Good Idea, Poor Execution

badnewsbear12

Based on the post-apocalyptic novel "Damnation Alley" by Roger Zelazny, the film version shares almost nothing with the book other than the title.

In the film, a band of World War III survivors from the 123rd Strategic Missile Wing in the California desert set out across a devastated America in an armored, 12-wheeled "Landmaster" vehicle in search of a faint radio signal from Albany, New York.  Along the way, they encounter freak storms, ragged survivors, and yes, those infamous "killer cockroaches."

"Damnation Alley" definitely has its strong points, most notably the first 20 minutes, which features perhaps one of the most chilling depictions of the start of World War III , as the crew of the 123rd SMW  watches helplessly as the war begins and ends in a matter of minutes before their eyes.

On the down side, the film also has a wealth of weak points, most of which are after the survivors begin their  journey.  Inane dialog, bizzare laser effects, and plot inconsistencies abound, as do wooden performances by George Peppard and Jan-Michael Vincent.  Paul Winfield is the only standout in the film, and he is offed by the infamous "killer cockroaches" in a scene that leads to the best line of the film: "Tanner, this is Denton...  This whole town is infested with killer cockroaches!!!"

It seems as if many scenes in the film that would have helped it play better may have been left on the cutting room floor (and in fact, publicity stills from the film do show scenes not included in the final release), and the inclusion  of these scenes may have turned this mediocre film into something better.

Good idea, but poor execution.

score /10

badnewsbear12 7 September 1999

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0152580/