The'80sare defined by great genre cinema, whether horror, sci-fi, or action. Yet some have resonated far beyond the decade, becoming classics still paid homage to and given fanfare to this day. John Carpenter’sEscape from New Yorkis a deserved action cult classic, oozing bad assery in lead Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken, all set in a dystopian society overrun by crime. Yet, there is one action movie franchise that is long overdue for credit for capturing the same grim landscape of a New York overrun by greedy capitalists and brutal gangs.
The ExterminatorandExterminator 2are among the grittiestaction films of the 1980s. Upon release, they faced scrutiny and critical panning. Notably, the first movie went largely underappreciated and was not given the 4K treatment until recently (2024). Yet, despite resting in the underground, the two films have developed a cult following, and for fans of ’80s action,The Exterminatorand its sequel should be essential viewing.
‘The Exterminator’ Creates a Similar ’80s Dystopian Landscape Packed with Violence
The Exterminator
John Eastland (Robert Ginty), a Vietnam War veteran, tries to settle back into American life, working at various processing plants alongside his fellow veteran, Michael Jefferson (Steve James). After Michael is attacked and left in critical condition in a hospital, John takes it on himself to get revenge and set his friend and his family up with money. This leads to John arming himself and killing and targeting the gang that went after his friend. Yethis revenge on petty thugs only points him to the powers allowing the gangs to thrive, pushing him to target some of the city’s most prosperous.Conducting a series of violent murders and gaining the moniker ‘The Exterminator’ from an adoring public, John’s exploits catch the eye of Detective James Dalton (Christopher George), who begins to hunt him down.
Robert Ginty is at the forefront for the majority of the film. Far from a household name, Ginty would appear in over 90 films and TV series throughout his career, with his time in the action genre garnering a moderate following. Christopher George as Detective James Dalton is a welcome appearance for horror fans. Notably, George would follow up his role in The Exterminator with a role inNight of the Living Dead. The Exterminatorwas directed by James Glickenhaus, who would become better known behind the scenes, having acted as producer in a handful of classic cult films, includingFrankenhooker(the only movie ever to get an S-rating) andManiac Cop.
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The movie was initially condemned by critics, including Roger Ebert, who called it a “sick example of the almost unbelievable descent.“Of course, with otherfilms likeI Spit on Your Grave, Ebert’s condemnation also attracted a willing audience. Still, placing one in the timeframe of the release, it is easy to see why Ebert may have despised the film, with its revenge-heavy plot and some gut-churning scenes of revenge on some deplorable people; lowered into a meat grinder, set on fire, shot with mercury-laced bullets.
Still,The Exterminatorshows the criminal world of New York on par with the dystopian landscape ofEscape From New York, where people do what they want with little repercussions. The feature is an exercise in extremes and more exploitative than the Carpenter classic. However, the movie should be watched as the sequel moves closer toEscape From New Yorkby delivering some camp while offering the same shocking violence.
‘Exterminator 2’ Takes a New Direction but Still Delivers
Exterminator 2
Exterminator 2again followed John Eastland, taking place shortly after the first movie’s events. Yet, now he plays the role of a vigilante, targeting the criminals of New York and making particular use of his flamethrower, which was only used briefly in the first film despite showing prominently on the poster. Eastland and an ex-Vietnam buddy team up to fight a gang, led by the psychotic ‘X’ (Mario Van Peebles), after his girlfriend is attacked by his thugs. ForExterminator 2, James Glickenhaus wrote the project but did not direct; instead, Mark Buntzman made his only career credit as a director.
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The change of director who lacked experience is apparent, withExterminator 2not having nearly the same polish. The story also deals less with the moral ambiguity behind Eastland’s actions in the previous movie and fullyembraces the vigilante persona.The gangs that he fights are simultaneously more cartoonish and more deranged than the previous entry; an early introduction to ‘X’ and his crew is a shocking ritualistic murder of a truck driver. This sort of campy chaos, complete with ridiculous outfits, resonates with vibes similar to Duke’s Gang, as seen inEscape from New York. Exterminator 2is pure, addictive ’80s cheese, with a touch of gritty cruelty that will appeal to horror and exploitation fans.
Why Fans of ‘Escape from New York’ Should Watch ‘The Exterminator’
There are some key differences betweenEscape from New YorkandThe Exterminator, notably the John Carpenter Classic as more of a ‘fun’ approach to New York City under criminal law, thanks to a witty script and inventive vision of the large metropolis. Yet,those who adore all of John Carpenter’s films will have the stomach needed to appreciate the more unsavory elements inThe Exterminatorfilms.Both paint a pretty bleak portrait of New York, use over-the-top criminals as their villains, and have badass protagonists. For fans of ’80s action and horror cinema, both should be essential viewing.
you’re able to watchThe Exterminatoron Prime Video, Troma Now, or Plex, andExterminator 2on Prime Video.
