"The Delta Force" is loosely based on the June 1985 hijacking of a TWA jet out of Athens. The film’s writers make no attempt to hide it, either: The story's fictitious airline is called "ATW." Was this meant to be funny?

The story does include characters based on real life hostages of the TWA crisis: Navy diver Robert Stethem - the only passenger who was singled out and killed by the TWA hijackers - is known simply as "Tom" in "The Delta Force." Also, the film's character "Ingrid" was clearly drawn from Uli Derickson, a courageous flight attendant aboard the TWA jet who stood up to her captors in attempt to save passengers' lives. And let's not forget the hijackers themselves: In "The Delta Force," only two terrorists actually make the flight while the third is detained in Athens, just as in the TWA incident.

The story abruptly moves from the confines of the airplane however, and from here on, fantasy takes over. In video game style, we see Chuck Norris and his brigade of wise cracking, gum smacking, anti-terrorist snipers trek off to the Middle East to rescue the hostages. Provided you don't take these Joe Cool guys too seriously, it's fun to watch them rev through Beirut on their missile equipped motorcycles while engaging in shoot-outs with the terrorists. The action is both steady and satisfying.

For a Chuck Norris event, much of "Delta Force's" dialog is believable, at least in the scenes that take place on the hijacked airliner. Norris is his typical ultra serious, soft spoken self. But how can anyone keep a straight face when he utters the words, "Sleep tight, sucker!"

A couple of noteworthy performances come from actors Robert Forster (the hijacker) and Hanna Schygulla (Ingrid.) Forster gives a convincing portrayal of the brutal, malicious terrorist, Abdul. His accent would suggest he actually comes from Lebanon, although he is American. His bad guy character is enough to make anyone seethe.

Schygulla, too, gives an intense performance, particularly in the scene where her character is forced to call out Jewish names from the passengers' passports. Her presence alone is worth renting the video.

For a dramatic (but accurate) portrayal of the TWA event, rent "The Taking of Flight 847: The Uli Derickson Story." (AKA "The Flight.")


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age