Why ‘Escape from New York’ Fans Should Watch ‘The Exterminator’ on Prime Video Now!

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The 1980s are characterized by exceptional genre films spanning horror, sci-fi, and action. Some of these movies have transcended their decade, earning the status of timeless classics that continue to be celebrated and referenced today. For instance, John Carpenter’s “Escape from New York” is a rightfully recognized action cult classic, with Kurt Russell as Snake Plissken exuding toughness in a dystopian society dominated by crime, all set against the backdrop of New York City. However, there exists one action movie franchise that deserves more recognition for its portrayal of a New York overrun by ruthless capitalists and violent gangs, echoing the same gritty atmosphere of the 80s.

In simpler terms, “The Exterminator” and “Exterminator 2” are some of the rawest action movies from the 1980s. When they initially came out, they received criticism and were often panned by critics. Interestingly, the original movie was largely overlooked and didn’t receive a high-definition upgrade until much later (in 2024). Despite not being widely recognized, these two films have gained a dedicated following over time. For enthusiasts of ’80s action, watching “The Exterminator” and its sequel is a must.

‘The Exterminator’ Creates a Similar ’80s Dystopian Landscape Packed with Violence

After his friend Michael is seriously hurt in a hospital following an attack by a local gang, Vietnam War veteran John Eastland (played by Robert Ginty) decides to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge. Instead of just targeting the low-level thugs responsible for hurting Michael, he starts to realize that there are powerful figures enabling these criminal groups to flourish. This leads him to carry out a series of violent acts against some of the city’s wealthier individuals, earning himself the nickname ‘The Exterminator’. As more people become aware of his actions, Detective James Dalton (played by Christopher George) begins to pursue John, determined to bring him to justice.

Robert Ginty plays the leading role in most parts of the film. Although not widely recognized, Ginty starred in more than 90 films and TV productions during his career, particularly gaining a modest fanbase in action movies. For horror enthusiasts, Christopher George’s character, Detective James Dalton, is an exciting addition. It’s worth mentioning that George also appeared in Night of the Living Dead following his role in The Exterminator. This movie was directed by James Glickenhaus, who later gained fame as a producer, contributing to several cult classics like Frankenhooker (the only film ever given an S-rating) and Maniac Cop.

Initially, this movie was strongly criticized by reviewers such as Roger Ebert, who labeled it a “shockingly terrible manifestation of an almost unimaginable decline.” However, much like other films like “I Spit on Your Grave,” Ebert’s criticism seemed to pique audience interest. Considering the period when it was released, one can understand why Ebert might have disliked the film due to its intense revenge theme and brutal depictions of vengeance against some despicable characters; scenes involving characters being lowered into a meat grinder, set on fire, or shot with bullets containing mercury.

Despite its differences, “The Exterminator” portrays the criminal underbelly of New York City in a manner comparable to the bleak cityscape depicted in “Escape From New York.” In this film, lawlessness prevails and individuals often act with impunity. However, it’s more explicit than John Carpenter’s original. Viewers should approach it as a precursor to “Escape From New York,” as it maintains the same level of shocking violence but also infuses some campy elements, hinting at the sequel’s direction.

‘Exterminator 2’ Takes a New Direction but Still Delivers

In the sequel to Exterminator, John Eastland pursues his path once more, set shortly after the events of the initial movie. Now, he assumes the role of a vigilante, focusing on apprehending New York’s criminals and frequently employing his flamethrower, which had limited screen time in the first movie despite being prominently featured on its poster. Eastland teams up with an ex-Vietnam comrade to battle a gang, headed by the deranged ‘X’ (portrayed by Mario Van Peebles), following an assault on his girlfriend at their hands. For Exterminator 2, James Glickenhaus penned the script but didn’t direct; instead, Mark Buntzman earned his sole directorial credit in this production.

It’s clear that the new director, who seemed inexperienced, has made a noticeable impact on the film “Exterminator 2”. The movie lacks the same level of polish as its predecessor. Instead of delving into the moral complexities surrounding Eastland’s actions in the first film, this sequel wholeheartedly adopts his vigilante role.

The gangs that Eastland combats are both exaggerated and psychotic compared to the previous installment. For instance, an early scene featuring ‘X’ and his crew involves a ritualistic murder of a truck driver, which is quite shocking. This film’s chaotic and over-the-top nature, complete with absurd costumes, bears a resemblance to Duke’s Gang, as depicted in “Escape from New York”. Overall, “Exterminator 2” is a delightful dose of ’80s cheesiness, infused with a harsh brutality that will captivate fans of horror and exploitation films.

Why Fans of ‘Escape from New York’ Should Watch ‘The Exterminator’

As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say that while both “Escape from New York” and “The Exterminator” offer gritty portrayals of New York City, they have distinct flavors. The former, with its witty script and imaginative take on a lawless NYC, leans more towards an entertaining and lighthearted approach under the criminal rule.

On the other hand, “The Exterminator” films might be a tougher pill to swallow for those who haven’t ventured into John Carpenter’s darker territories. However, if you’re a fan of his work, you’ll find that the grittiness and unsavory elements in “The Exterminator” series are part of what makes it compelling.

Both films present a grim picture of New York, feature larger-than-life criminals as antagonists, and boast tough protagonists. If you’re into ’80s action and horror cinema, these two classics should definitely be on your watchlist.

You’ve got several options for streaming “The Exterminator”. You can check it out on Prime Video, Troma Now, or Plex. For the sequel, you’ll find “Exterminator 2” exclusively on Prime Video.

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2025-05-25 01:02