Streets

And that one reason is Applegate's lead performance, of all things. This film is mostly typical late 80's Cali-based dramatic thriller fare, with its requisite abusive cops, rundown underpasses and throwaway dialogue. Or is it? Christina Applegate sticks out like a sore thumb with her deeply poignant performance as the teenage hooker lead. She has at least one memorable monologue detailing how she grew up in motel bathrooms all over town while her hooker mom conducted biz with her clients next room. She and her character honestly belong in a better film. Unfortunately, that film never materialized.

I saw this movie in early 90s, and it stayed with me, the plight of street kids, their small pleasures, their drug addiction and especially the sad ending of this movie. It is cruel what life can do to abandoned children. A fine spirited person like Dawn (Applegate) deserves better, but doesn't get it. You'd watch this movie for Applegate - She radiates in this role. The movie could've been better shot and wish a better quality copy is available on DVD. What I could get to watch was ripped from a VCR. If you don't like sad endings - skip this movie - You'd be rattled at the sad reality of street kids and their exploitation. But, this movie deserves far higher than the 5.5 score it has in IMDb right now. I'd rate it at 8.

I'm not exactly sure how to rank or rate this film. On one hand, it gives a gritty account of life on the streets, with good performances, as it focuses primarily on the exploits of a teen prostitute (well played by Applegate), as she escapes from a killer and forges a relationship with straight kid Sy (Mendenhall). On the other hand, it also focuses too much on the psycho cop and features too many of his killings as he tries to make his way to Applegate and keep her from revealing his sick secret. He tries to get the other street kids to tell him where she is, and either kills them or maims them in some way if they don't. This aspect of the movie all but ruins it. A minimal amount on this aspect would have sufficed. If I had to rate this movie, I'd probably give it ** out of ****.

Finally I saw this movie and it is better than I imagined. Without spoiling anything be prepared for some violence and sad scenes. The cinematography is beautiful and fits the story. Don't miss on this film only because its a bit dated, its an "hidden gem" and could become some kind of early 90s cult classic if only more people would watch it. So if you ever have the opportunity, watch it. And I really hope this will be released sooner or later on DVD or Bluray (somebody make a petition). If you liked the movie please make your own review and rate ;-)

A police officer is loose on the streets killing runaway teenagers who were forced into prostitution in Venice, California. His main target is a would be victim (Applegate) who escaped. Compelling look at homeless teenagers manages to blend in a thrilling suspense story also. Applegate is very good in the lead role, the situations are done realisticly and the direction is terrific. Very well made thriller is highly underrated. Rated R; Extreme Violence, Lanuage, Brief Nudity, and a Sexual Situation involving teenagers.

Christina Applegate stars in her movie debut as a runaway teen who can't read. She learns about life on the streets of Venice Beach..not as bad as it sounds.. Applegate does well and the story isnt half bad..the requisite prostitute killing cop kinda pushes it though... on a scale of one to ten..a 6