Murder Rock

Ahhh... I love the smell of spandex, Aqua Net and sweaty ass in the morning. Yep, the 80s dance scene is alive and well again. At least when it comes to this latter-day Lucio Fulci giallo. Made on a grander budget than most of Fulci's other works.... well hell, that doesn't matter a bit because most of that budget went to hiring Keith Emerson (of Emerson Lake and Palmer fame(or ELP as we music snobs refer to 'em)) to score the picture with some of the most cheezzzey 80s dance music this side of Funky Town! So, I guess, aside from that, it's your pretty typical Fulci flick... oh but there's really no gore to be had here. So, I guess it's not your typical Fulci flick. Well anyway, here's what its about.

If you've seen movies like Fame and Flashdance then you know how competitive the world of performing arts can be. Well, this movie is a lot like that only that instead of all the trash talking and jealousy (though there is some, of course) there's someone offing the top competitors at a prestigious New York dance academy one by one. Only rather than gutting them or gouging out their eyeballs, like in any other Fulci outing, the killer chooses to just stab them slowly through the heart with a hat pin after knocking them out with chloroform. The fact that only three dancers will be picked for starring roles in a big production gives just about every young rug cutter a motive. Summon an annoying peanut-eating detective who's a ringer for Perry Mason to the case and you've got yourself a solid hour and a half of 80s Euro decadence. As a matter of course, there are red herrings and mad suspicions a plenty. And although the trip there isn't the most exciting time you'll have in a giallo, the ending does prove pretty surprising and fulfilling.

So yeah, you've got kind of a mediocre slasher here. But, if you enjoy the sights, sounds, and all the pizzazz of an 80s dance flick then I'm sure you'll totally have fun with this picture. Hey, it's not Black Swan.... heck, its no Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo either, but it's got heart and I'm sure Mr. Fulci meant well while making it (look for him in a cameo, as usual). Get out your spandex, leggings and your big chrome plated boom box playing a pink cassingle of Madonna's "Get into the Groove" before sitting down with this flick. It's a nice warm-up.

7/10

(1984) Directed by Lucio Fulci

Fact about myself: My favorite 80s dance cassingle is "Cruel Summer" by Bananarama. Idk why, but it reminds me of Italian slasher flix of the 80s... don't even ask me why b'cuz, like I said, idk.