Not Coming to a Theater Near You

1990: The Bronx Warriors / I Guerrieri del Bronx / Italy / 1982

The future, as envisioned by Italians in 1982: The Bronx has fallen into the hands of rival gangs, and the powers that be have declared it a no man’s land, with all civil and municipal operations terminated. With complete autonomy over the territory, the gangs are free to form allegiances, or destroy each other. It is this latter possibility that the Manhattan fat cats are hoping for, doing what they can to sew the seeds of mistrust among the Bronx gang elite.

Complicating matters is Ann, heir to the presidency of the Manhattan Corporation (largest arms supply dealer in the world), who wants nothing to do with such a bloodthirsty and ruthless company, and decides her chances are better in the Bronx. As Hammer, a bounty hunter hired by Ann’s father, attempts to extricate the girl, Ann begs assistance from young Trash, leader of The Riders, and encourages Trash and The Ogre to form an alliance to better defend their turf.

As is the case with many an Italian bleak-future production, the filmmakers here are much more interested in showing off their impressive pyrotechnics and love of impalings rather than offering a coherent story. And though the numerous explosions are terrific, and the body count is acceptably high, stitching together all the loose ends into something resembling a coherent plot is quite a challenge. For instance, who is Hot Dog, and why is he willing to sell out the Riders to Hammer? And is Ice really content to share power with the Zombies once Trash and Ogre are out of the way? I have yet to conceive adequate answers to these burning questions. Thankfully the high inane-entertainment value here (and the presence of Vic Morrow, Fred Williamson, and George Eastman) merits a rewatching.

by Thomas Scalzo | Source: Media Home Entertainment VHS
01 Apr 2008 6:22 PM | Submit Comment