Review of To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) by Electra D — 11 Mar 2010
The film has a shaky beginning with a terrorist bomb plot, but it solid from there on out. Yes, the film is dated and a very 1980's cop film feel, but without the absurdity of the tired old buddy cop comedy formula.
Friedkin, while still doing a film that really feels like an LA version of The French Connection at it's less stellar moments, creates a well-produced tense, exciting, and dark cop film that at it's good moments reminds me a little of Michael Mann's underrated Thief.
William Peterson is good, proving he used to have some talent, but Turturro in support and Dafoe as the antagonist steal the show. A great car chase, some amazing twists, and a couple end scenes that are bold and surprising for a mid-1980's film.
Friedkin is underrated and this film is as well and should be seen, enjoyed, and studied by any who aspire to make good mid to high level crime drama.
This review of To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) was written by Electra D on 11 Mar 2010.
To Live and Die in L.A. has generally received very positive reviews.
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