3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
A small beans "Savage Streets" esque film turns out to be more entertaining than the story would allow it., May 7, 2009
This review is from: Alley Cat (DVD)
Over the past couple of years I've watched many low budget exploitation films from the 70's and 80's. In 2009, I consider myself a seasoned veteran and an expert on what are the memorable gems from each period that truly deserve credit. ALLEY CAT is one of those films that succeeds in accomplishing its' simple goal, to entertain the audience! I've heard that this was a favorite with the 42nd Street fanatics of the early 80's and I can see why. All the crowd pleasing exploitable elements are in place, abundant nudity, chop-socky martial arts, drug abuse, clever one liners, unintentionally funny dialogue and a unexpected plot set-up that turns the film into a quick women in prison segment.
This movie falls into the woman out for revenge sub-genre but this one plays more like a Drama than an Action film. The story is about a young woman named Billie who lives in Los Angeles who gets into a beef with some street punks that started over a botched robbery attempt that was foiled by her kung fu skills and her grandpa's pistol. The gang decides to retaliate by attacking her grandparents at a liquor store. Billie chooses the vigilante route because the law turns out to be inefficient help. Can Billie put an end to the drug dealing scumbags that terrorize the innocent and not end up going to jail herself?
By no means is this a classic movie even for exploitation standards. It is a fun little film that knows its' limitations and makes the best of what it has to offer. The plot moves at a snappy pace, the villians are convincing and they all have the look and charisma of criminals that actually came from the streets. There's a nice 80's synthesizer score and all of the actors seem to have fun playing their roles. The photography is dark because a lot of the scenes were shot at night but the transfer on this DVD is good enough to see clearly. I'm glad Madacy Home Video put this out before it became a popular thing to release obscure Grindhouse movies. I'm also happy they were smart enough to use the original poster art for the sleeve. The only special features are the theatrical trailer for ALLEY CAT and some trailers for other DVD releases from the company. Seeing the high prices for used copies makes me proud to have this on my shelf. There are a lot of B-movies that have Hollywood-like production values and marketed as exploitation films. Those types usually end up falling flat on their face because it can't decide what it wants to be. ALLEY CAT is a genuine trash film that has its' heart in the right place and stays there. Don't set your expectations high and you won't be disappointed.
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3 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
alleycat, October 2, 2005
This review is from: Alley Cat (DVD)
This is a very poorly made movie the lighting is awful and the script is terrible. If they used proper lighting you could at least watch the movie but as it stands i suggest you save your 10.00 bucks.
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13 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Men Are Jerks - That's Why They Need To See This Film, March 1, 2004
This review is from: Alley Cat (DVD)
This is not my style. I balk at the opportunity to review a ...DVD flick (free shipping) suited for guys that enjoy T&A. But I couldn't hold back this time. While this movie review expresses my opinion about the 1984 period film (fashion, music and all the other foo-foo's), it is a guy's delight because of Karin Mani. She is definitely the "Alley Cat" - the title of this film. Visually she is a steaming beauty with a bod that any man would die for. No silicone here...she is a living doll. But why I share this review with all of you is because I admire what "Alley Cat" stands for. This "low" budget film is extremely "high" profile. It's all about a woman that takes out her frustration and revenge on the scum of the earth - the "male jerk". She fights justice and mankind to stand up to the decadence and decay of society...namely the male species...JERKS!!! Guys...rent this film for two reasons. 1 - It is a portrait of true female beauty. 2 - It is a sobering opportunity for every guy on the planet to appreciate, love and respect women as human beings - not sexual objects. "Alley Cat" has poor acting...a lame script...a nostalgic music score seldom heard (understadably)...and a placement in film that many would consider "B". Guys --- Karin is a beautiful physical specimen...from her neck down. But when you give her a check-up from the neck-up, she stands for everything a woman desires...respect...love...understanding...romance and mutual intellect. How did I get all of this (for not much money) DVD via Amazon.com??? Watch "Alley Cat" and you'll completely understand. Right on Aretha Franklin.....R-E-S-P-E-C-T!!!! A solid 10 in the low budget crime drama genre.
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