Fantastic!

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

A Major Disappointment

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

"Lottie Mason" (Theresa Russell) is a vice cop who works during the night as an undercover prostitute. Her boss, "Lt. Joe Morgan" (George Dzundza) is corrupt and makes life as tough as possible for her because she won't sleep with him. Meanwhile, the Assistant District Attorney, "Stan" (Jeff Fahey) is trying to make a case against a dangerous drug dealer named "Tony Peron" (Shawn Elliott) and needs an attractive undercover agent to entice a witness to testify against him. Naturally, Lottie agrees to do the job. Now, rather than revealing the entire plot I will just say that things begin to go haywire soon afterward. As far as the overall film is concerned I thought Theresa Russell looked absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, I felt that the relationship between her and "Stan" lacked chemistry. Along with that, I also thought that the first half of the film was much too slow developing and didn't really start to pick up any steam until the final 30 minutes or so. In short, it wasn't a bad movie but given the talent available it certainly could have been better. I give it an average rating.

After 'Ratboy (1986)', Sondra Locke would hone down her directorial skills with the vastly overlooked cop thriller 'Impulse'. The voluptuously headstrong Theresa Russell (who doesn't get enough recognition as it is) proves the talent she bestows, as the film asks for a vividly intriguing performance. And she provides a breakaway one as an undercover cop of the Vice squad. Not forgetting Jeff Fahey's outstandingly low-key turn in what could be seen as a breakthrough performance as an assistant district attorney. Along with Locke's moodily terse and measured direction that just takes you into that smoking film-noir ambiance; Russell and Fahey's performances are also the potent backbone to the appeal of the film. Where the film has its share of flaws comes mainly from the dramatically cluttered material, as it's story-bound rather than action-filled. It follows Russell's character as she pins perverts and drug peddlers, but soon she becomes so attached with the power play of the job that the impulsive fantasy of losing control and experiencing criminal temptation becomes overwhelming. The choice is there, and her repressed emotions are starting to crack and anxiety creeps in. Another element thrown into the mixture is the growing affection between Russell and Fahey's characters. This leads onto a complex (and where it hit's a bump is the somewhat implausible developments infesting its way within this) web of psychological, harrowing and heart-racing avenues, plus intensely raw thrills. Characters are actually well-rounded and show what makes them tick with some brooding shades showing. The technical side is professionally catered for with Michel Colombier's seductively sizzling, but at times jarring music score, sullen lighting tinges evoke presence, relaxed pacing and it's gorgeously shot with the Los Angeles backdrop painting a lasting mark. The support cast features capable turns by George Dzundza, Alan Rosenberg, Shawn Elliott and Eli Danker. A really surprisingly tight, mature and stylish thriller by Sandra Locke, but its Theresa Russell's powerfully stimulating performance that stays with you.

Why can't all movies have the mood of films like this? What do I mean about mood? I'm talking about the feeling that you are somehow thrust into the world created by the film's story...you are there, witness to the action and the drama. Other films that exhibit this charactersitc are 'body heat', 'hot spot', and various other film noir and independent films. I'm not saying this film is either, but it has the spirit of films like that.Russell carries the film with a very gritty performance that is just incredible to behold. She is completely believable as the sexy cool, street smart but soft spoken cop. I really, really like the way she totally immersed herself into this character. She was totally convincing! To me, anyway. I liked how she didn't have to say anything at all in certain scenes yet her facial expressions said so much about what she was thinking. Her character is really the hub that the story spins around. True, some elements of the film rely too much on the standard, stock and trade cop related drama and action film, but the parts that don't really elevate this film above the status quo.I can' recommend this film enough. The ending let me down a little but overall, wow...what an unusual, surprisingly good film. Russell is simply heavenly in this role. Who directed it is perhaps even more of a surprise.

Intriguing but slow moving thriller about an undercover woman vice cop who yields to the temptation of sex and money. Theresa Russell, who reminds me of a younger Kathleen Turner, provides a very capable performance as a woman who lets her undercover identity take over from her. Fine acting by the cast all around, but the turgid pace of the entire movie puts a dampener on it all. Watch it if you have the patience.