“An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.” Isaiah 61:1-4. Of course, you’d rather be on the side with the most firepower no matter the level of your cult leader’s self-righteousness. God is no good to those without loaded guns, you could argue this exploitation film is trying to express. Or, god is a gun and if you disavow your faith you’ll feel it’s wrath. The killers in Assault on Precinct 13 believe in what they’re doing and that’s scary enough when all they do is kill those who aren’t a part of the Street Thunder posse. Perhaps the police force felt that street justice was the only way to eliminate the gangs but forgot the fates befallen upon those who live by the sword. John Carpenter’s second film and first solo directorial effort, AOP13 is an exploitation film, a neo-western and a crime thriller all in one. It is a low-budget film with ferocity and testicles that sold tickets well in the 1970s.

During the witching hour on a Saturday morning, six Street Thunder members are executed by the police. The gang leaders swear to get revenge now that they’ve just acquired an arsenal of weapons and a ton of silencers. Between the gang’s downtime they decide to terrorize a ding-ding man and his patrons. “Hey! I wanted vanilla twist.” Says a little girl, sad she got Jack Johnsoned with a wrong cone and is suddenly bloody Sundayed straight through the heart. The father hunts down his daughter’s killers and they all arrive at the 13th precinct. Child murder is where the film cements itself in the exploitation category guaranteeing the film an x rating but it didn’t happen. George Romero explained he was hooked by thatpoint. A fateful diversion sends a bus of convicts on a prison transfer to the precinct  as well.

Due to budget constraints which resulted in shooting limitations you get some 70s hipsterish attitude that dates it a piece but those other production limitations give it an extra jagged edge of realism. John Carpenter’s shocker was an appetizer of his skills he’d perfect in the years to come.

“Black?” – Leigh
“For over 30 years.” – Bishop

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