Red-Barracuda Motor Psycho is probably the closest Russ Meyer ever got to making a straight thriller. While earlier RM roughies like Lorna and Mudhoney featured disturbing rape scenes, Motor Psycho features two implied gang rapes. The second of which is a house invasion scene that wouldn't look out of place in a 70's exploitation movie. Censorship laws of the time meant that these scenes were never overly graphic; however, they are definitely pushing the boundaries for the time and are undoubtedly nasty. Similar to Lorna this film also has a distinct lack of humour, with the odd exception such as the moment where Haji sucks the poison out of Alex Rocco's leg in a clearly sexual way. But generally speaking the sexual side of proceedings are more alluded to and there's really next to no nudity on offer here, perhaps understandable given the often nihilistic tone.Motor Psycho is perhaps most notable in Russ Meyer's canon for two things. Firstly for introducing Haji, who as ever puts in another feisty performance as a Cajun woman married to a slob played by Coleman Francis (director of the anti-classic Beast of Yucca Flats). Secondly, the movie is a clear precursor to the superior Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, RM conceived that latter movie as a version of Motor Psycho but with three female criminals. Ironically, given Pussycat's status nowadays as RM's most famous film, Motor Psycho was much more successful commercially on release. But the test of time has been kinder to Pussycat. Although a good film, what holds Motor Psycho back is that, with the exception of Haji, the ladies do not have significant roles. RM needs his women to take centre stage, and this is as male-dominated as an RM production gets. Acting is generally good, with Stephen Oliver convincing as an unhinged Vietnam vet, Meyer himself appearing as a hilariously un-PC law enforcement officer, Alex Rocco is decent as the hero and Haji is ace (just love that accent). So, in summary, not a classic Meyer but without doubt a superior 60's exploitation effort.

axel_caro_g This is a lousy, B/W movie with actors and actresses that do not deserve to be called as such. Really a sub-product of something called "cinema". You do not know what to do: to cry or to laugh watching these characters posing in front of the camera in a plot that takes them to nowhere, and written to allow these three bad guys to go places killing people for no reason at all and raping women. Nobody has a convincing role in the film. There are evident mistakes in continuity, such as car tires that repair themselves, so to speak. To add more disappointment, it seems that the copy I bought had been edited. Do not waste your time and money watching it.

The_Void Motor Psycho is pretty much your typical Russ Meyer film, and features all of his trademarks. We've got busty women, unlikely characters and over the top violence; and it's all filmed in stylish black and white. The film is a lot like the slightly earlier masterpiece 'Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!' in style and execution, although Motor Psycho doesn't feel as extravagant as that film. The running time is only just over seventy minutes, so the film also feels a little underdeveloped. The plot is rather simple and focuses on a gang of motorcyclists who see fit to rape and torture various women. However, they bite off more than they can chew when they rape a veterinarian's wife, and he decides to pursue them, along with a woman whose husband was also killed by the gang. Naturally, this film is extremely entertaining, although it doesn't have a great deal of credibility. There are some really good scenes in the film, but unfortunately; there are also some 'not so good' ones, which bring the whole piece down. Still, this is a more than decent way to spend your time, and if you like Russ Meyer; I'm sure you won't have a problem with this.

Infofreak In some ways 'Motor Psycho' is almost like Russ Meyer's dummy run for his trash classic 'Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!', featuring three men on a rampage instead of three women, but this is a much darker and more serious movie than we generally expect from him. There is the wonderful Haji and a few buxom women on screen, but no outrageous sexual humour or camp touches. 'Motor Psycho' plays it fairly straight. The budget is non-existent, but the acting is pretty good, and despite Brahmin and pals not strictly being bikers you can see 'The Wild Angels' on the horizon, and maybe even 'The Last House On The Left'. Stephen Oliver plays disturbed Vietnam vet Brahmin who terrorizes several women in a desert community. Alex Rocco ('The Godfather', 'The Stunt Man') plays the local vet Cory Maddox, and after his wife Gail (Holle K. Winters) is raped and beaten by Brahmin and his sidekicks he vows revenge. While tracking the thugs down he meets Ruby Bonner (Haji) whose husband was recently murdered by them and they help each other when they get stranded in the desert. 'Motor Psycho' is a very gritty movie for the time, and surprisingly effective. A very good b-grade movie that deserves some more attention. Check it out.