A Disappointing Continuation

I saw this movie before reading any reviews, and I thought it was very funny. I was very surprised to see the overwhelmingly negative reviews this film received from critics.

A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Paul Newman gives a great performance in this picture,, his partner played by Ken Wahl. (Wiseguy) is the perfect fit for the seasoned veteran.. Ed Asner plays the new Police Chief, Pam Grier is pretty good as well as the junkie hooker who kills a pair of cops,, and Rachel Ticotin plays a love interest. The 41st precinct in the South Bronx is a warzone,, the new chief almost immediately upon arrival incites a riot when he tear gasses the crowd. The pair of cops are after some the person or persons who killed a pair of cops.. during the movie,, the cop played by Danny Aiello throws an innocent man off of the roof,, and I was like omfg really ,, wow very powerful.. Newman character struggles between right and wrong,, should he be a rat and turn in Aiello, or look the other way,, so he can finishing out a couple of more years and collect his pension,, hard hitting police drama not to be missed.

Based on the experiences of 2 police officers who worked in the South Bronx precinct known as "Fort Apache", the film begins with the disclaimer: "Because the story involves police work, it does not deal with the law-abiding members of the community nor does it dramatize the efforts of individuals and groups who are struggling to turn the Bronx around." What follows is a parade of pimps, prostitutes, junkies, welfare recipients, suicidal transvestites, racist cops and nurses who dabble in drugs. The film is framed by a strung out psycho(Pam Grier) who literally stumbles in and out of the proceedings. Back in the day this was considered gritty, but thanks to NYPD Blue, Law&Order... it now seems relatively mild. The film is a mixed bag of shock, sorrow, romance, drama of conscience, humor and ironic comment. The various subplots make it feel like several episodes of a TV show strung together. Nonetheless, it compels, the acting is fine though most of the characterizations are clichés, Pam Grier is memorable, but Ed Asner and Kathleen Beller feel expendable. Thanks to location shooting and Daniel Petrie's limber direction the Bronx itself becomes an antagonist.

For those who didn't know.... This movie was based on the real life experiences of Thomas Mulhearn and Paul Tessitore who are pictured in some of the stills. Murphy (Paul Newman's Character)was inspired by Tom Mulhearn, he is my sister's dad, and he's a pretty interesting guy. I've heard all kinds of funny stories from my mom whom we will refer to as "V", talking about how Rachel Ticotin stole her role (which she claims is based on her given the fact that she's Puerto Rican and that she was with Tom during the writing of the screenplay). Its true that the story behind the drama is always the most interesting.The point of this is... to let you guys know.. that the stuff in that movie, isn't even half of what i've heard really happened, and that those guys it was based on deserve props for being some of New York's Finest. I've heard that, it was a pretty tough neighborhood back then. Tom (part of the inspiration) is alive and well with a beautiful family to speak of. I'm not sure what happened to paul.

I love this film, it was the second video that I ever rented and it plays like a really gritty version of "Hill Street Blues", (I think they came out the same time). Everything to me, works in this film, it's a real ensemble piece, Ed Asner, Ken Wahl, Danny Aiello and a great turn by a then unknown Rachel Ticoton and although it takes a downbeat turn in the last quarter, the film has an uplifting ending that works really well. It's such a shame that Paul Newman's performance, which has to be one of my favourites, has been forgotten and I would love to see a better DVD version from Fox/HBO in the near future - it certainly deserves better. Cheers, Dan.