Manhunt: Search for the Night Stalker (1989)

Tense, taught and genuinely scary

I made sure my own windows were closed after I'd watched the first half hour, and the scariness just grew after that. A Martinez and Richard Jordan (brilliant as usual even if he doesn't play the psychopath for once) are the detectives after the Night Stalker, and gradually even they become frightened for themselves and their families. Skip the slasher and chainsaw murder movies - go for this one, where the detectives actually have characters and the whole thing builds and builds and scares the living daylights out of you all the way to the ending where EVERYBODY knows this killer and he can't run anymore. October 11, 2008

Close to the real facts

This version of the Night Stalker remains close and true to actual facts during the police investigation and capture of Richard Ramirez (aka the Night Stalker). This movie was originally made for TV so some of the violence and language are watered down, but still worth watching. If you want some more insight then you should check out the book about Richard Ramirez by Philip Carlo. There are no extras on this DVD such as commentary or interviews with the real police or Night Stalker but again still worth the watch. It is reported that Ramirez himself watched this movie from prison and was impressed with it. July 11, 2007

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