Relentless (1989)

Relentless (1989)

Cunning, demented and maladjusted psychopath Buck Taylor (a genuinely creepy and credible performance by famed 80's Brat Pack member Judd Nelson) embarks on a brutal killing spree in Los Angeles. He picks folks out of the phone book, helps his victims kill themselves, and leaves sick taunting notes for the cops. It's up to weary, cynical veteran Bill Malloy (a typically fine and crusty portrayal by the always excellent Robert Loggia) and his excitable new eager beaver rookie partner Sam Dietz (winningly played by Leo Rossi) to nab Taylor. Director William Lustig, working from a smart and compact script by Jack T.D. Robinson, keeps the pace rattling along at a constant snappy clip, effectively creates a substantial amount of raw, gritty, gut-wrenching tension and stages the shockingly nasty and ugly murder set pieces with considerable flair. The first-rate supporting cast includes Meg Foster as Dietz's loving wife Carol, Angel Tompkins as a TV reporter, former convict turned crime novelist Edward Bunker as a huffy police superior, John Goff as a sarcastic psychiatrist, Ken Lerner as a smarmy swinger, Roy Brocksmith as a blasé coroner, Beau Starr as Taylor's abusive, overbearing cop father, and George "Buck" Flower as an ornery old coot. The refreshingly complex and engaging well-drawn characters (for example, the semi-pitiable Taylor is the angry and unbalanced toxic product of a harsh upbringing), James Lemmo's glossy, handsome cinematography, the hard-hitting no-nonsense tone, and Jay Chattaway's spooky, rousing, dynamic score further enhance the overall sterling quality of this bang-up little flick. (IMDB  Woodyanders)