Poster of Vice Squad

Vice Squad

Runtime: 1 Hours 35 Minutes

Audience Rating: 6.5/10

Critics Rating: 5.0/10

Genre: Crime and Drama

Rating: R

Release Date: 22 January 1982

OTT Release Date: 2019-08-13

Original Language: English

Production House: Hemdale Studios

Page Last Updated On: 27 July 2025

About:

Vice Squad (1982) is a tough cop movie about a brave police team fighting bad guys in a big city. They stop criminals who hurt people and break the rules. The movie is full of action, suspense, and a strong heroine named Princess who helps the cops catch the villains. It’s exciting but scary, so it’s best for older kids who like adventure stories! 🚔💥

Review:

Movie Review: Vice Squad (1982)

Vice Squad is a gritty and intense crime thriller from 1982 that takes you deep into the dark side of Los Angeles. The movie is about cops, criminals, and the dangerous world of street crime. It’s not a happy or lighthearted film—instead, it’s raw, fast-paced, and full of suspense.

What’s the Story About?

The movie follows a tough police detective named Walsh (played by Gary Swanson) who is trying to stop a violent criminal named Ramrod (played by Wings Hauser). Ramrod is a brutal pimp who hurts people without mercy. When one of his victims, a woman named Princess (Season Hubley), decides to help the police catch him, she becomes a target. The police set up a trap using Princess as bait, but things quickly spiral out of control.

The story happens mostly at night, showing the dirty streets of L.A. where criminals and cops play a deadly game. There are chases, fights, and tense moments that keep you on the edge of your seat.

What Makes This Movie Special?

Vice Squad is not like typical Hollywood movies. It doesn’t have big special effects or fancy costumes. Instead, it feels real and dirty, almost like a documentary. The director, Gary Sherman, wanted to show the ugly truth about crime, and he did it well. The movie moves fast, with no boring moments.

The best part of the film is Wings Hauser as Ramrod. He is terrifying—a villain you won’t forget. His wild eyes and crazy temper make him one of the scariest bad guys in 80s movies. Season Hubley also does a great job as Princess, making you feel her fear and bravery.

Is It Too Violent or Scary?

Yes, Vice Squad is violent. There are fights, shootings, and some very mean characters. It’s not a movie for kids or people who don’t like dark stories. But if you enjoy crime thrillers with real tension, this one is worth watching.

The Good and the Bad

The Good:

  • The acting is strong, especially Wings Hauser as the villain.
  • The movie is fast and exciting—no dull scenes.
  • It shows the dark side of the city in a way that feels real.

The Bad:

  • Some scenes are very brutal and might be too much for some viewers.
  • The story is simple—there’s not much deep thinking, just action.

Final Thoughts

Vice Squad is a tough, no-nonsense crime movie. It doesn’t try to be fancy or sweet—it just throws you into a world of danger and doesn’t let go. If you like old-school thrillers with strong villains and tense moments, you’ll enjoy this. But if you prefer happy endings and gentle stories, this isn’t the movie for you.

It’s a cult classic from the 80s that still feels powerful today. Just be ready for a wild, rough ride.