Fuzz

"Fuzz" is a 1972 crime-comedy film directed by Richard A. Colla and starring Burt Reynolds, Raquel Welch, and Jack Weston. Set in Boston, the movie tells the story of two police officers, Detective Steve Carella (Reynolds) and Detective Meyer Meyer (Weston), who are investigating a series of gruesome murders that are terrorizing the city.

The film opens with a group of elderly women being engaged in a heated discussion about the recent killings all around Boston. The murders are a threat, for which the Boston police are struggling to solve. The movie then shifts to the Boston police department, where we meet Detectives Carella and Meyer working the case. They have to deal with internal politics and pressure from the mayor's office as they pursue the killer.

As the detectives race against the clock to catch the murderer, they encounter a host of quirky characters, including a hippie, a transvestite, a voyeur, and a crooked cop. Raquel Welch stars as Det. Eileen McHenry, a rookie cop who joins the investigation and develops a romantic relationship with Detective Carella. The chemistry between Reynolds and Welch adds a layer of romantic comedy to the movie, which is very much appreciated.

What sets "Fuzz" apart from other crime thrillers of its time is its humor. The film is quite tongue-in-cheek and never takes itself too seriously. The screenplay was written by Evan Hunter, who had previously written "The Birds" and "Marnie" for Alfred Hitchcock. Hunter's witty script is the backbone of the movie.

The movie's action sequences are intense, and the violence is quite graphic. It's not a film for the faint of heart, but it's not gratuitous either. The gore is kept to a minimum, and the film is better for it. The murders are shown on screen, but the suspense is created through the detectives' investigation and the killer's typically unsettling motives.

One of the most exciting things about "Fuzz" is the performances. Burt Reynolds is at his peak here, showcasing his unique blend of charm and grit. His chemistry with Welch is undeniable, and it is one of the movie's strongest assets. Jack Weston is equally magnetic in his performance of Detective Meyer. Welch is perfectly cast as the tough yet vulnerable Det. McHenry. Other notable performances come from Tom Skerritt, Yul Brynner, and Stewart Moss.

Another highlight of "Fuzz" is its setting. The film was shot on location in Boston and takes advantage of the city's unique architecture and atmosphere. The director and cinematographer, Ralph Woolsey, transpose the audience directly into the movie, making them feel like they are in the middle of the chaos, never allowing them the chance to look away.

The movie's final act is the most gripping. The last twenty minutes of the film are intense and action-packed, and the ending is satisfying and earned. However, the movie does not wrap up all the storylines, which would have been more appropriate in a sequel movie.

In conclusion, "Fuzz" is a must-see for any fan of 1970s crime movies. The performances, location, and humor mesh beautifully to make a fun yet suspenseful film. It is a classic police procedural/murder mystery movie that is worth revisiting.