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Expertly executed action flick that starts out fast and winds up faster. Roy Scheider is Murphy, a police helicopter pilot; Cochrane (Malcolm McDowell) is an old enemy. A special chopper, "Blue Thunder," has been brought to Los Angeles, supposedly to combat possible terrorist activities during the 1984 Olympics, but also to carry out Orwellian surveillance of the LAPD's enemies. Cochrane is out to sabotage the incredible machine. We've seen it all before, but the execution here supersedes the concept. The final screen role for Warren Oates, to whom the film is dedicated. John Badham (SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER; DRACULA; STAKEOUT) again proves his versatility.