1990: Bronx Warriors is set in the apocalyptic future where the northern most borough of New York City is now known as "No Mans Land" where gangs rule and "the worst things happen all by themselves". This 1982 release by Italian director Enzo G. Castellari, gives us a dark image of the future we have seen many, many times before, ala Mad Max, Escape from New York and the Warriors.

The plot is very original and so complex it may be hard to explain but I'll do my best. Ann (future president of the Manhattan Corporation……. Apparently the island of Manhattan is a giant Corporation in the future!) has decided to throw away her fortunes in order to find something or someone she can call her own. Enter Trash, the young, totally feminine, leather clad, longhaired leader of a motorcycle gang who has zero chemistry with our heroin. Trash and the "Raiders" manage to save Ann from a rival Gang donning roller skates, hockey sticks and futuristic
shoulderpads. This showdown, which seems like a fight between the boys from the Blue Oyster Bar and the New York Rangers is the first of many lackluster action sequences that will have you wondering why you've waited so long to see this steaming pile of eighties cinema! Back to the plot! Girl runs away and is rescued by boy with motorcycle gang. Rival gang in power struggle in the Bronx then kidnaps girl. Boy is determined to run the gauntlet for the girl of his dreams, but fails to realize the evil corporation has infiltrated the gang and has let loose a bounty hunter named the Hammer, to find the girl and return her to her rightful place in Manhattan. I told you it's completely original!

The Acting is tiptop! I wouldn't say Mark Gregory plays Trash; rather he is Trash! This guy never leaves the cat walk and tip toes around the Bronx looking for action with his elbow-spike pad. No, I'm not kidding; it's an elbow pad with a huge curved spike coming out of it! I'd be willing to argue that Mark Gregory's walk/strut, as Trash is the worst thing to be caught on film. I'm curious to see if he carries this feature into his rolls in movies like Escape from the Bronx, Thunder Warrior 1,2,and 3!

The supporting roles are held down with the solid performances we have come to expect from Fred Williams
as Ogre and Vic Morrow as the Hammer. Vic really gives the intensity necessary not only to blow away a defenseless gang member with a shotgun, but plug one in his girlfriend as well.

Costumes, locations, special effects, and overall look are stunning. The locations are actually quite nice to see. Apparently in "1990" part of Brooklyn and Roosevelt Island have been annexed by the Bronx. Your eyes will be assaulted by Cabaret Gangs dance fighting, Pimps on fiery Chariots, sub-human cave dwellers and much much more! Prepare yourself for 92 minutes of unforgivable movie "The first to die were the lucky ones!"

Hamlin Grade : 5.5

Fletch is a killing word,
Fletch