Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.
release year: 1998
genre: espionage action
viewing setting: home VHS, 6/27/04
synopsis: Former super-spy-organization director returns to head the fight against an old enemy.
impressions: It wasn't that bad. This TV movie was based on a comic book that has had many iterations (and styles) from the 1960s onward; the basic premise is that S.H.I.E.L.D. is the ultimate technologically-advanced spy organization and they have to be ever-vigilant against their counterpart, HYDRA, whose origin dates back to the Nazis and World War Two. When I say "technologically advanced", I mean it: these guys fly around in a gigantic aircraft carrier and have lifelike robots that perfectly resemble humans. Anyway, this was a pretty straightforward adventure involving the re-recruitment of Nick Fury, who left angrily some years back. HYDRA has some kind of plot involving a gas-borne virus they want to launch at a major U.S. city and the good guys have to find and stop this plot. There were some good action scenes and supporting characters.
something this movie has that no other movie has: chalk-white, silent, lumbering henchmen
acting: David Hasslehoff made a pretty good Nick Fury, with his eyepatch, scowl, and cigar-chomping ways. Lisa Rinna was easy on the eyes as one of his top agents and a former flame. Neil Roberts had the role of new, overzealous recruit (with a British accent.) Sandra Hess was the evil HYDRA leader, and she played it way over-the-top. Tom McBeath was perfect as the sniveling director who really just got in the way and criticized everything.
recommended reading: For classic 1960s spy stories, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. (IBSN 0785107479.) For a groundbreaking 1980s take on the S.H.I.E.L.D. organization, Nick Fury vs S.H.I.E.L.D. For a hard-hitting, cynical take on Nick Fury, Fury (IBSN 0785108785.)
final word: A watchable, if not perfect adaption of a groundbreaking comic book.
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