O Preço da Justiça

Those that loved the original Kojak TV series will only enjoy this as it gives a chance to see the great Telly Savalas in action once more. The story isn't bad, although it has a lot of over dramatic 1980s style revelations and false flashbacks, which are always irritating.

The problem is that Theo Kojak, despite being played by Telly Savalas, isn't Theo Kojak. All the confident, cool and classy Kojak of the 70s is gone and we are left with an ageing cop just doing it for the money. There's no familiar "who loves ya baby?" catchphrases or lolly pops.

It would have been far better if the main character had a different name and was based in a different city. But then, they couldn't milk the Kojak money tree ...

Newly Minted Inspector Theo Kojak is called away from a most formal dinner tux and all to a frightening crime scene, the murder of two pre-school brothers. A crime still hard to conceive yet evidence points to mother Kate Nelligan.

A lot has been left vague in this Kojak film, The Price Of Justice. I could never understand the glamorous Nelligan marrying working stiff and bar owner Pat Hingle. He certainly loves her though considering what he does.

At the crime scene a black book is discovered and Nelligan has a lot of important and powerful friends she can call on. Including some at that most formal affair that Kojak was attending.

Telly Savalas's motive is left purposely vague in his method of investigation. But Kojak fans know that ultimately the truth is what matters most to our follicly challenged crime fighter.

Not one of the better Kojak films, but a must for fans of the series and character.