Black Moon Rising (1986)

**Score: 7/10 — A Cheesy, Entertaining B-Movie Elevated by a Killer Score**

You can feel the John Carpenter influence in this one, which makes it a damn pity he didn't direct it. It would have been a much slicker movie. The story is simple, the production is nothing fancy, and the dialogue is hella cheesy. The acting is surprisingly bad in places, though it's hard to blame the cast when there's only so much you can do with material this pulpy. But for all its flaws, *Black Moon Rising* is a thoroughly entertaining 1h 40m.

**The Carpenter DNA**

The film's story was written by John Carpenter, one of three credited screenwriters. While he didn't direct, that job went to Harley Cokeliss, you can feel his fingerprints throughout. The anti-hero protagonist, the cool, unflappable thief Quint (Tommy Lee Jones), feels like a prototype Carpenter hero. The sly, witty dialogue bears his signature cheeky humour, and the dystopian edge to the corporate corruption plot echoes *Escape from New York*.

But what it needed was Carpenter's directorial style. Without his signature visual flair and tension building, it remains a fun but somewhat flat B-movie.

**The Good, The Bad, and The Cheesy**

Tommy Lee Jones is in full "cool, calm, and collected" mode, a role he could play in his sleep—and he's genuinely charming as Quint, dropping one liners and playing the anti hero with a laid back charisma. Linda Hamilton, fresh off *The Terminator*, is an appealing co lead, though her character is underwritten. The supporting cast is an eclectic mix of familiar faces: Robert Vaughn as the slimy villain, Bubba Smith as the federal agent, and Lee Ving as Jones's relentless nemesis.

The plot? It's exactly as ridiculous as it sounds. A thief hides evidence in an experimental supercar, which is then stolen by a car theft ring. What follows is a series of predictable but enjoyable chases and heists. And yes, the body doubles in the stunts are obvious, but it's part of the 80s B-movie charm, along with the cheesy dialogue and slightly wooden performances.

**The Saving Grace: Lalo Schifrin's Score**

This is where the film earns its extra points. The music score by Lalo Schifrin is fantastic. A "psycho-electric" score that elevates the entire affair. It has a cool noir feel, with an "awesome 80's sax" that gives the film a personality it otherwise lacks. The score adds tension, energy, and a sense of style that the rest of the production often misses. It's genuinely memorable and gives the film an extra dimension.

**The Verdict**

*Black Moon Rising* is a fun, forgettable, and thoroughly enjoyable 80s action romp. It's not trying to be anything more than it is: a B-movie with a great cast, a Carpenter-penned script, and a phenomenal score. The dialogue is cheesy, the performances are campy, and the stunts are obvious, but it moves fast, doesn't take itself seriously, and delivers exactly what it promises. And Lalo Schifrin's music ties it all together.

**Watch if:** You're a fan of 80s action, Carpenter's writing, or Lalo Schifrin's scores, or you just want an undemanding, entertaining romp.

**Skip if:** You require slick direction, believable performances, or a plot that holds up to scrutiny. This is a film best enjoyed with low expectations and a willingness to embrace the cheese.