Review of The Big Racket (1976) by James W — 31 Jul 2007
As this was my first Italian crime film I didn't quite know what to expect. My first thoughts is that it might suffer from being a little cheesy. Boy was I wrong. This is probably one of the best crime films I've seen. Though I've not seen many, this is easily the most fun I have ever had watching a movie for a while.
Our plot involves Inspector Nico Palmieri (Fabio Testi from Contraband) who is the toughest cop in town. He's on the trail of a gang running a protection racket. As things get more violent when they start to add rape and murder to their repertoire, Nico really starts to feel the pressure and no-one in town is talking as they are too frightened.
Eventually after too many 'slip ups' Nico loses his position as a police man and wants revenge. So he goes about gather people to form a band of misfits who all want to take down this 'Big Racket'. He recruits people from the town who have had their lives ruined by this gang. This all comes together at the end as a concerto of gunfire and bloody squib effects. As for other characters I'm a little stuck, as I cannot put names to faces. There is also a sort of twist at the end, though I will not spoil that for you!
The music in this movie is slick, really suiting what is on screen. It's got that real 70's vibe which gives off such a buzz to someone like me.
Enzo, you've set the bar for Italian crime. I am now going to be in pursuit of many more Italian crime films thanks to you!
This review of The Big Racket (1976) was written by James W on 31 Jul 2007.
The Big Racket has generally received positive reviews.
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