Unfortunately it all remains too crude to convince one of its better intentions.

Suffused with socio-political resentment and enlivened by James Brown's classic soul-funk soundtrack.

Mr. Williamson, in short, can't be blamed for the plot contrivances that hinge mostly on action and bloodshed.

Larry Cohen... captures the bustle and color of the city and invests his fast-paced tale with colorful characters, high energy and scruffy style. Through it all, his pulp take on bigotry and racism provides the edgy undercurrent.