Even though the original "Death Wish" dates from 1974 already, the popularity of "vigilante" movies only truly skyrocketed during the late 70's and especially during the early 1980's. This shouldn't come too much as a surprise because the early 80's were a glorious period for all kinds of cheap and gritty exploitation cinema. Vigilantes and neighborhood watches are themes that all too easily lend themselves for gratuitous violence, sleaze, controversy and provocative footage. Some movies nevertheless still attempted to narrate a more intelligent and engaging story, like for example Lewis Teague's "Fighting Back", but most contemporary vigilante flicks are simply an excuse to show as much extreme violence as humanly possible, like parts II and III of the "Death Wish" series, "Tenement: Game of Survival" and "The Exterminator". This particular vigilante movie – with the most basic yet straightforward title imaginable – situates itself somewhat between the two categories. "Vigilante" contains several sequences that depict harsh and exploitative violence, yet surprisingly enough it also attempts to bring a proper story and detailed character drawings. I deliberately use the words "surprisingly enough", because the director – William Lustig – isn't exactly known for subtlety or adequate storytelling. The man became infamous thanks to "Maniac" a few years earlier and that film is now, 30 years later, still one of the most prototypic examples of cruel and disturbing exploitation cinema. Therefore I must admit being impressed with the plot and the atmosphere of despair William Lustig tries to generate.
Eddie Marino is an earnest factory worker and lives with his wife and young son in one of New York City's grittiest and gang-infested neighborhoods. His friend and co-worker Nick often insists for Eddie to join the neighborhood vigilante squad, because the Puerto Rican gang is becoming more and more powerful while the police appears less and less in the streets, but he refuses because he truly believes in the country's juridical system. Even when Eddie's wife is found stabbed and his little boy murdered, he still has faith that he US court and the honorable judge will righteously punish the culprit. But the honorable judge is corrupt and the whole system is rotten, as the guilty gang members are acquitted and Eddie himself has to go to jail for 30 days for assaulting the judge. Whilst in jail, the idea of joining Nick's vigilante squad suddenly becomes all the more appealing. This may perhaps disappoint some die-hard exploitation fanatics, but admittedly "Vigilante" is a lot less graphic or sickening than – say – the "Death Wish" sequels for example. The assault on Marino's household is rather nasty and so are a handful of other scenes, but clearly the emphasis of the film remains on Eddie's emotional and mental journey. Lustig does a terrific job in depicting New York's suburbs as menacing ghettos where danger lurks behind every corner and literally nobody can be trusted. He should know, of course, as Lustig himself grew up in The Bronx. Robert Foster is excellent is his lead role as the tormented Eddie Romero, but the most memorable roles can be found in the supportive cast. Fred Williamson, as the founder and commander of the vigilante squad, is deliciously deranged and actually a lot more dangerous and fanatic than most of the gang members. Veteran actor Woody Strode briefly appears as a fatigue but inspiring inmate, Vincent Beck is terrific as the corrupt judge and my absolute favorite supportive character is Joe "Maniac" Spinell's sleazy and loathsome attorney Eisenberg. He shamelessly defends the assailants and knows exactly how to manipulate a court and obtain minimum punishments for heavy criminals.
Eddie Marino is an earnest factory worker and lives with his wife and young son in one of New York City's grittiest and gang-infested neighborhoods. His friend and co-worker Nick often insists for Eddie to join the neighborhood vigilante squad, because the Puerto Rican gang is becoming more and more powerful while the police appears less and less in the streets, but he refuses because he truly believes in the country's juridical system. Even when Eddie's wife is found stabbed and his little boy murdered, he still has faith that he US court and the honorable judge will righteously punish the culprit. But the honorable judge is corrupt and the whole system is rotten, as the guilty gang members are acquitted and Eddie himself has to go to jail for 30 days for assaulting the judge. Whilst in jail, the idea of joining Nick's vigilante squad suddenly becomes all the more appealing. This may perhaps disappoint some die-hard exploitation fanatics, but admittedly "Vigilante" is a lot less graphic or sickening than – say – the "Death Wish" sequels for example. The assault on Marino's household is rather nasty and so are a handful of other scenes, but clearly the emphasis of the film remains on Eddie's emotional and mental journey. Lustig does a terrific job in depicting New York's suburbs as menacing ghettos where danger lurks behind every corner and literally nobody can be trusted. He should know, of course, as Lustig himself grew up in The Bronx. Robert Foster is excellent is his lead role as the tormented Eddie Romero, but the most memorable roles can be found in the supportive cast. Fred Williamson, as the founder and commander of the vigilante squad, is deliciously deranged and actually a lot more dangerous and fanatic than most of the gang members. Veteran actor Woody Strode briefly appears as a fatigue but inspiring inmate, Vincent Beck is terrific as the corrupt judge and my absolute favorite supportive character is Joe "Maniac" Spinell's sleazy and loathsome attorney Eisenberg. He shamelessly defends the assailants and knows exactly how to manipulate a court and obtain minimum punishments for heavy criminals.