie and how much you'll enjoy watching it. It's ok to good in my book

Bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson is receiving death threats from a criminal he helped put away. This while his girlfriend is about to give birth, an event he isn't looking forward to. Meanwhile, he has his job to do and this involves bringing in some tough characters.

I watched this because it is Steve McQueen's last movie and it turns out that is really the only reason to watch this. Plot is at best mildly interesting being reasonably unfocussed. Plot development doesn't always feel consistent.

There's a degree of engagement with McQueen's character (Thorson) but not to a large extent: the lack of focus in the plot makes for some inconsistent character traits and behaviours too.

McQueen is okay in the lead role. No other performances to speak of though. Tracey Walter is incredibly hammy as the villain of the piece.

Steve McQueen plays real-life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson in this disappointedly routine action film, which would sadly be his final film. "The Hunter" is a mostly episodic story, with McQueen tasked with hunting down different cons who've jumped bail, which leads to fist fights, car chases, and one particularly enjoyable chase atop a commuter train. There's also a quaint scene where he uses an early incarnation of a taser. Journeyman director Buzz Kulik ("Villa Rides," "Sergeant Ryker," "Brian's Song") delivers adequate action sequences, but lacks the style of Sam Peckinpah's "The Getaway" or Peter Yates' "Bullitt." A stronger director could have elevated this material, but there's no denying that McQueen is one of the coolest actors of all-time and does turn this completely average material into something much more compelling than it deserved. With a lesser actor playing Papa Thorson, "The Hunter" would have long been forgotten, but McQueen makes this film something worth watching. Eli Wallach, Kathryn Harrold, LeVar Burton, Ben Johnson, and Tracey Walter also appear in the film. RELATED RECOMMENDATION: If you want a higher quality movie about modern day bounty hunters, watch Robert DeNiro in "Midnight Run" instead.

Steve McQueen's last film had him playing Papa Thorson, a modern day bounty hunter based on a real person.

Thorson goes after bail jumpers all over the country and his assignments in the movie get more dangerous.

Rocco Mason is a psycho that Thorson caught. He is stalking Thorson's pregnant girlfriend.

Sadly The Hunter is episodic in nature and the screenplay has disconnected incidents joined up to make a movie.

Thorson is portrayed here as a lousy driver. He goes to an all black neighbourhood, crashes into a car repeatedly as he tries to park and a black man who owns the damaged car just shouts at him.

The action scenes are badly directed. One of them involving a combined harvester wants to be humorous but is just stupid. A long chase scene involving a train just fizzles out with a car ending in the river.

McQueen was ill when he made this movie but he still looks good in his scenes. It is just a shame he did not go out in a better movie.

This, of course, was McQueen's last role. It is nothing grand, and for the most part there really is no plot, but it is still a rather good movie. This movie revolves around McQueen's character who is a bounty hunter. This movie shows him go after various people and also shows his home life...which is a bit unique too. He goes after super big rednecks, small time crooks, crazy guys who blow things up, and one rather dangerous individual. Someone who he captured in the past also stalks him. All in all it isn't the greatest movie, but it mixes action and humor well. Even though McQueen was feeling the effects of his illness during the shooting of this one, he still does a great job.

A veteran bounty hunter in Los Angeles captures bail jumpers and brings them back to his employer. With his wife expecting a child, it is time to reassesses his priorities.

Steve McQueen plays the bounty hunter in what was sadly to be his last film. Sadder still that this was far from one of his best. All a bit predictable and the star is best remembered for his better work. For fans only.

Steve McQueen plays Papa Thorson a man who lives in the past with the motto "New things are no Good." Papa's a bounty hunter who relies on a law from the late1800's that allows anyone to capture those who jump bail (by almost any means necessary).

Most of the movie shows Papa tracking down and capturing criminals. There are some wacky chase scenes -- one involving a Trans Am and a Harvester in a corn field - but most the action is mundane especially compared to McQueen's other films.

The movie would have benefited greatly with better effects (explosions, etc), some one liners and stronger characterization.

The ending is somewhat sentimental and cheesy. The film is based on a true story - which probably could have used some embellishment. McQueen gives a pretty good performance and it's fun to see Levar Burton in one of his earlier roles.

Recommended for hard-core McQueen fans only.

Let me start out by saying I loved this movie! At first I was biased towards this movie, but that quickly changed. I think the director's intention was to make this movie for everbody. For those of you who like action movies it has a grueling scene involving a subway, a parking garage and a child being held at gun point. For those of you who like romance it has a sub-plot involving a woman who is facing pregnancy issues with her husband. For those who like horror movies there is a wonderful end scene that scares the daylights out of anybody breathing! For those who likes comedy there are a few punchlines mixed in plus a scene involving a cornfield a car and a tractor.

Steve McQueen gives off a great performance as a "Dirty Harry" type Bounty Hunter. I have never in fact seen a S. McQueen movie however, upon seeing it, I thought this guy was great. I was a little disappointed to find out that was Steve McQueen's final movie, he could have done a lot more.

The rest of the cast gave out great performances as well, The actress playing Dotty was very beautiful and had so much presense, she did wonderful.

10/10 (And I am not always this nice)

"The Hunter" is Steve McQueen's final film and he died just a few months after completing this movie. It's about the career of Ralph 'Papa' Thorson, a legendary bounty hunter...though I assume MANY liberties were taken in the script.

The story starts off well. In two interesting and funny cases, you see Papa capture two fugitives. However, the lighthearted style of the movie changes drastically when a psychopath announces to Papa and his pregnant girlfriend that he's going to murder them. The rest of the film is essentially an action picture where eventually you have the big showdown.

This film was hated by some critics when it debuted (see the Trivia section for more on this) but I felt very neutral towards the movie. I thought it started very well but later the film suffered for two reasons...it became all action AND Papa began acting like a real jerk towards his girlfriend. I sure hope the real life Papa Thorson wasn't like that!

By the way, coincidentally, the real life Thorson was murdered a year after this movie about his life was made. It's assumed a disgruntled ex-con did it, though as far as I know no one was prosecuted for this.

Steve McQueen's last movie presents him more or less successfully turning over a new leaf, less cool, more wrinkled, and easy-going almost to a fault. And funny. "The Hunter" is maybe the one time McQueen gave a naturally comic performance on film.

Telling someone they drive like Steve McQueen is usually a kind of compliment, but not if you mean the character he plays here, then-modern-day bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson. Thorson is utterly inept behind the wheel, struggling with parallel parking and stick shifts. He must also deal with his girlfriend's pregnancy, which means taking on dangerous parole violators he'd rather leave to another guy.

"I'm getting too old for this bleep," he says, coining a phrase later immortalized by the "Lethal Weapon" series of action comedies.

Directed by TV veteran Buzz Kulik with much of the texture of a "Rockford Files" episode, including "Rockford" regular Kathryn Harrold playing Dotty the expectant girlfriend, "The Hunter" does struggle with trying to throw in too many dramatic subplots, probably in an effort to showcase McQueen's range.

There's a police buddy who's falling apart. There's a bail-jumper with a penchant for fixing electronics who just needs a second chance. Falling flat especially is a linking sequence featuring a speed freak who's stalking Thorson ("I'm gonna kill Paaaah-paaaah" he says in one ridiculous confrontation scene with Dotty; Tracey Walter has done much better work).

But Kulik gets a fine performance out of McQueen, and some nifty action sequences, particularly one on a Chicago el-train and another of Thorson in a cornfield trying to ride down a pair of dynamite-crazy brothers with a Harvester. McQueen seems to be consciously coming down from his "King of Cool" pedestal; many of the jokes are on him as he's shown to be a stick-in-the-mud spectacles-wearing antique-loving fossil who actually says at one point: "New things are no good." But he inhabits the persona of Thorson in a really cool way, whether he's answering a threatening phone call or reloading his .45.

It's fun to see Eli Wallach back in a McQueen film, too, this time as comic relief as a bail loaner who counsels a pair of worried parents: "Can I talk honestly to you? Your son is a rat." Also back in a McQueen film is Ben Johnson, talking from behind a desk as he always seemed to do with McQueen. His part doesn't add up to much, but it's fun watching him pull a gun on Thorson for McQueen's utterly nonchalant reaction.

Yes, "The Hunter" feels like a pilot to a TV series rather than a movie, but as madsagittarian noted in another review, it could have been a neat series to watch, particularly if we had had McQueen around for another five years to play the role. Instead, he left us wanting more. In show biz, that translates into a kind of success.

In the 1970s many film makers had been seeing for many years the life on the streets that surrounded them, but was not being portrayed in the movies. Over time crept into the movies and this movie is one example, though not a good one.

Based on the true life story of Bounty Hunter Ralph 'Papa' Thorson, it portrays him as thoroughly human while also have a tough edge. It tries to show snippets of life that abounded at the time, but the result is patchy and inconsistent.

It is a movie from that time and era and relies far too heavily on interesting characters interwoven through superficially constructed chase scenes.

The whole crazy killer umbrella plot is just stupid.

Only thing that worries me is how did the poor guy make any money after paying for all the damages.

It was a great final scene for his career.

It's a little sad that this near his passing, Steve McQueen appeared to be so healthy.