"Murder Rock" is another New York-set thriller made by Lucio Fulci just two years after his infamous "New York Ripper"; unlike its predecessor, this one is largely forgotten today, probably because it lacks Fulci's trademark gore (the killing method used here is gruesome but not particularly graphic). And yet, from a mystery perspective, "Murder Rock" is easily the superior film (though the motives behind the murders are strikingly similar - the films were written by more or less the same team, after all); there are lots of suspects, some audacious red herrings (including at least two false "unmaskings"), and although the killer's identity is reasonably well-hidden, there are enough clues for it to make sense when the truth is revealed. With two solid lead performances from the striking Olga Karlatos and Cosimo Cinieri (as the inspector on the case), an appealing - if mostly inexperienced - supporting cast (with the exception of the guy who plays Willy - he's pretty awful), a "Flashdance"-inspired solo dance number that actually surpasses its inspiration in hotness, and some catchy 80's tunes from Keith Emerson, "Murder Rock" emerges as one of Fulci's most under-appreciated efforts. **1/2 out of 4.
Review of Murder-Rock: Dancing Death
