Deadbeat At Dawn

Deadbeat at Dawn (1988)

Runtime: 80 minutes

Directed by: Jim Van Bebber

Starring: Van Bebber was also the star. There is also the likes of Paul Harper, Ric Walker, Marc Pitman, and Megan Murphy

From: Asmodeaus Productions, Inc

This has been a cult classic for 30 years now, and deservedly so: 

Probably the most exciting picture to ever film in Dayton, Ohio.

Years ago I saw the final 10 or so minutes of the film on YouTube... that clip has long since been taken down. Someone recently mentioning the movie on a messageboard made me go look and see that currently this is only a 2 dollar rental on either YouTube or Google Play, so this is what I did. In context, that finale is even more gnarly, but more on that later.

This is from cult filmmaker Jim Van Bebber, back when he was in film school. This is still the most famous thing he's done, but that's life. This is film and set in Dayton, Ohio and has the simple story of a dirtbag named GOOSE who leads a gang known as The Ravens; after problems with rival thugs The Spiders, Goose's girlfriend (who isn't named Gander) wants him to give up that life. He finally agrees, but things go real bad; this is 80's sleaze so women aren't treated so well in general. He is all morose, then things change and revenge happens, in a spectacular fashion.

The movie is a student film, with all that entails. The acting is not always the best, for example. Yet everything is in earnest and everyone involve does appear to try their hardest. Overall it's pretty good for a student film. But wow is it ever sleazy; our “hero” Goose snorts up cocaine a few times and Van Bebber found what had to be the most wretched, scummiest locations in Dayton to film. It was like the worst areas of New York City back in the 80's. There are weird non-sequitors and wait until you see Goose's father.

Now having finally seen this in its entirety, the entire third act is pretty wild. Amateur ninja Goose uses ninja stars, nunchucks, and other weapons to maim and kill many sons of bitches. That is a blast to watch and Van Bebber wore many hats during production, including the gory special effects. Indeed, at times this gets very bloody and that is a big reason why Deadbeat at Dawn became a cult hit. What had to be another reason was that among all the downbeat and scummy moments, the gangs might as well be out of The Warriors; they aren't too terribly realistic. That said, this fact makes me laugh and laugh, along with how some of them are tremendously evil and most look as if they would be spotted in the crowd at a RATT or Quiet Riot concert back in '85. A movie like this isn't for all tastes, but if you dig the low-budget 80's action, this definitely should be in your figurative queue.