My review was written in April 1988 after watching the film on City Lights video cassette.

"L. A. Crackdown" (a sequel is already out in home video stores) is an effective, low-budget action picture that resembles an updated version of the B-pictures of the early 1950s. Made-for-home video entry is an okay rental item.

Pamela Dixon portrays an L. A. cop who works for Social Youth Organization, trying to break up the local crack ring and save young women caught in a cycle of crime. She brings two wastrels to live with her, a young, black prostitute (Kita Harrison) who was the victim of incest, and a blonde girl (Tricia Parks) involved in a drug ring. Unfortunately, her boyfriend (Jeffrey Olsen) who is a psychiatrist is caught sleeping with Harrison, and it's splitsville.

Fairlyrouine police procedure is used to finally bust the drug ring, en route to which the film stresses exploding blood packs in slow motion (way overdone). Cast is capable, fitted out with B-movie banter by prolific helmer Joseph Merhi. Pic's main failing is an unfunny, strained subplot about porno filmmaking which yields an unsatisfactory, who cares? Ending.

The B-action subgenre features lower budgets, simpler plots, and lower production values compared to bigger budget mainstream action titles. Originally used in a derogatory manner, the subgenre has evolved to describe a specific type of filmmaking with its own unique charm and appeal. The "B" designation originally referred to the second feature in a double feature presentation, with the "A" film being the main attraction. Over time, "B-movies" became associated with low-budget and less prestigious productions.

The action genre features fast-paced, thrilling, and intense sequences of physical feats, combat, and excitement. The characters of these stories are involved in daring and often dangerous situations, requiring them to rely on their physical prowess, skills, and quick thinking to overcome challenges and adversaries.

The crime genre features criminal activities, investigations, law enforcement, crimes, and the pursuit of justice. Crime stories often revolve around the planning, execution, and consequences of criminal acts, as well as the efforts to solve and prevent such acts. They explore various aspects of criminal behavior, motives, and the moral dilemmas faced by both perpetrators and those seeking to uphold the law.

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The drama genre is a broad category that features stories portraying human experiences, emotions, conflicts, and relationships in a realistic and emotionally impactful way. Dramas delve into the complexities of human life, often exploring themes of love, loss, morality, societal issues, personal growth, with the aim to evoke an emotional response from the audience by presenting relatable and thought-provoking stories.

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L.A. Crackdown

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