When muscles were the game and Stallone was his name

The action genre got a nostalgic boost with Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” reminding us of a time when the theater was the ultimate escape. Back in the ’90s, the action genre was dominated by a slew of high-intensity movies with big-name stars. Among them was Sylvester Stallone’s “Cliffhanger,” a film that deserves more recognition than it often receives.

Released in 1993, “Cliffhanger” emerged during an era when action films like “The Fugitive,” “Con Air,” and many others filled theaters with their explosive sequences and charismatic leads. Stallone, already an established action hero, brought his physical prowess to the role of Gabe Walker, a mountain climber who gets caught up in a heist gone wrong in the Rocky Mountains.

“Cliffhanger” was directed by Renny Harlin, known for his knack for creating action-packed films. The movie starts with a harrowing mountain rescue that ends in tragedy. This scene sets the tone for a film that combines incredible stunts with a relentless pace.

The plot centers on a group of thieves led by the ruthless Eric Qualen (John Lithgow), who hijack a U.S. Treasury plane carrying $100 million. The money gets scattered across the Rockies, and Gabe, along with his former friend and fellow rescuer Hal Tucker (Michael Rooker), is forced to help retrieve the loot. What ensues is a deadly game of cat and mouse high above the ground, with Stallone’s character confronting both the elements and the merciless villains.

One of the standout features of “Cliffhanger” is its practical effects and real stunts. In an age before CGI dominated the industry, the film’s action sequences were performed in real locations with minimal visual effects. Stallone himself performed many of the stunts, adding to the authenticity of the film. The mountains become a character in their own right, their imposing presence adding to the film’s tension.

Stallone’s ability to blend physicality with vulnerability, hearken back to his breakout performance in Rocky. Gabe Walker is a man haunted by past failures, seeking redemption while being pushed to his physical limits. The dynamic between Stallone and Rooker provides an emotional backbone to the film, grounding its more death-defying stunts.

Lithgow’s portrayal of Qualen is contrasted and equally measured against Stallone’s character. His cold, calculated demeanor makes him a formidable antagonist. The supporting cast, including Janine Turner and Rex Linn, add depth to the ensemble, making “Cliffhanger” more than just a series of action set pieces.

Despite its strengths, “Cliffhanger” often gets overshadowed by other ’90s action films. This may be due in part to the saturation of the genre during that decade, but it also speaks to the film’s unique qualities. Unlike many of its contemporaries, “Cliffhanger” prioritizes suspense and character development alongside its death-defying moments.

“Cliffhanger” is a film that deserves a rewatch, especially for those who appreciate the artistry of practical effects and the raw physicality that defined ’90s action cinema. It’s a reminder of a time when muscles were the game and Stallone was his name, and when action films transported audiences to the edge of their seats with every heartbeat. In a landscape filled with digital effects and endless reboots, Stallone’s mountain-climbing epic stands tall with real stunts, genuine tension, and unforgettable performances.