The film isn't bad. The problem is you've seen it all before. "Vice Squad" (1982), "Angel" (1984), "Boulevard" (1994). Nothing new here. On top of being a rehash of every pimps and ho's movie out there, Dale Midkiff as the pimp comes across as a "lite" version of Wings Hauser's "Ramrod" in "Vice Squad". One big plus for "Streetwalkin" is Julie Newmar being cast as the street wise matron hooker. Other than that, the movie follows the standard script, new girl comes to town, meets mister charming, gets sucked into the "life', finds out the reality, reacts to the brutality. If you haven't seen "Vice Squad" then you might appreciate "Streetwalkin" a bit more, otherwise this is pretty tame stuff compared to "Wings" outrageous portrayal as the brutal pimp "Ramrod". - MERK

Teenager Cookie (an excellent and affecting performance by Melissa Leo) runs away from home to escape her abusive stepfather and goes to New York City with her younger brother Tim (a solid portrayal by Randall Batinkoff). Cookie falls under the spell of smooth, but sadistic pimp Duke (well played with frightening conviction by Dale Midkiff), who turns her out as a Times Square hooker. Director Joan Freeman, who also co-wrote the seamy, yet engrossing script with Robert Alden, maintains an appropriately hard and gritty tone throughout, offers a vivid evocation of the Big Apple's grimy red light district underbelly, delivers a handy helping of graphic nudity and perverse sexuality, and stages the tense and exciting climax with real flair and skill. The sound acting from the sturdy cast helps a lot: Antonio Fargas as suave master pimp Finesse, Julie Newmar as tough, sassy, and maternal veteran whore Queen Bee, Leon Robinson as slick rival pimp Jason, Khandi Alexander as the gutsy and enticing Star, Annie Golden as pathetic strung-out junkie Phoebe, and Julie Cohen as the perky Tricia. The startling moments of raw brutal violence pack a pretty mean punch. The funky soundtrack hits the get-down groovy spot (the theme song in particular totally smokes). Steben Fierberg's glittery cinematography gives the picture a sparkling neon glow. The pulsating score by Doug Timm and Matthew Ender throbs to a neat syncopated beat. Good trashy fun.

I recently had the pleasure of viewing this work of art and I was utterly spellbound. Every second of this film felt like a miracle on the screen of my television. By the time the credits rolled, I was breathless. A prime example of perfect casting, the characters went from working the streets of The Big Apple to finding a place in my heart. The plot is everything you could dream of. A high school dropout (Melissa Leo) ventures to New York City with her younger brother and becomes a prostitute. 'Nuff said, great movie. It really is a shame that this film will never be seen on DVD. I would enjoy hearing commentary tracks from director Joan Freeman and co-star Dale Midkiff( best known for his role in Pet Semetary). I put this gem on my personal top ten list; above Titanic and Wizard of Oz. If you are fortunate enough to find this movie in the $1 bin of your local video store, don't hesitate to buy it. This is the Gone With The Wind of 80s sleaze films. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll watch it again...

Before she was a member of Baltimore's Homicide division, Melissa Leo was Cookie a teenage runaway who ends up turning tricks in New York after meeting the personable Duke (Dale Midkiff, best known for his lead in "Pet Semetary"), who lays some good old pimpology on this naive innocent girl, much to the chagrin of Cookie's brother who also ran away from home with her. One day, Cookie wises up after her fellow hooker friend gets the stuffing beat out of her and tries to leave, but Duke is on her tail. This movie could have been something special due to the talent involved,but as it plays out, it turns out pretty lame. The story is nothing special and goes in circles for too long, Midkiff is far from a convincing heavy, and I started to get bored before it was over The film is only worth a curiosity view to see TV stars past and future (the aforementioned Leo topless, Khandi Alexander before"Newsradio", and Julie 'Catwoman' Newmmar in the Queen Bee part). That alone raises it up a grade for me.Eye Candy: Melissa Leo, Samantha Fox, and a few extras get toplessWhere I Saw It: Showtime Extreme My Grade: C