A Major Disappointment

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Travis (Richard Hatch of Battlestar Galactica fame) returns to his parents' home after four years, little realizing that the neighborhood has gone to pot since. So after a few easily foreseen tragedies, Travis finally gets around to taking a stand against the Latino gangs.This truly is an awful movie. The setup takes nearly 45 minutes. That's a heck of a long time to stick with a movie this badly acted before the action starts. And when the 'retribution' DOES come, it's in lengthy 'montage' form (which granted is a tad humorous) Sadly, this film falls quite short of 'so bad it's good' cinema. I only recommend the episode of Red Letter Media's "Best Of The Worst" episode that this film is featured in, as they show the only conceivably worthwhile parts of the movie, thus saving you from all the tedium of watching it all for yourself.

While I did not pay for a movie ticket for this film I had felt like I had just wasted 8 dollars at the AMC Cinema. The movie "Ghettoblaster" was completely predictable and had stereotyped any type of "drug dealing gang banger" in its rightful terms. The plot I can't even describe to you in full because I don't even know how or where the story and the plot ever really takes place. The characters as much as you want to like them don't even become likable. They are just there. Bruce Willis could have starred as the lead hero character while Nicholas Cage or any or devious villain could have been the head of the drug lord boss in this movie and they still would not have been able to keep my attention. The long of the short of it, instead of even spending a dollar on this film go out and spend time with friends family and loved ones. This abomination of a film needs to be kept in a vault and not be seen by the likes of anyones eyes ever again. I am sure the director of this film did the best he could, and the actors and actresses put forth their best efforts but the entire script should have been looked over more carefully before even being put into production. My buddy bought 200 plus films for 50 dollars and this I can honestly say is one of the movies that came upon the arrival of his purchase. "Ghettoblaster" is toast in this man's mind.

Ghetto blaster is a pretty enjoyable movie , and Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica) is a decent action hero! This movie revolves around L.A. gangs, and the fear they are inflicting on a neighborhood in gang territory. Richard Hatch steps up to the plate, taking the law into his own hands. Other than him, none of the other actors in the film are recognizable. I enjoyed this movie very much for several reasons. First of all, I think Richard Hatch is a very good, if underrated, actor. It is enjoyable to see him kicking butt in this movie. I also like action movies involving gangs, because most of them do not disappoint action fans. The must that begins the movie sets the tone for the whole film, even if it is more on the low-budget side. Also , there are some pretty humourous moments to enjoy. One of them is the music they play about halfway through the film as the gang members are congretating. I also enjoyed the clown sequence with the motor cycle, definetly an original idea. You will need to watch this to understand what I am talking about because I don't want to give any spoilers. Certian elements in Ghetto Blaster may be dated now, as it was made in 1989, and the title itself is no exception. Richard Hatch is always worth watching, and always delivers a first-rate performance. If you like these unheard of action films, you may like this one. I have seen it several times, and still enjoy it. It does, however, contain some nudity and bad language, just as a warning. Then again, most gang movies do.

I bought the movie at a nearby Best Buy for the bargain price of $1 -- so I thought. After watching this extremely low budget, low talent movie, I wish that I could get my dollar back and spend those two hours walking the dog or cleaning my shoes. If you have absolutely nothing better to do and are in desperate need of something to do - read a book!