Spazzy Miami cop Pete Giullani (a solid and likeable performance by Wayne Crawford) and his spunky partner Katherine Hall (a perky and appealing portrayal by the ever-luscious Kay Lenz) investigate a series of grisly decapitation murders that turn out to be the bloody work of a lethal African voodoo demon.
While director Francis Schaeffer fails to generate much in the way of either tension or spooky atmosphere, he still does manage to keep the enjoyably inane story moving at an even keel, makes nice use of the steamy Miami locations, delivers a satisfying smattering of gore, and stages a wild last reel confrontation between the demon and a chainsaw-wielding Pete with considerable flair and skill. Crawford and Lenz display a winning chemistry in the lead roles; they receive sturdy support from Steve Kanaly as the huffy Captain Ted Calvin, June Chadwick as Pete's bitter estranged wife Denise, and Sam Williams as helpful occult expert Samuel Juru. Hans Kuhle's fluid cinematography gives this movie an impressive stylish look and makes invigorating use of a smooth gliding camera. Julian Laxton's spirited score hits the stirring spot. An entertaining time-killer.
While director Francis Schaeffer fails to generate much in the way of either tension or spooky atmosphere, he still does manage to keep the enjoyably inane story moving at an even keel, makes nice use of the steamy Miami locations, delivers a satisfying smattering of gore, and stages a wild last reel confrontation between the demon and a chainsaw-wielding Pete with considerable flair and skill. Crawford and Lenz display a winning chemistry in the lead roles; they receive sturdy support from Steve Kanaly as the huffy Captain Ted Calvin, June Chadwick as Pete's bitter estranged wife Denise, and Sam Williams as helpful occult expert Samuel Juru. Hans Kuhle's fluid cinematography gives this movie an impressive stylish look and makes invigorating use of a smooth gliding camera. Julian Laxton's spirited score hits the stirring spot. An entertaining time-killer.