Is Executive Action Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, Executive Action is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies.
It features a runtime of 91 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Executive Action Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1973, Executive Action emerges as a significant entry in the Thriller domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Rogue intelligence agents, right-wing politicians, greedy capitalists, and free-lance assassins plot and carry out the JFK assassination in this speculative agitprop. Unlike standard genre fare, Executive Action attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Executive Action features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Lancaster . Supported by the likes of Robert Ryan and Will Geer , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Executive Action (1973) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Executive Action Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Executive Action is a Thriller film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Executive Action Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Executive Action concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Executive Action reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Executive Action?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Thriller films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want suspenseful moments and mystery
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Full Cast & Crew of Executive Action
- Burt Lancaster – Farrington
- Robert Ryan – Foster
- Will Geer – Ferguson
- Gilbert Green – Paulitz
- John Anderson – Halliday
Top Highlights
Burt LancasterFarrington
Robert RyanFoster
Will GeerFerguson
Gilbert GreenPaulitz
John AndersonHalliday
Paul CarrGunman (Chris) - Team A
Colby ChesterTim
Ed LauterOperations Chief - Team A
Walter BrookeSmythe
John BrasciaRifleman - Team B
Where to Watch Executive Action Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Executive Action is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains mature themes, violence. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, Executive Action stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1973 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Executive Action movie hit or flop?
Executive Action has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Executive Action worth watching?
Executive Action is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Thriller movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Executive Action online?
Executive Action may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Critic Reviews for Executive Action
Actors movie and a conspiracy theorists dream. Executive Action is directed by David Miller and written by Dalton Trumbo, Donald Freed and Mark Lane. It stars Burt Lancaster, Robert Ryan, Will Geer, Gilbert Green and John Anderson. Music is by Randy Edelman and cinematography by Robert Steadman. In essence it’s a film that is offering up a different theory to the Warren Commission’s report that ruled Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating John F. Kennedy. Plot has Lancaster and Ryan as shady conspirators who plot the downfall of JFK on that fateful day November 22nd 1963. There’s lots of talking, with the actors chewing into the dialogue whilst brooding considerably, their motives explained clearly, the framing of Oswald brought to life, and it rounds up to a triple gunmen scenario. We then get a startling revelation about what befell a number of eyewitnesses from that infamous day. It’s engrossing without being truly riveting, but the cast make it worth time spent. While if you like to buy into the conspiracy theory surrounding the assassination, then it carries some extra entertainment value. 7/10
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
