The Warriors

Walter Hill hit a cult home run with this simple tale about a street gangly wrongly accused of shooting a prominant gang leader and their struggle to make it home to safe turf. Michael Beck and James Remar do a fine job carrying the action but the film belongs to Hill as he works his styling with the stark urban enviroment in to an oppresive jungle of fear and mistrust. While somewhat dated considering it was only made in 1979, this apparent defect works to the project's advantage today as it gives it a documentary feel and preys on the viewers voyeuristic tendancies. One of the nicest touches in this film is how Hill uses a radio deejay (played by the talented Lynne Thigpen's lips) to keep track of the plot's progress. THE WARRIORS intorduced a lot of new talent but none of them stand out more than David Patrick Kelly who is fantastic as the true antagonist here. Also of note is how Hill uses so many different styles of clothing and sports equiptment to differentiate the gangs. Look for a great cameo from Mercedes Ruehl and enjoy the far out score provided by Barry De Vorzon. Also, don;t make the mistake of taking this film at face value, there are many subtle moments in character development and some brilliant thoughts on hope and futility.....if nothing else, you'll enjoy the best bathroom rumble ever put to film.