1986’s Eliminators had one of Empire Pictures’ biggest openings, grossing over $4 million at the box office. Following its relative success, Peter Manoogian was working on Deadly Weapon, which was meant to be a sequel to Laserblast. Charles Band’s then-wife, Debra Dion, gave Manoogian a script to read from Stuart Kaminsky, a writer known for pulp novels. The screenplay was initially set in Chicago, but because of Band’s deal with Tim Kincaid, the setting became New York. While Kincaid and his wife Cynthia De Paula were used to $100,000 shoots, Manoogian’s budget went up to $850,000. For the cast, Manoogian hired TV actor Gary Frank, Ray Parker Jr. of Ghostbusters fame, and former star Jan-Michael Vincent. The original DOP, Arthur D. Marks, was replaced by Ernest Dickerson, who had just worked on She’s Gotta Have It. In the end, Enemy Territory got a limited theatrical release in May 1987.
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Synopsis
Due to his alcoholism, Barry Rapchick (Gary Frank) has fallen on hard times as an insurance salesman. Down on his luck, his boss sends him to a rundown apartment complex to sign over a significant insurance policy. He meets with the elderly Elva (Frances Foster), who signs for the insurance and wishes Barry luck as he tries to leave the building. Unfortunately, Barry runs into The Vampires, the gang that controls the building, along with their leader, The Count (Tony Todd). He orders his goons to kill Barry, but he’s rescued by telephone worker Will Jackson (Ray Parker Jr). They run into Elva’s granddaughter Toni (Stacey Dash), who suggests they meet Vietnam veteran Mr. Parker (Jan-Michael Vincent). Meanwhile, The Count puts a hit out on Barry and Will for the gang members they’ve killed trying to escape. Barry’s job isn’t the only thing in danger when he enters Enemy Territory!
Review
Enemy Territory is as far removed as possible from other movies from Empire Pictures, like Re-Animator, Trancers, and Ghoulies. In a way, that works to help makes this film stand out from the rest of Charles Band’s library. Director Peter Manoogian and cinematographer Ernest Dickerson do a great job capturing the raw grit of 1980s New York. Even before Barry enters the apartment complex, the movie has this grimy, gritty, lived-in feel but with some 80s flair. This would make a great double feature with urban crime films like Exterminator 2 and Tenement. As simple as the story is, it touches on some relevant themes, such as redemption, racial tensions, and class warfare. A white businessman enters a rundown complex ruled by a gang leader who uses their struggles to take control. The themes practically write themselves with that kind of synopsis.
What also makes this film work is a cast of memorable character actors giving it their all. Gary Chalk is great as the meager insurance salesman trying to reclaim his status at any cost. However, the real star is Ray Parker Jr., who shows he can be a capable lead and a skilled musician. It’s a shame this didn’t lead to more starring roles for Parker, but at least he has those Ghostbusters residuals. The always great Tony Todd shines as the ruthless gang leader, The Count, chewing tons of scenery while remaining intimidating. Jan-Michael Vincent has a few moments as a Vietnam veteran who uses a wheelchair, but he’s strung out on something. While not high art, it’s still an entertaining thrill ride that proves Empire Pictures was willing to branch out. Overall, Enemy Territory is a highly underrated action thriller in desperate need of a Blu-ray release.
Watch Enemy Territory on YouTube: https://youtu.be/fGzI9sNG0lY.
