Alphabet City

I watched earlier Amos Poe films (Foreigner, Unmade Beds) and then I watched Alphabet City. Although, the film is directed by Poe, it is just filled with clichés and stories you have already seen, worlds you've already explored. It has no comment whatsoever on NYC's Alphabet City. So, in terms of story and plot- I won't bother watching the film. If you are interested in the craft of film- this film has great editing and great cinematography. If you want to taste the period of the 80's, there's a good amount of clubs and drugs, even a little neighborhood explored in the film. How much of it is genuine, I don't know- but its definitely interesting to study. What really ruins the film is that Poe had little control over the film- thus it was butchered by studio heads and editing department.

Passable urban action / crime flick starring Vincent Spano as Johnny, a young thug who gets into big trouble when his mobster bosses order him to torch a building, and because this is the same building in which his mom (Zohra Lampert) and sister (Jami Gertz) reside, he stalls and then ultimately defies them. If anything, "Alphabet City" is certainly a very slick affair, and it's no surprise that the director, Amos Poe, had music video experience. On the plus side, it is incredibly fast paced, and stylish, but in the end it's quite unmemorable. It's just too hard to care very much about any of these characters. The acting is generally competent but the performers are all basically playing archetypes, existing in a pretty standard story of people trying to rise above their meagre surroundings. It IS a treat to see the interesting Ms. Lampert; cult horror fans will recognize her from the 1971 favourite "Let's Scare Jessica to Death". Spano exerts a respectable amount of "cool" in the lead, with amusing support from Michael Winslow, best known as Jones from the "Police Academy" franchise who does have some dramatic moments here but also the opportunity to do some more of the sound effects shtick for which he's famous. Gorgeous Kate Vernon (daughter of the legendary John Vernon) is pleasing to look at, if not terribly convincing, in her first major role, and the same goes for the young Gertz. Familiar folk in smaller roles include Raymond Serra as the mob boss Gino, Tom Mardirosian as Benny, Tom Wright as a chauffeur, Clifton Powell as Ramon, and Miguel Pinero, creator of the stage play "Short Eyes", as a dealer. The dated pop soundtrack is good for some amusement, if also rather repetitive; the main music score is by industry great Nile Rodgers. The NYC location filming is a big, big asset. The climactic action, however, ends up descending into silliness. Overall, a fairly entertaining melodramatic little flick. Five out of 10.

Everyone gives this movie a bad rating, but it somehow managed to keep me entertained. However, I'm a car nut, so that of course plays into the level of enjoyment I had watching the film. In this movie, Johnny Chunga (Vincent Spano) plays a heroin dealer for the mob, and spends much of his time cruising the lower Manhattan area conducting this business. Why I like it: He drives a white 1983 Pontiac Trans Am "Pace Car". These cars were actually limited production firebirds (approximately 2500 built) that commemorated the 25th Daytona 500 race, and the 15th anniversary Firebird. They were loaded with all options to include smooth "aero" wheels, power everything, and Recaro seats. Johnny's even has a vintage cellphone! The car is on the video cover, so that's why I rented it. But I do like the early 80's soundtrack by Nile Rodgers, and would greatly appreciate any leads to find a copy of the soundtrack, or songs from it. The sound effects guy from Police Academy (Michael Winslow) is also in this movie doing what he does best. Thats about it. If you don't like "B" movies, don't watch it. If you're into Firebirds, it's worth renting.

I thought the movie was very realistic and could have been based on a friend of mine and my own rise and fall in the drug trade ('78 &'79). The fast cars, condemned buildings that we used to deal out of, the "shooting" galleries. Making sure your runners are always in pocket. Huge amounts of money trading hands daily. Seeing friends turn into junkies and not being able to help nor trust them once they crossed that line. Although the movie takes place over a 24 hour period, it was a 2 year experience for me and this movie captured it all,the highest highs and the lowest lows.

What started out as fun turned into a nightmare. I was able to get out and live to tell about it but so many of my friends and associates weren't so lucky.

I came to this site in search of the soundtrack and one song in particular, "Lady Luck". Like someone said earlier the soundtrack is awesome and Lady Luck was on my side.

i recently saw this flick after 20 odd years & while it is one that 'got away', its still pretty decent for the time... (what the producers wanted - was an "urban teen flick"... good luck!) it was my first 35mm, fully crewed production & shot in 20 nights & we did best under the circumstances, and we had a blast shooting it. editing was difficult to say the least. it was a huge, huge learning experience. i had a lot of support from oliver wood (DP), line-producers Ben Gruberg & Roberta Friedman, and Greg Heller, who wrote the story. Nord Haggerty and Anna Taylor did a a great job with production design and costumes under very limited budget. Nile's music sounds better than ever. i wish we'd have shot the real ending... (which was to "political" for the producers) i agree w/comments that there are cheesy segments & i'd like to see Vince act in more movies! Jamie & Michael Winslow still charm in their own ways... anyway, thanks for watching it on late nite TV!