An insurance salesman who desperately needs to get his life back on track, does one last job for his boss, but finds himself stuck in urban high-rise controlled by a bloodthirsty gang and must survive the night.
Director Peter Manoogian’s offering has that one night, fish out of water of helplessnesses vibe post The Warriors (1979), After Hours (1985) and pre Judgement Night (1993), Run (1993) to name a few. In addition, Bobby Liddell and Stuart M. Kaminsky’s screenplay has a social commentary about class and highlights the gangs issues while trying to have a moral compass. Thanks to the establish city locations and sets, it has a NYC feel complete with a great hip-hop soundtrack and score courtesy of Sam Winans and Richard Kosinski.
Gary Frank plays everyday-man Barry effortlessly. Possibly by design or by accident, if anything Frank plays it too well, so much so that you’re not really rooting for Barry early on in the game. Hoaky gang name The Vampires, and Tony Todd equally corny character name The Count aside, Todd gives a larger than life performance. Telephone repairman who aides Barry, Ray Parker Jr. (of Ghostbusters theme fame) is likably notable. Surprisingly the late Jan-Michael Vincent (Airwolf) shows up as Vietnam Veteran Parker. With limited screen time, memorable is noble Tiger Haynes as the security guard Barton. The supporting cast including Frances Foster and Stacey Dash right down the the child actors are above average for what is essentially a B-movie. There’s shootings, reluctant cops, residents and plenty of gang antics. Manoogian puts together a great meat and potatoes gem of a thriller.
Overall, it’s at times hard hitting showing the underbelly of a city, what Band of the Hand (1986) did for Miami, Enemy Territory does for New York.
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