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Hunt to Kill
Hunt to Kill
Hunt to Kill
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Hunt to Kill
Directed byKeoni Waxman
Written byFrank Hannah
Produced byTim Brown
Jack Nasser
Jack Heller
StarringSteve Austin
Gil Bellows
Gary Daniels
Marie Avgeropoulos
Michael Hogan
Eric Roberts
CinematographyTom Harting
Edited byJamie Alain
Music byMichael Richard Plowman
Distributed byNasser Group
Release date
  • November 9, 2010 (2010-11-09)
Running time
98 minutes
CountriesCanada
United States
LanguageEnglish

Hunt to Kill is a 2010 Canadian-American direct-to-video action film starring Steve Austin, Gil Bellows, and Eric Roberts.[1]

Plot

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The film begins with US Border Patrol Agents Jim Rhodes and Lee Davis exploring a seemingly abandoned trailer in Texas. Before entering the trailer, Lee gives Jim a watch made from climbing rope that can be used as emergency gear. They find a meth lab and are promptly attacked by men who shoot Lee and set the trailer on fire. Lee dies and Jim is forced to flee the trailer before it explodes.

Four years later, a pack of thieves have stolen millions of dollars in bearer bonds from the Hotel Palacio casino in Reno. They regroup in a warehouse where the bonds are stolen by one of the group, Lawson. The other thieves, led by Lawson's unhinged right-hand man, Banks, manage to track Lawson to Lowery, Montana, where Jim now lives with his rebellious daughter Kim. He's called in to pick her up from the sheriff's office after she was caught shoplifting, only to discover Banks beating and killing the sheriff. They force Jim to help them traverse the wilderness and find Lawson, threatening to kill Kim if he refuses. Jim reluctantly agrees and the group sets out into the mountains, though during the trek, Banks has one of the thieves, Jensen, kill off another of their own, Crab, after he hurts Kim and the thieves' only female member, Dominika, whom Banks is in love with. The thieves catch up to Lawson, who they kill after taking back the money. Assuming that Kim can guide them to the Canada–United States border, they push Jim off a cliff, though Geary, the thieves' jumpy member, struggles to keep up along the way.

Now angrier than before, Jim survives and hunts the thieves, picking them off one by one (Geary, Jensen, and Dominika in that order) until only Banks is left. Banks flees to an outpost occupied by three Canadian cops. He murders the cops and flees in one of their ATVs, leaving Kim behind. Jim arrives on the scene and takes one of the remaining ATVs to chase after Banks, telling Kim to use the other to get help. He catches up to Banks in an abandoned mineshaft and factory, and the two men battle, culminating in Jim killing Banks by pinning him to a wall with an ATV and causing an explosion with a flare gun. The film ends with Jim and Kim safe, having finally bonded, but realizing that they must now walk home as the other ATVs were destroyed.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Hunt to Kill began filming during December 2009 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.[2][3] Steve Austin was confirmed as the film's protagonist, Jim Rhodes, and he acted alongside Gary Daniels, and Eric Roberts. The trio had worked together for the 2010 action film The Expendables and Austin personally selected them for Hunt to Kill. Austin stated that he felt "really in my element" while filming the wilderness scenes and that he could relate to his character as both he and the character of Rhodes had spent a lot of time away from their families due to work.[4] He received the script while filming another movie in Vancouver and Austin gave input on script based on his own experience as a hunter in order to "make this a realistic hunt".[5]

Director Keoni Waxman took the directing gig, in part due to his love for the Sidney Poitier/Tom Berenger mountain thriller Shoot to Kill. He was initially tentative about doing a similar film, but when he learned that avid outdoorsman Austin would be involved, he became confident that they could put their own stamp on the concept.[6] Waxman was set to direct Born to Raise Hell with Steven Seagal, but instead had his regular stunt coordinator and second unit director Lauro Chartrand replace him on that picture.[6]

Release

[edit]

Hunt to Kill was released direct to video in the United States on November 9, 2010 through Anchor Bay Entertainment.[4]

Reception

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Critical reception has been predominantly negative.[7][8] Common Sense Media rated the film 2 out of 5 stars.[9] Mike Barnard of Future Movies UK said, "There’s nothing much to see here unless you’re an ardent Stone Cold fan."[10] Dread Central rated the film 2/5, criticizing its pacing.[11]

References

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Hunt to Kill

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Hunt to Kill is a 2010 Canadian-American action directed by Keoni Waxman and written by Frank Hannah, starring Steve Austin as Jim Rhodes, a former U.S. Border Patrol agent who uses his to his kidnapped daughter from a of fugitives. The film was released on November 9, 2010, by Lionsgate Home Entertainment and , with a runtime of 98 minutes, and is rated R for and . Produced by the Nasser Group and NGN Productions, the film was shot on location in , British Columbia, Canada, from November 23 to December 18, 2009. Hunt to Kill exemplifies the action genre, emphasizing high-stakes chases, , and revenge-driven narratives typical of early B-movies featuring alumni like Austin.

Synopsis

Plot Summary

Four years prior to the main events, U.S. Border Patrol agent and his partner Lee Davis raid a meth lab, but an explosion kills Davis, leaving Rhodes haunted by the loss. In the present day, Rhodes has retired from the force and relocated to a remote town in with his estranged teenage daughter, Kim, where he works as a wilderness guide while struggling to reconnect with her amid her rebellious behavior. Meanwhile, a of thieves led by the ruthless Banks executes a heist involving stolen bearer bonds, but one of their members double-crosses the group by fleeing with the loot toward the Canadian border, prompting the gang to pursue him into . The gang arrives in Rhodes' town and, after a confrontation at the local 's station during which they kill the , they kidnap Kim and force to join them as a guide through the treacherous wilderness to track down the traitor and recover the bonds, leveraging his knowledge of the terrain. As the group advances, tensions rise with internal bickering and betrayals among the thieves; attempts multiple escapes, including one where he is pushed off a steep cliff and presumed dead, but he survives using his survival skills. then turns the tables, systematically eliminating the antagonists one by one—through brutal hand-to-hand fights in an abandoned mineshaft, improvised traps, and destroying their ATVs—fostering a gradual bonding between father and daughter during their perilous evasion. In the climax, Rhodes confronts Banks' second-in-command in a fierce and ultimately kills Banks by running him over with a quad bike and finishing him with a after the leader's repeated attempts to survive. With the gang defeated and the bonds lost in the chaos, and Kim, exhausted but reunited, are left to walk back home through the wilderness, their relationship strengthened by the ordeal.

Themes

The film centers on the theme of father-daughter reconciliation, depicting the evolution of Jim Rhodes's strained relationship with his rebellious teenage daughter, Kim, amid a shared ordeal in isolation. Following the death of his border patrol partner, Jim grapples with and challenges, but the forces mutual dependence, fostering redemption and emotional bonding as they navigate danger together. Wilderness survival and revenge form another core motif, underscoring primal instincts in the unforgiving terrain and the hunter-prey dynamics that drive the conflict. Jim transforms from a passive mourner into a determined avenger, leveraging his tracking expertise to outmaneuver the fugitives and exact retribution, symbolizing a return to raw, instinctual resolve outside civilized constraints. The story also subtly examines the critique of and personal loss, illustrating how erodes professional duty and compels beyond institutional systems. Jim's backstory as a border patrol agent, marked by his partner's fatal sacrifice, highlights the emotional toll of the job and the shift toward vigilante action when official channels fail.

Cast

Main Cast

Steve Austin stars as Jim Rhodes, the film's protagonist and a former U.S. Border Patrol agent who is a skilled tracker and combat expert, bringing his background to the role's intense physical demands. Gil Bellows plays Banks, the cunning leader of a criminal and the primary , delivering a performance that highlights the character's ruthless determination. Gary Daniels portrays Jensen, a formidable in the gang known for his prowess, contributing to the film's high-octane action sequences through his expertise. Marie Avgeropoulos depicts Kim Rhodes, Jim's teenage daughter, whose portrayal underscores the emotional core of the story as a resilient young woman caught in perilous circumstances. Eric Roberts appears as Lee Davis, Jim's late partner from his Border Patrol days, featured in flashbacks that add depth to the protagonist's backstory.

Supporting Cast

Michael Hogan portrays Lawson, the initial leader of a crew of thieves who double-crosses his own gang by stealing their casino heist proceeds and attempting to eliminate them in an explosion, thereby sparking the central manhunt across the Montana wilderness that ensnares the protagonists. His role as a cunning fugitive complicates the pursuit, forcing the antagonists to rely on Jim Rhodes' local knowledge while exposing fractures within the criminal group. The thieves' gang is fleshed out by several supporting performers who depict the henchmen driving the film's action and subplots of betrayal and survival. Gary Daniels plays Jensen, a formidable enforcer whose hand-to-hand combat skills fuel key chase sequences and underscore the gang's violent internal hierarchies. Michael Eklund as Geary contributes to the hostage dynamics, participating in the coercion of Kim Rhodes and navigating environmental hazards that heighten the group's desperation. Adrian Holmes embodies Crab, a volatile member whose attempted assault on Kim intensifies the stakes and prompts retaliatory confrontations with the leads. Emilie Ullerup rounds out the ensemble as Dominika, a sharp-edged accomplice whose presence amplifies the gang's collective threat during the wilderness ordeal. In flashback sequences establishing Jim's backstory, Eric Roberts appears as Lee Davis, the Border Patrol partner killed in a botched operation, whose death indirectly informs the survival tactics employed against the encroaching criminals. Additional minor roles, such as participants and peripheral figures like Sheriff Westlake (), provide contextual depth to the heist's origins and the broader pursuit without dominating the narrative. These characters collectively enhance the ensemble by illustrating gang infighting and the perils of the remote terrain, serving as foils that propel Jim and Kim's resistance.

Production

Development

The screenplay for Hunt to Kill was written by Frank Hannah. The project originated as a produced by the Nasser Group, focusing on high-stakes wilderness pursuits in a low-budget format. Key producers included Tim Brown as executive producer, Jack Nasser as producer and executive producer, and Joseph Nasser as executive producer, leveraging their experience in the . Casting centered on Steve Austin in the lead role, capitalizing on his rising profile in action cinema following his involvement in The Expendables. Director Keoni Waxman selected co-stars with established action credentials, including and , both of whom had appeared as villains in The Expendables, to enhance the film's ensemble of tough, reliable performers suited to the genre's demands.

Filming

Principal photography for Hunt to Kill began on November 23, 2009, and concluded on December 18, 2009. The production was shot primarily in , , , serving as a stand-in for the wilderness central to the film's plot.

Release

Domestic Release

Hunt to Kill was released directly to in North America on November 9, 2010, distributed by in both the and . The film bypassed a theatrical run, launching exclusively on DVD and Blu-ray formats as a low-budget action thriller. This strategy aligned with Anchor Bay's focus on , positioning Hunt to Kill as an accessible entry for fans of high-octane entertainment without cinema distribution. emphasized the film's intense action sequences and star Steve Austin's tough-guy persona, drawing from his wrestling background to appeal to his established fanbase. Promotional trailers highlighted Austin's role as a rugged border patrol agent, showcasing fight scenes and pursuits to evoke classic '80s-style action flicks, with targeted outreach through wrestling media outlets.

International Release

Hunt to Kill was distributed internationally by the Nasser Group, the film's , which managed sales and releases outside primarily through formats in various markets. The film premiered in the on October 11, 2010, via DVD release, followed by on September 21, 2010, also on DVD. In , it reached on November 6, 2010, while European markets saw staggered rollouts, including on March 1, 2011, and on April 29, 2011. The film had a in the on March 14, 2013, grossing $160,867. Non-English markets featured localized versions, with dubbed audio available in French and German, alongside subtitles in multiple languages to accommodate regional audiences. Asian and further Latin American video releases followed in 2011-2012, aligning with the strategy modeled after its North American approach. As of November 2025, the film remains accessible via streaming platforms including , , and in various regions, with availability limited to select international countries; no additional theatrical releases have been reported. , such as DVDs, is available in some markets but has gone in others, limiting new retail stock.

Reception

Critical Response

Hunt to Kill received predominantly negative reviews from critics, who highlighted its formulaic plot, slow pacing, and lack of originality within the action genre. The film, a release, garnered limited critical attention, with aggregating only three reviews as of 2025, all unfavorable, resulting in no official Tomatometer score. Common Sense Media awarded the film 2 out of 5 stars, criticizing its weak storytelling overshadowed by excessive violence and vulgarity, particularly depictions of . Similarly, gave it 2 out of 5 skulls, praising the stunts and action sequences in the final half-hour—such as a mano-a-mano fight between Steve Austin and —but faulting the plodding first hour, illogical plot elements, and poor dialogue, especially from the annoying daughter character. offered a slightly more favorable 3 out of 5 stars, calling it an entertaining straight-to-video actioner with strong chemistry between Austin and , though it noted the predictable setup and low body count as shortcomings. Critics frequently pointed to the film's uneven action and derivative nature, with the wilderness hostage scenario echoing earlier thrillers like Sidney Poitier's Shoot to Kill, but lacking suspense and originality. Steve Austin's performance was seen as one-note and marginal, better suited to antagonistic roles rather than the stoic lead, though competent given the by-the-numbers script. Overall, the consensus views as a forgettable entry in the direct-to-DVD action landscape, redeeming itself only in its climactic violence but failing to elevate beyond genre tropes.

Audience Reception

Hunt to Kill received mixed responses from audiences, with viewers appreciating its straightforward action sequences while criticizing its predictable storyline and formulaic elements. On , the film holds a user rating of 5.1 out of 10, based on over 7,000 votes as of 2025, reflecting a divide where some praise the high-energy stunts and Steve Austin's tough-guy performance, and others decry the lack of originality in the plot. User reviews on the platform highlight enjoyment of the film's B-movie thrills, particularly among fans of action cinema, though many note its reliance on clichés as a detracting factor. On , the audience score is 34% based on over 1,000 ratings as of , indicating generally unfavorable reception among viewers. The movie has cultivated a niche following, especially among enthusiasts and Steve Austin admirers, who value its unpretentious entertainment value and the central father-daughter relationship portrayed by Austin and . Supporters often commend the practical stunts and fast-paced confrontations in remote settings, positioning it as a in the low-budget action genre, though it lacks broader appeal beyond these dedicated circles. In terms of long-term legacy, Hunt to Kill has not garnered any major awards or inspired remakes, remaining a modest entry in Steve Austin's post-wrestling filmography. Its visibility persists through occasional streaming revivals on platforms like and , which have sustained interest in genre communities. Home media sales have been steady but unremarkable for a release, with worldwide earnings of approximately $160,000 from limited international runs, emphasizing its cult status rather than commercial success.

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_to_kill
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/
  3. https://www.movieinsider.com/m8464/hunt-to-kill
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/locations/
  5. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/hunt-to-kill
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/plotsummary/
  7. https://www.explosiveaction.com/2013/04/hunt-to-kill-2010.html
  8. https://horrornews.net/25336/film-review-hunt-to-kill-2010/
  9. https://outlawvern.com/2011/03/31/hunt-to-kill/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/fullcredits/
  11. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/hunt_to_kill/cast-and-crew
  12. https://www.thelastthingisee.com/2010/11/hunt-to-kill-review.html
  13. https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/20623/hunt-to-kill-2010/
  14. https://www.actionreloaded.com/interview-action-director-keoni-waxman-comes-to-chat-with-me/
  15. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Hunt-to-Kill-Blu-ray/15103/
  16. https://www.ign.com/movies/hunt-to-kill
  17. https://www.ccvideo.com/hunt-to-kill/013132186399
  18. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_X9ay-qEa4
  19. https://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/18808-dvd-review-hunt-to-kill-starring-steve-austin-2/
  20. https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/172881-dvd-review-hunt-to-kill-starring-steve-austin-2
  21. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/releaseinfo/
  22. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt1563719/
  23. https://www.amazon.com/Hunt-to-kill-Blu-ray/dp/B004FR31LO
  24. https://play.google.com/store/movies/details/Hunt_to_Kill?id=9L7KqFUJsy4&hl=en_US
  25. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Hunt-to-Kill-%282010-Canada%29
  26. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/hunt-to-kill
  27. https://www.netflix.com/title/70150473
  28. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hunt-to-Kill/dp/B004IRLQCW
  29. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/hunt-to-kill-blu-ray-review/
  30. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/ratings
  31. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1563719/reviews
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