Exterminator 2 (1984) Review

 

Veteran John Eastland tries to form new relationships while cleaning crime off the streets of New York that results in dire consequences.

 Written and directed by Mark Buntzman, but the Cannon Group requested additional scenes which were handled William Sachs. John Eastland’s now a masked vigilante (due to Ginty’s availability) works and makes story sense for identification purposes, after the events of the first film. Unfortunately, there’s some jarring editing littered throughout, also David Spears’ synth-score is intrusive, ill fitting and too upbeat for the serious themes. 

The film at time has vibes of The Warriors, Escape from New York and hasn’t the same grit or amount of bloodshed as it’s predecessor. In amongst the street hustler, gang dealings there’s roller skates, body popping and obligatory breaking dancing which takes the edge from the film along with pacing issues. Robert Ginty repries his John Eastland role, but spends most of his time developing a relationship with a club dancer Caroline played well by Deborah Geffner. Ginty does his best with the script, but there’s little mention of John’s inner torment. Mario Van Peebles in at times odd post-apocalyptic garb gives a larger than life performance as X, the nasty gang shenanigans feel more comic book rather than genuinely menacing even when drug dealing with mobsters. That said, when perfect shape Van Peebles is low key he excels. Supporting cast include the reliable Frankie Faison as veteran Be Gee and the late Ron Taylor (Trading Places) also John Turturro in a bit part. 

 What does work is Faison and Ginty, they do there best to hold film together and have some genuine chemistry. Also credit to Robert M. Baldwin and Joseph Mangine’s cinematography, like The Exterminator the on location shoot offers a great backdrop. Things heat up in third act and there’s a few (abrupt but) welcomed surprises that come late in the game. In the last leg of the journey it redeems itself in true b-movie glory as X and Ginty go mano a mano. 

 Overall, score and editing aside Exterminator 2 has its moments, especially in the last act, but don’t expect the roundness of The Exterminator.