Emergency Squad (1974)

- Squadra volante
I've come to expect more from a cop movie with Tomas Milian, 23 November 2005

When a band of crooks kills a police officer during a daylight robbery, Inspector Tomas Ravelli of Interpol quickly discovers that the gun used by the robbers matches the gun used to kill his wife some years previous. Whether the Italian police want his assistance or not, Ravelli makes it his mission to track down the killers and avenge his wife's death.

It may not be fair, but I can't help but compare all of the Italian cop movies I see with Almost Human (my favorite of those I've seen). And Emergency Squad does not compare favorably. Almost Human was a thrill-a-minute ride with some surprising scenes of brutality. Emergency Squad, on the other hand, is almost a by-the-numbers cop movie that's very nearly bland.

I suppose that my greatest disappointment comes from the fact that I've come to expect more from a cop movie with Tomas Milian as the star. Generally, I really enjoy Milian's work. It doesn't matter if he's playing the cop or the crook, he usually a very entertaining actor with something different to offer in each role. His character in Emergency Squad is the exception. I'm convinced that almost anyone could have played this part as effectively as Milian. He chomps on a cigar, has a perpetual scowl on his face, and doesn't talk much. He's just not a very interesting character.

I realize that most of what I've written would seem to suggest I didn't enjoy the movie. That's not true - Emergency Squad is a well-made, fairly entertaining movie. While it may not be a new all-time favorite, it's definitely worth a look. But, if you're looking for one of the best examples of an Italian cop movie, look elsewhere.

NoShame has once again delivered a quality DVD for the Region 1 market (I'm starting to sound like a commercial for NoShame). Image and sound are great considering the type of movie we're dealing with here.

5/10