The Exterminator
The Exterminator

The Exterminator

1980Movie98 minEnglish

When a man's best friend is killed on the streets of New York, he transforms into a violent killer, turning New York into a war zone.

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Insights

IMDb5.7/10
Director: James GlickenhausGenres: Action, Crime, Thriller

Plot Summary

A Vietnam veteran, John Eastland, is pushed to his breaking point when his best friend is brutally attacked by a street gang. Fueled by rage and a desire for justice, Eastland transforms himself into a vigilante known as 'The Exterminator.' He systematically hunts down and eliminates members of the criminal underworld, employing an arsenal of weapons and a ruthless approach to his mission.

Critical Reception

The Exterminator is a prime example of a 1980s vigilante action film, often criticized for its gratuitous violence and simplistic plot but praised by some for its relentless pacing and exploitation-driven B-movie appeal. It garnered a cult following for its over-the-top action sequences and its raw, unapologetic portrayal of urban decay and vigilante justice.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its energetic, no-holds-barred action sequences.
  • Criticized for its extreme violence and a thin, often implausible, narrative.
  • Considered a cult classic within the vigilante exploitation genre.

Google audience: Audience reviews are divided, with many appreciating the film's raw action and revenge themes, while others found it excessively violent and lacking in depth.

Fun Fact

The film's director, James Glickenhaus, also directed 'The Protector' (1985) starring Jackie Chan, and 'Maniac Cop 2' (1990).

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
John Chard

John Chard

Exterminate, Exterminate! How wonderfully tacky and exploitive, The Exterminator rides in on the coat tails of films like Death Wish and has a bloody good time doing so. Plot sees Vietnam veteran John Eastland (Robert Ginty) embark on a...