CITY IN PANIC

In its own low-down, exploitative way, "City in Panic" keeps your attention. An obviously low-budget slasher which distinguishes itself from the dime-a-dozen crowd by frankly introducing themes of AIDS and homosexuality into the story (you don't see that today, let alone in the 1980's). The murder scenes are very gory and well-done. The plot is fairly simple: a radio talk-show host becomes the pillar of sanity in a city where a serial killer is at work, and he is the one who will ultimately unmask the murderer. The director's muddled message is frustrating, though--even though the last scene makes a case for tolerance and responsibility, is that supposed to justify all the gay-bashing and AIDS paranoia that's gone on before (not to mention a very ghastly castration)? "City in Panic" isn't high moral theater, nor is it an insightful look at AIDS or homosexuality, but as a slasher film, it keeps moving along and is never dull.