The 1980s were a heyday for neo-noir movies. Directors were putting the aesthetics into action, from romance to crime dramas, and Nighthawks was one of them. It cast two big stars of the time, Sylvester Stallone and Billy Dee Williams, in a crime drama that’s somehow underrated. It’s a tense, dark film set against the backdrop of the streets of New York as two detectives pursue a loose terrorist. Stallone, better known for Rocky, plays it more gravely. And Williams, at the height of his Star Wars fame as Lando, brings his own suave to the role.
Not one but two big Hollywood stars and an engaging storyline, but for some bizarre reason, Nighthawks just failed to get the amount of recognition it was due. Maybe it got lost behind bigger action films, or maybe folks just didn’t realize what they were missing. Whatever it was, it is a crime drama that’s still very much worth watching nowadays. The intense action and good acting keep it a classic neo-noir thriller. If you’ve never seen it or just haven’t thought about it in years, now’s the perfect time to give it a shot.
Sylvester Stallone And Billy Dee Williams’ Team Up In ‘Nighthawks’ Set The Standard For Crime-Fighting Duos
For most of his acting career, Sylvester Stallone was known for starring in some of the biggest action franchises ever. But when Nighthawks was released, it was obvious he knew his way around other genres too. His team-up with Billy Dee Williams in this neo-noir crime drama was so good that it’s safe to say it set the stage for what a proper crime-fighting duo should look like. The film follows Detective Sergeant Deke DaSilva (Stallone) and Detective Sergeant Matthew Fox (Williams) as they attempt to apprehend a notorious terrorist. Wulfgar (Rutger Hauer), who is a ruthless extremist, decides to carry out his terrorist campaign in New York after being ostracized by his handlers because of a bombing that killed children. Unlike the criminals they are used to dealing with, Wulfgar is ruthless and incredibly intelligent. As the film progresses, DaSilva struggles to keep up with the moral complexities of taking down a criminal as brutal as Wulfgar. However, his partner, Fox, helps him remain focused on the mission. Their attempts to take Wulfgar down lead to a series of deadly encounters, including a hostage situation. Eventually, DaSilva takes down Wulfgar when he attempts to sneak up and kill his wife, Irene. Â
Stallone and Williams make a great team throughout the film. They aren’t newcomers to crime fighting, and it’s clear from the start. Their dynamic feels natural, like two detectives who have been through it all and don’t need to say much to understand each other. DaSilva’s determination complemented Fox’s level-headedness. Of course, Williams is no newbie to intense and somewhat serious roles, especially considering his background in theatre. For Stallone, his experience from previous action films reflects in Nighthawks, from how he wields the gun to moments like the subway chase with Wulfgar. Together, they carry the whole film effortlessly.Â
RELATED: Exploring Sylvester Stallone’s Action-Packed Filmography From ‘Rocky’ to ‘Rambo’
‘Nighthawks’ Unique Score and Themes Make It A Neo-Noir Standout
Sometimes, it’s easy to tell if a film is going to be worth your time just from its soundtrack. A great score has a way of shaping a film’s tone in ways that visuals alone can’t. And when the composer of the entire film’s score is the legendary Keith Emerson, be sure to be in for a memorable experience. From the opening sequence, Emerson’s score does just enough to let viewers know they are in for a ride. The way he blends electronic and orchestral sounds creates a tense, unpredictable atmosphere that fits Nighthawks perfectly. Throughout the film, the soundtracks fit perfectly with every scene. The club scene where DaSilva and Fox carefully confront Wulfgar is a perfect example of how a soundtrack can heighten the tension of a film.
Beyond its notable score, Nighthawks stands out for its early take on terrorism at a time when it wasn’t common to do so. The film’s depiction of urban terrorism felt almost ahead of its time, especially considering real-world events like the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and the 9/11 attacks that followed years later. Contrary to many crime dramas of the era that focused on street-level criminals, Nighthawks’ Wulfgar is something different. He is an international terrorist who’s as ruthless as ever. Even the entire Anti-Terrorist Action Command, including DaSilva and Fox, struggles to keep up with his cold-blooded nature.
For anyone who likes a well-drafted film, from its score to acting to themes, Nighthawks is available to watch on Prime Video in the U.S
