Is City in Fear Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1980)

📖 The Core Premise

City in Fear returns to the screen in 1980, bringing a fresh narrative to the Drama, Thriller, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A psycho-on-the-loose story, about a burned-out newspaper columnist and his circulation-hungry publisher who wants him to turn the killer into Page One news."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. David Janssen does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is City in Fear worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Thriller, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, City in Fear is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 136 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.