Streets

And that one reason is Applegate's lead performance, of all things. This film is mostly typical late 80's Cali-based dramatic thriller fare, with its requisite abusive cops, rundown underpasses and throwaway dialogue.

Or is it? Christina Applegate sticks out like a sore thumb with her deeply poignant performance as the teenage hooker lead. She has at least one memorable monologue detailing how she grew up in motel bathrooms all over town while her hooker mom conducted biz with her clients next room.

She and her character honestly belong in a better film. Unfortunately, that film never materialized.

A police officer is loose on the streets killing runaway teenagers who were forced into prostitution in Venice, California. His main target is a would be victim (Applegate) who escaped.

Compelling look at homeless teenagers manages to blend in a thrilling suspense story also. Applegate is very good in the lead role, the situations are done realisticly and the direction is terrific. Very well made thriller is highly underrated.

Rated R; Extreme Violence, Lanuage, Brief Nudity, and a Sexual Situation involving teenagers.

A psychotic cop in Southern California is targeting prostitutes for execution; meanwhile, a pretty blonde urchin tries getting her life together. I rented this because I was very impressed with director Katt Shea's work on the underrated "Poison Ivy" and I was not disappointed. The psycho stuff doesn't really jell with the homeless kids angle, but it's a commendable attempt to mix genres, and Christina Applegate gives a superb, surprisingly serious lead performance (her final scene in a bus depot is riveting and heart-rending). Much better than I was expecting, "Streets" is a good, hearty try at both social drama and crime thriller. **1/2 from ****

Finally I saw this movie and it is better than I imagined.

Without spoiling anything be prepared for some violence and sad scenes. The cinematography is beautiful and fits the story.

Don't miss on this film only because its a bit dated, its an "hidden gem" and could become some kind of early 90s cult classic if only more people would watch it.

So if you ever have the opportunity, watch it.

And I really hope this will be released sooner or later on DVD or Bluray (somebody make a petition).

If you liked the movie please make your own review and rate ;-)

Christina Applegate stars in her movie debut as a runaway teen who can't read. She learns about life on the streets of Venice Beach..not as bad as it sounds.. Applegate does well and the story isnt half bad..the requisite prostitute killing cop kinda pushes it though... on a scale of one to ten..a 6