Directed by:
Dennis HopperScreenplay:
Michael SchifferCinematography:
Haskell WexlerComposer:
Herbie HancockCast:
Sean Penn, Robert Duvall, Maria Conchita Alonso, Grand L. Bush, Don Cheadle, Randy Brooks, Gerardo Mejía, Glenn Plummer, Rudy Ramos, Trinidad Silva (more)VOD (2)
Plots(1)
In this gritty police drama from director Dennis Hopper, street-wise cop Bob Hodges and hotheaded rookie Danny McGavin grapple with their new partnership on the gang-ridden streets of Los Angeles. Although Danny finally lets Hodges show him the ropes, his adrenaline-fed brutality earns him a reputation with the very gangs they want to help as a war on the streets is ready to explode. (Second Sight)
(more)Reviews (1)
Any episode of the series The Wire can tell you much more than this film about the world of street gangs and their enemies from among the police, more convincingly and unfortunately, also more entertainingly. The problem lies primarily in the direction, as Dennis Hopper was much stronger in roles of psychopathic tough guys than as a film crew conductor. His direction is dull and shamefully fails due to the (lack of) editing. A film that has chosen action as one of its genres should be more brisk, original, and impressive in portraying action scenes. The characters cannot properly develop, and although Sean Penn rightfully captures attention for his liveliness, it is not a film where the characters entice you or even matter to you. That goes for both sides of the barricade. I could give it 3 stars, but I felt that it was even less than average. Overall impression: 45%.
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