Today’s quick review: Hammerhead. Charles Hood (Vince Edwards), a spy working for British intelligence, goes undercover to get close to Hammerhead (Peter Vaughn), an international crime kingpin. Hood travels to Lisbon, where he uncovers Hammerhead’s plan to steal a top-secret NATO report. But to stop Hammerhead once and for all, Hood has to accept the help of Sue Trenton (Judy Geeson), a friendly hippie he can’t seem to get rid of.
Hammerhead is a spy adventure comedy that pits an intrepid spy against a criminal mastermind. Hammerhead aims to be a light-hearted romp that blends action, humor, and sex appeal in equal measure. But while the movie’s carefree attitude and 1960s atmosphere give it some superficial appeal, it lacks a coherent vision. Flimsy characters, a ramshackle plot, and disorganized storytelling all contribute to a underwhelming watch.
Even for an action movie, Hammerhead does not hang together well. Hood’s mission is never adequately explained, leaving the early parts of the movie with little concrete motivation. His investigation hinges on a couple of lucky breaks that aren’t properly set up, and the whole thing is rendered moot by a villainous plan that has no impact or sense of urgency. With a shaky plot and no character development to carry it, the movie falls apart.
Hammerhead works best as a mindless serving of spy adventure. Those willing to give up on the story and let the atmosphere wash over them will find it to be a pleasant watch, if not a particularly satisfying one. But anyone hoping for the cleverness, the thrills, or the style the spy genre is known for will be disappointed. Anyone other than die-hard fans of the 60s should probably steer clear.
For a more polished spy adventure with a similar tone, try the any of the James Bond films starring Roger Moore. For a parody of this style of spy movie, try the Austin Powers movies. For a spy comedy that strikes a better balance between action and humor, try Get Smart.
5.1 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 5.5 for a light tone with nothing to back it up.