The Delta Force (1986)

The Delta Force (1986)
The Delta Force (1986), directed by Menahem Golan, is a testosterone-fueled action epic that stars Chuck Norris and Lee Marvin in a story inspired by real-life hijackings. The film begins with a harrowing airplane hijacking by Middle Eastern terrorists, only to set the stage for a rescue mission led by an elite counter-terrorism unit—the Delta Force.
Chuck Norris plays Major Scott McCoy, a stoic, motorcycle-riding one-man army who joins forces with Colonel Nick Alexander (Lee Marvin) to bring justice and freedom back to the hostages. The first half of the movie leans into political drama, focusing on the terrorists’ motivations and the plight of the captives. But once the Delta Force rolls in, the second half explodes into a barrage of bullets, explosions, and martial arts mayhem.
The action is vintage ’80s—over-the-top, patriotic, and stylized. Chuck Norris gets plenty of chances to showcase his signature roundhouse kicks and tough-guy charisma. His motorcycle—equipped with missiles—is a perfect symbol of the era’s larger-than-life action flicks. Lee Marvin, in his final film role, lends gravitas and grit to the ensemble.
While the plot can feel simplistic and heavy-handed at times, especially with its black-and-white portrayal of villains, The Delta Force wears its intentions on its sleeve: deliver thrills, showcase heroism, and remind the audience that America doesn’t back down.
This film is pure ’80s action nostalgia—a must-watch for fans of Chuck Norris and high-octane military rescue missions.
