Targets

1968, Mystery & thriller, 1h 32m

29 Reviews 2,500+ Ratings

What to know

critics consensus

A startling directorial debut by Peter Bogdanovich mixes an homage to Boris Karloff horror films with a timely sniper story to create a thriller with modern baggage and old school shock and awe. Read critic reviews

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Targets Photos

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Movie Info

After unhinged Vietnam vet Bobby Thompson (Tim O'Kelly) kills his wife and mother, he goes on a brutal shooting spree. Starting at an oil refinery, he evades the police and continues his murderous outing at a drive-in movie theater, where Byron Orlock (Boris Karloff), a retiring horror film icon, is making a promotional appearance. Before long, Orlock, a symbol of fantastical old-fashioned scares, faces off against Thompson, a remorseless psychopath rooted in a harsh modern reality.

Cast & Crew

Boris Karloff
Byron Orlok
Tim O'Kelly
Bobby Thompson
Nancy Hsueh
Jenny
James Brown
Robert Thompson, Sr.
Sandy Baron
Kip Larkin
Arthur Peterson
Ed Loughlin
Mary Jackson
Charlotte Thompson
Tanya Morgan
Ilene Thompson
Monte Landis
Marshall Smith
Peter Bogdanovich
Sammy Michaels
Peter Bogdanovich
Director
Polly Platt
Writer
Peter Bogdanovich
Writer
Peter Bogdanovich
Screenwriter
Samuel Fuller
Writer
Peter Bogdanovich
Producer
Daniel Selznick
Associate Producer
Ronald Stein
Original Music
László Kovács
Cinematographer
Peter Bogdanovich
Film Editing
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Critic Reviews for Targets

All Critics (29) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (3)
Full Review… Variety Staff Variety Full Review… Geoff Andrew Time Out Full Review… Howard Thompson New York Times Full Review… Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Full Review… Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Full Review… Cory Woodroof 615 Film Full Review… Tom Meek Cambridge Day Full Review… Quentin Tarantino The New Beverly Full Review… David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Full Review… Mike McGranaghan Film Racket Full Review… Philip Martin Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Full Review… Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
View All Critic Reviews (29)

Audience Reviews for Targets

  • Jan 21, 2022
    Karloff is great here (obviously) and Bogdanovich really was taping into something about American violence that unfortunately remains eternally relevant.
    Alec B Super Reviewer
  • Apr 02, 2011
    A intelligent, slow burner that has a brilliant ending. You can follow it from the start and keep guessing as to what will happen as the characters stories intertwine with each other. Brilliant performances and a great watch.
    Sophie B Super Reviewer
  • Dec 28, 2010
    Why am I just hearing about this movie?! I recorded this movie off the movie channel just because I liked the description.When I started to watch it, I really expected Targets to suck but I was I wrong.Targets was a great movie.I noticed my favorite Boris Karloff roles are when he's not playing a monster or something similar
    Brody M Super Reviewer
  • Aug 01, 2009
    Has some great scenes but, all in all, isn't all that captivating.
    vieras e Super Reviewer
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