To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Absolutely the worst movie.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

You know, I never got what all the fuss was about William Friedkin's "The French Connection". I always found that movie overrated. I prefer "To Live And Die In L.A.", which also has a unique car chase, but also stylish direction by Friedkin, a pulsating music score (I can't stop listening to the main theme), and a script that appears run-of-the-mill at first, but has its share of surprises, and one subversive shocker. What prevents the film from having a greater impact is the characters - they are hollow. Willem Dafoe is impressive in one of his first important roles, but William Petersen is bland in his film debut, and so is John Pankow. Even in 1985 I bet you could guess which of the three would go on to have the most successful film career. **1/2 out of 4.

To Live and Die in L.A. is one of those underrated gems that could easily get lost but then resurface every once in a while. Based on a novel by former Secret Service Agent Gerald Petievich, this action packed crime caper moves at a frenetic pace thanks to director William Friedkin (The French Connection) and it is also notable for featuring a cast of almost unknowns who later find stardom.Los Angeles Secret Service Agent Richard Chance (William L. Petersen, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation) is a reckless daredevil who vows to take down the brilliant but murderous counterfeiter Rick Masters (Willem Dafoe, Platoon) following the brutal murder of Chance's partner Jimmy Hart (Michael Greene) who was due to retire in less than three days. Chance makes it very clear to his new partner John Vukovich (John Pankow, Mad About You) that he will break the law and throw all the rules and ethics out the window to catch Masters no matter the cost. Chance also relies on his informant Ruth (Darlanne Fluegel, Lock Up) to provide him relevant tips with whom he is also having a sexual relationship with as well. Vukovich also contacts Master's lawyer Bob Grimes (Dean Stockwell, Blue Velvet) to try and get close to Masters. Chance and Vukovich continue to tear up the streets of Los Angeles hot on the heels of Masters, but for everyone the price may come at high cost.William L. Petersen, who made his big break here, turns in an excellent performance as the thrill seeking daredevil Secret Service Agent Richard Chance who is breaking every rule in the book no matter the cost to avenge the death of his partner. Willem Dafoe shows that he is always reliable no matter what role he plays and as the murderous counterfeiter Rick Masters, Dafoe is almost flawless. John Pankow who is later well known for comedic roles does a fine job as straight laced John Vukovich who finds himself in a moral dilemma taking down Masters with his partner Chance.The soundtrack by pop band Wang Chun gives the film a neo-noir feeling reminiscent to Miami Vice although the same mood is transferred to Los Angeles. Everything about To Live and Die in L.A. is unashamedly 80's.What makes To Live and Die in L.A. enjoyable is that the movie is not just the same clichéd crime caper. The good guys might have their strengths but their flaws prove to be their downfall. Richard Chance is definitely more of an anti-hero who sees things as the end justifies the means. The bad guys are also three dimensional. While they are criminals, they are also human without sympathizing with them or glamorising their lifestyle. Rick Masters might be brilliant with his methodical attention to detail with counterfeiting dollar bills, but he is also ruthless and is not afraid to commit murder should anyone cross him. His personal life also shows his eccentric behaviour.To Live and Die in L.A. is also made even more memorable featuring one of the most thrilling car chases in cinematic history.Keep an eye out for John Turturro (The Big Lebowski), Robert Downey Sr. (Robert Downey Jr's father) and Steve James (American Ninja) in small roles.Over 30 years later, To Live and Die in L.A. is still an underrated gem that is still enjoyable and well worth checking out. It's also fantastic to see a majority of the cast including William L. Petersen and Willem Dafoe move onto bigger and better things with their career.9/10.

TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. is like a cocaine rush; from the first beats of Wang Chung's awesome soundtrack and the crisp, colourful images of LA you know you're in for a ride. The plot - based on a novel and co-written by an ex-Secret Service agent - sees two Secret Service men, one of them hurting from the death of his partner, trying to hunt down a slick counterfeiter (with a taste for modern art). Peterson as the hotshot agent captures the darkness of a man determined to do anything to get his man (and if many of his actions are foolish, the man is supposed to be reckless) whilst Dafoe brings all his Weimar-style creepiness to his pseudo-yuppie criminal genius. The images have that brisk, bright feel of the 80s which is combined with the brutal realism of the 70s (when dudes get shot, it ain't pretty); when the film confronts sex or violence or ugly realities it pushes in rather than backing away. There's plenty of hard-boiled cop jargon, sex scenes that manage to be erotic rather than pornographic and an underlying realism to its depiction of criminality. The highlight is of course the car chase, which is simple yet brilliant and will have you holding your breath as the heroes zoom down loading docks, through traffic and along the LA water system. If the film never quite gels - in part because the leads aren't all that sympathetic - it's still a whole lot of fun which is happy to push boundaries.

By the end of the film, I thought it was a cheesy clichéd 80s crime thriller. But then I realized all of the films that I was comparing it to, copied off of this film. This film set the bar for the 80s crime thriller, and the crime thriller in general. Of course, it is undeniably 80s. Wang Chung provided the soundtrack. However, Friedken does not disappoint with his chase scenes. Chase scenes that some films today can't even hold a candle to. What adrenaline, there are not many films that can get your heart beating as fast as this one can. William Peterson gives a truly dynamite performance. But, personally, I believe Willem Dafoe stole the show. Nobody does the criminal like he does. Jesus Christ, he was so evil! This is a film that would not let me look away. I really was mesmerized by it. Friedken, thanks to the French Connection and this Film, is officially the king of the chase. What a wild ride, definitely worth a view.