Amanda by Night 2 Review

Initial Thoughts
Jack Remy is probably the greatest cinematographer ever to shoot an X rated film, but let's see how he stacks up as a director?

The Film
In 1981, Gary Graver directed Amanda By Night, which still ranks (along side Anthony Spinelli's great It's Called Murder Baby) as one of the finest hardcore noirs ever made. In 1987, hardcore's greatest cinematographer decided to helm the sequel to Graver's unsurpassed masterpiece.
Once again, we have Amanda (Veronica Hart), now reformed hooker with a heart of gold managing a counseling service for call-girls. Robert Bullock, taking on a role similar to that of Richard Bolla in Graver's film, is a well intentioned homicide detective investigating the murder of prostitute, Bridgette.
Detective Alex goes to visit Melissa (Krista Lane), Bridgette's former roommate, who seems to not care about the fate of her former friend. Eventually convincing her to help on the case, Mellisa gives in but her plans to aid are soon comprised by by the prospects of working for a new and much higher class pimp (Hershel Savage).
Amanda By Night 2 is less a sequel to Graver's film than a hooker drama saddled with one continuous character, Amanda (who is on screen for less than 10 minutes total), and is much more a soap opera/drama than mystery thriller. Although the film does repeat certain narrative elements from its precursor, namely the hooker and cop relationship going from initially sour to sweet and romantic, the film is much more in keeping with hooker dramas like Angel and Streetwalkin', both made a few years earlier.
So, divorcing this film from Graver's classic, Amanda By Night 2 is one of the better late 80s hooker drama, and that's really saying something considering how many were made. The film is reasonably well written, despite the occasional unintentional zinger, and surprisingly well acted considering the fact that most of the cast were only in lousy video productions and not known for their acting skills.
Krista Lane is very effective in the lead as a woman having to decide whether she wants to literally risk her career in order to bring a killer to justice. Veronica Hart, despite her small role, has some of the finest dialogue in the film and is easily the best actress. Eric Edwards and Hershel Savage are both fine in their supporting roles.
It should be noted that unlike Graver's film which sported a budget of well over $100,000, this film was shot for much, much less and it shows. Nevertheless, director Jack Remy does an admiral job with his minimal sets and clearly rushed production schedule and has indeed crafted a very fine drama with thriller elements. So, although this film is certainly no masterpiece and Remy's strength clearly remains in his camerawork, Amanda By Night 2 is a very worthy work from the tail end of that magical time of 35mm hardcore.

A/V Quality
Shot on 35mm by a great cinematographer like Remy, one would expect the film to just look brilliant. Sadly Caballero's washed out video master renders the color less than satisfactory. The film is also far too zoomed and the composition is just off. There are a number of dropouts and the presentation is just bad. The sound is OK but this film is in need of much better treatment.

Extras
None. No surprise.

Cuts Warning
Since I've never seen this film in any other format but DVD I have nothing to compare it to. However, it seems complete and runs 91 minutes, as IAFD lists as the ORT.

Who Should See It?
Although it's no classic, the film is certainly a worthy work which ought to be seen by fans of any of the cast.

Who Should Skip It?
If you have a choice between watching this and Graver's film, chose the latter. Otherwise, this is a very decent late 80s effort which should be pleasing to most anyone.

Final Thoughts
While Jack Remy isn't nearly as fine of a director as he is cinematographer, Amanda by Night 2 proves to be a much better than average late 80s X rated film. Well written and shot, this is a worthy film which, as things like this go, has received a much worse than it should have treatment on DVD.