Movie spotlight
The Scalper
The 'scalper' is a cinema ticket-tout skirting the law and police harassment to make a living for herself and her three children in downtown Taipei.
Insights
Plot Summary
A disillusioned Vietnam veteran, haunted by his past, returns to his hometown only to find it overrun by a ruthless gang. He decides to take matters into his own hands, becoming a one-man vigilante force against the criminals who are preying on the innocent. His brutal methods earn him the moniker 'The Scalper' as he systematically eliminates the threats.
Critical Reception
The Scalper is a low-budget action film that received a largely negative reception from critics, often being cited for its gratuitous violence and uninspired plot. While some may appreciate its raw, gritty execution in the vein of 80s action B-movies, it is generally considered forgettable within the genre.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its straightforward, no-holds-barred action sequences.
Criticized for excessive gore and a thin, derivative storyline.
Considered a typical, if unexceptional, entry in the 1980s direct-to-video action market.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and generally reflect a mixed to negative sentiment, with some finding it a passable, albeit violent, action flick for its time, while others dismiss it as overly brutal and lacking substance.
Fun Fact
The film was primarily shot on location in and around Los Angeles, California, with many scenes filmed in industrial and less-populated areas to achieve a grittier aesthetic.
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