The Exterminator (1980)

Review by All Movie Guide
This grisly exploitation item one-ups the Death Wish series by taking its revenge film scenario to greater (and often more gruesome) extremes. Like the Death Wish films, The Exterminator's take on the justice system is one-dimensional and it wallows in the kind of nonstop brutality guaranteed to send any sensitive viewer running for the exit. Despite its exploitative nature and morally questionable take on vigilante tactics, The Exterminator is tough to disregard altogether because it is surprisingly well made. Robert Baldwin's photography stylishly captures the squalor of the film's New York locales and director James Glickenhaus knows how to put together a memorable action sequence: Highlights in this vein include the explosive Vietnam prologue and a slickly edited chase between a car and a motorcycle. The film also benefits from nicely understated performances by its leads: Robert Ginty brings a believable sense of anger and weariness to John and Christopher George's turn as Dalton is infused with plenty of sly wit. However, these attributes are undone by the film's need to shock and its constant barrage of sleaze and gory violence is guaranteed to numb most viewers after a short while. As a result, The Exterminator is the kind of stylish but severe action item that can only be recommended to the hardiest fans of exploitation filmmaking. ~ Donald Guarisco, All Movie Guide