Territoire ennemi

This was one of those films I constantly saw on the video previews of ex-rentals and each time I saw it pop up my hunger only grew to watch it. Produced by Charles Band's Empire pictures, "Enemy Territory" was a nice surprise (strangely not on DVD yet) and truly a sock 'em urban action survival romp that is compulsively brutal, raw and relentless in its tightly constructed surges.

Barry (Gary Frank) a struggling insurance salesman heads out to a rundown complex building the Lincoln Towers late one evening for a client (Frances Foster) to sign some very important papers for his company and especially for himself. However he gets caught in an altercation which sees him fighting for his life against a savage gang called the vampires, who rule the building at night. Also getting involved is Will (Ray Parker, Jr) a telephone repairman who comes to his aid. It's going to be one long night for the pair, as they try seeking help from the buildings tenants or it would be their blood for the vampires. They hunt at night for blood.

A low-budget, but well-pulled off enterprise by director Peter Manoogian. He creates a gritty edge from its surroundings (plenty of taut corridor running), where the pacing is fast, the tension is on boil and the claustrophobic build-up has you biting your finger nails. A simple-minded script keeps it tough, especially with its biting wit and a bit of social commentary lingers on urban decay. Still just take it as caught in the wrong place, at the wrong time situation. Coming to the forefront is the potent performances by the cast. Gary Frank is fittingly good in his meek portrayal and Ray Parker, Jr is affably brought across. Their chemistry simply crackles. The tremendous standout would be aggressively hammy and towering Tony Todd as the count, the leader of the gang. His speeches are pure poetry and he eats it up. A spunky Stacey Dash adds plenty of kick to her role and also Frances Foster. Jan-Michael Vincent would appear in a small part as a grizzled, resentful paraplegic Vietnam veteran. In the background is a pounding soundtrack.

A nice assortment of characters, are terrorized by a gang called the "Vampires", while desperately trying to escape from a "project" high rise. The strength of this film is having very sympathetic heroes, Gary Frank, and Ray Parker Jr., interacting with likable tenants, including Jan Michael Vincent playing a whacked Vietnam Vet. The "Vampire"gang are all generic, unmemorable, minority thugs, with the notable exception of "The Count". The movie is both claustrophobic, and a real stretch of realism, but is nevertheless entertaining. Considering the limited budget, "Enemy Territory" is a surprisingly good film..... - MERK

Just bought this on video to see Jan Michael Vincent's part. What a fun movie this was! Urban decay as literal nightmare - huge ghetto apartment, graffiti everywhere, people out to kill you, gangs running rampant - this movie has it all! It captures 'scary' New York very well. I guess you might call it soft-core Blax-sploitation. The music is 80's, but the sheer adrenaline this movie creates still registers today. Jan Michael Vincent has one of the best cameos you will ever see in a movie! He plays 'Parker', a whacked out, bubba-Vietnam vet in a wheelchair (still handsome, but crazed!) who tries to help a remarkably decent-acting Ray Parker Jr. (Yes, the very same Ghostbusters singer in his first acting role) and his white companion. JMV gives an electrifying performance! One wishes he could have had more screen time - but it's well worth seeing his brilliant 10 minutes! Tony Todd (yes, the "Candyman" himself!) is also great as the "Vampire" gang leader in this.

I was put on to this film by a friend of mine. It's a great flick with a good pace and interesting characters. Admitted some of the acting is a little shameful, but Jan Michael Vincent supplies us with a solid performance as the gruff ass kicking paraplegic with Knives in his wheel chair (how cool is that?). If you enjoyed the Warriors than this is definitely worth a watch.

But why is this not on DVD? Have searched high and low and can't find it anywhere.

Had to watch in poor VHS quality with German subs which was a little annoying, but did not detract from my enjoyment of the film.

Though made in 1987, 'Enemy Territory' most resembles a drive-in exploitation movie from the seventies. Silly script, over-acting by all concerned, non-stop action and a dated 'urban' soundtrack all mean one thing - FUN!!! I've seen this countless times now, but enjoy it at every viewing. Pretty hard to find (and still no DVD release) but worth it for those seeking a 'drive-in' fix......8/10