The police at a Boston, Massachusetts precinct search for a mad bomber who's trying to extort money from the city. Meanwhile, the cops must also contend with arson attacks on homeless people, a rapist in a local park, and a string of robberies in the area. Director Richard A. Colla offers a pleasing mix of rousing action and cynical comedy that unfolds at a snappy pace, makes good use of the gritty urban locations, and delivers a colorful portrait of the camaraderie amongst the police who are always up to their ears with their assorted cases. The sound acting from the excellent ensemble cast keeps the movie humming: Burt Reynolds as the laid-back Steve Carella, Tom Skerritt as breezy smartaleck Bert Kling, Jack Weston as the huffy Meyer, Raquel Welch as sassy'n'sexy undercover lady cop Eileen McHenry, James McEachin as the easygoing Arthur Brown, Bert Remsen as irascible desk sergeant Murchison, and Don Gordon as antsy low-life hoodlum Anthony La Bresca. Yul Brynner does well as a smooth criminal mastermind. Popping up in small parts are a bunch of familiar character actors who include Charles Tyner, Britt Leach, Albert Popwell, Norman Burton, and a very young Charles Martin Smith (as a whiny'n'wimpy arsonist). Evan Hunter's episodic script neatly captures the chaotic and unpredictable nature of police work. The fact that this film shows the cops going about their daily routines gives it an extra credibility. The exciting climax nicely ties several subplots together. Jacques Marquette's crisp widescreen cinematography boasts lots of cool mobile camera-work. Dave Grusin's funky-throbbing score hits the get-down groovy spot. A nifty flick.
Review of Fuzz
