Saturday, March 11, 2006

Vice Squad – 1982

A few weeks ago I mentioned that sometimes I get movies from Netflix (now that I’m no longer contracting at Blockbuster, I don’t have to hide my Rental Provider) or I buy them, and by the time I watch them, I don’t remember why. Well, tonight’s movie is such a case. I have no idea why I put Vice Squad on my wishlist, and moved it so high to the top (I have nearly 300 movies in my Netflix que. I will be happy to become a “friend” with anyone who asks, so you can see my que).

This movie is, however, everything that was great about exploitation in the 80’s. For instance, when you have the following conversation within the first 10 minutes of a movie, you know you’re in for a good time.

John: “You ever hear of golden showers? It doesn’t hurt or nothin’”
Prostitute: “Sorry, honey, I just went to the bathroom”
John: “I got a six pack and a hundred dollars.”
Prostitute: “And you just got yourself a date with Princess Running Water!”

Like Arch Hall Jr. in The Sadist, Wings Hauser does a GREAT job playing a psycho. He’s so convincing, its kinda scary. I can bet the actresses didn’t have to act much to be afraid of this guy when he was in character. This is a great job by a guy who didn’t do all that much.

There are not a lot of extras on this disc, like there’s no subtitles. There is, however, a good commentary. It’s got the director and a moderator, which is always a good thing. Keeps the guy on track. The director is Gary Sherman, who also did the excellent Dead and Buried, as well as Poltergiest III. Ahhh, now I see why I rented this movie, his directorial debut was the excellent Raw Meat reviewed a few weeks ago. I must have see a preview for this on that disc.

Three beers out of five (could have been a four, but there was no nudity in a movie about prostitutes. What’s up with that?)