Bruce Malmuth's solid, well-conceived thriller features a chillingly effective Rutger Hauer in his breakthrough role along with an excellent, uncharacteristically low-key Stallone. The film pits a New York cop (Billy Dee Williams) and an undercover specialist (Stallone), part of a newly formed antiterrorist unit, against politically aggrieved killing machine Rutger Hauer. Although resonating eerily with the events of September 11, 2001, at the time, the Hauer character echoed the activities of the dangerous Bader-Meinhoff gang, following a decade which saw a swift spike in international terrorism. Except for a predictable subplot concerning Stallone's marital problems, the film is a suspenseful, well-paced effort, including subtle characterization of both the terrorist and his opponents. Along with more conventional mayhem, it features memorable terrorist set pieces in a crowded disco, and on the Roosevelt Island tram, far above the city. The principals are supported by a solid cast, particularly Nigel Davenport as the tough-talking leader of the antiterrorist group. The film was initiated by legendary production designer Paul Sylbert, who helped co-write the script, unfortunately, his last.