My biggest frustration with American femme fatale films is that neither the filmmakers or the actresses take the material seriously, which seriously affects the impact of their films. In an attempt to spruce up their lackluster efforts, many filmmakers add cheap thrill sex and nudity to sell their product, which often nullifies the femme fatale aspect and destroys the film's integrity (as well as the director's credibility). The softcore action porn of Andy Sidaris is particularly distasteful in this respect. However, there are several occasions where American filmmakers have hit the mark with considerable success.
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Aliens (1986) - Director James Cameron is probably the only American director who consistently delivers strong female characters with conviction and credibility. In this sci-fi horror masterpiece, Sigourney Weaver is the toughest chick in the galaxy.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1992) - No guns, but kung fu and wooden stakes aplenty. Kristy Swanson does a remarkable job as the reluctant heroine who must rid her town of an undead menace. The formula works well for her successor, Sarah Michelle Gellar, as well.
Charlie's Angels (2000) - What happens when you take Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu, put them in a remake of a 1970's TV show, and spruce it up with new wave Hong Kong styled action? Utter brilliance. Cameron Diaz is amazing in this fun actioner.
Cleopatra Jones (1973) - Ultra-chic Tamara Dobson plays a bad-ass special agent who is trying to take out a wealthy drug lord in this entertaining blaxploitation flick.
Conan The Barbarian (1980) - A tough and feisty Sandahl Bergman supports Arnold Schwarzenegger in this classic sword and sorcery flick.
The Empire Strikes Back (1980) - You do not want to mess with Carrie Fisher is this film, as she's one of the toughest gals in the galaxy.
Eraser (1996) - Even though this is an Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Vanessa Williams gets to dish out a small amount of action and does it extremely well.
For Your Eyes Only (1981) - Crossbow toting Carole Bouquet's burning glare and intense conviction are enough to even keep James Bond at bay. Like many Bond girls, she can definitely hold her own if she chooses to.
La Femme Nikita (France 1990) - Although I wasn't quite sold on Anne Parillaud's presence, Luc Besson's "La Femme Nikita" is definitely worth checking out. It also spawned an American remake ("Point Of No Return") and a Hong Kong remake ("Black Cat") that are both worth a look as well.
The Matrix (1999) - Carrie-Anne Moss dishes out the punishment with surgical precision in this mind-blowing sci-fi adventure.
Nemesis (1993) - This sci-fi action vehicle for Olivier Gruner features some of the best girls with guns action you'll find on this side of the globe. Director Albert Pyun really hit the mark with this one.
Out Of Sight (1998) - An astounding Jennifer Lopez graces this film throughout as a tough no-nonsense federal agent.
The Quick And The Dead (1995) - Sharon Stone made me a believer as a bad-ass pistol packing mama in this classic Sam Raimi western.
Red Sonja (1985) - This film tries hard to make an impact, but is continually derailed by lame-brain humor and silliness. Bridgette Nielson's swordfight with Arnold Schwarzenegger is particularly noteworthy, though.
The Replacement Killers (1998) - Even though this film wasn't the best way to introduce America to actor Chow Yun-Fat, it did prove that Mira Sorvino knows how to handle a gun.
Slipstream (1989) - Even though it's a small supporting role, a totally convincing Kitty Aldridge plays a tough bitch bounty hunter in this futuristic sci-fi art film. Unfortunately, her character gets compromised at the end in cheezy Hollywood style.
Tank Girl (1995) - Disappointing, but still a lot of fun. Lori Petty and Naomi Watts raise hell and tear up the desert in this comic book adaptation.
The Terminator (1984) - Even without a gun, Linda Hamilton gives a strong performance as an action heroine in this James Cameron classic.
Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) - Linda Hamilton returns, but her knowledge of the future has driven her a little crazy. Great girls with guns sequences, but Hamilton's character is just a little too psychotic for my tastes.
Tomorrow Never Dies (1997) - Hong Kong action diva Michelle Yeoh finally gets to show her stuff to American audiences in this spectacular James Bond film.