Alphabet City

Everyone gives this movie a bad rating, but it somehow managed to keep me entertained. However, I'm a car nut, so that of course plays into the level of enjoyment I had watching the film. In this movie, Johnny Chunga (Vincent Spano) plays a heroin dealer for the mob, and spends much of his time cruising the lower Manhattan area conducting this business. Why I like it: He drives a white 1983 Pontiac Trans Am "Pace Car". These cars were actually limited production firebirds (approximately 2500 built) that commemorated the 25th Daytona 500 race, and the 15th anniversary Firebird. They were loaded with all options to include smooth "aero" wheels, power everything, and Recaro seats. Johnny's even has a vintage cellphone! The car is on the video cover, so that's why I rented it. But I do like the early 80's soundtrack by Nile Rodgers, and would greatly appreciate any leads to find a copy of the soundtrack, or songs from it. The sound effects guy from Police Academy (Michael Winslow) is also in this movie doing what he does best. Thats about it. If you don't like "B" movies, don't watch it. If you're into Firebirds, it's worth renting.

I watched earlier Amos Poe films (Foreigner, Unmade Beds) and then I watched Alphabet City. Although, the film is directed by Poe, it is just filled with clichés and stories you have already seen, worlds you've already explored. It has no comment whatsoever on NYC's Alphabet City. So, in terms of story and plot- I won't bother watching the film. If you are interested in the craft of film- this film has great editing and great cinematography. If you want to taste the period of the 80's, there's a good amount of clubs and drugs, even a little neighborhood explored in the film. How much of it is genuine, I don't know- but its definitely interesting to study. What really ruins the film is that Poe had little control over the film- thus it was butchered by studio heads and editing department.

I thought the movie was very realistic and could have been based on a friend of mine and my own rise and fall in the drug trade ('78 &'79). The fast cars, condemned buildings that we used to deal out of, the "shooting" galleries. Making sure your runners are always in pocket. Huge amounts of money trading hands daily. Seeing friends turn into junkies and not being able to help nor trust them once they crossed that line. Although the movie takes place over a 24 hour period, it was a 2 year experience for me and this movie captured it all,the highest highs and the lowest lows.

What started out as fun turned into a nightmare. I was able to get out and live to tell about it but so many of my friends and associates weren't so lucky.

I came to this site in search of the soundtrack and one song in particular, "Lady Luck". Like someone said earlier the soundtrack is awesome and Lady Luck was on my side.

Young Italian-American drug dealer, Johnny (Vincent Spano) is trying to make it in the world. He gets double crossed and has to rethink his plans.

Amos Poe is a fine director who so far has never got his big break. This film is a true independent film, but it lacks the panache of other directors who made it big in the 80s such as Spike Lee and Joe Dante. Vincent Spano has sadly never been an A-lister, but he looks the part and is decent. After playing tough guys in films like Rumble Fish this isn't a departure for him in terms of character. The real star of the show is the cinematography by Oliver Wood. A lot of attention has been paid to the lighting, set design and camera work. The film has a neon look to it reminiscent of films like Blade Runner, Thief and Manhunter. It is style over substance and the derivative plot, one dimensional characterisation and corny dialogue make for a mediocre viewing experience.

The film is not widely remembered or respected, and it falls way short compared to similar hood thrillers like those by Walter Hill (Streets of Fire was released the same year) .

i recently saw this flick after 20 odd years & while it is one that 'got away', its still pretty decent for the time... (what the producers wanted - was an "urban teen flick"... good luck!) it was my first 35mm, fully crewed production & shot in 20 nights & we did best under the circumstances, and we had a blast shooting it. editing was difficult to say the least. it was a huge, huge learning experience. i had a lot of support from oliver wood (DP), line-producers Ben Gruberg & Roberta Friedman, and Greg Heller, who wrote the story. Nord Haggerty and Anna Taylor did a a great job with production design and costumes under very limited budget. Nile's music sounds better than ever. i wish we'd have shot the real ending... (which was to "political" for the producers) i agree w/comments that there are cheesy segments & i'd like to see Vince act in more movies! Jamie & Michael Winslow still charm in their own ways... anyway, thanks for watching it on late nite TV!