Here I was, all set to do my normal Weekend Preview post while smoking a pipe in my dinner jacket, when I realized that this week’s offerings included a Justin Bieber biopic and that Adam Sandler movie. (But also Cedar Rapids, which is great, if you live in one of these cities). If you’re not a true Belieber and/or Brooklyn Decker in a bikini isn’t enough to make you overlook Jennifer Aniston as a love interest, as an alternative, you can watch a documentary about badass street gangs from the 70s for free right here.
From Vice:
Gangs these days are f*cking boring. There’s no showmanship or flair involved any more. New York City gangs in the 70s and 80s had style by the assload. Each gang had their own theme, be it wearing SS helmets with ripped-up leather jackets or carrying a gigantic sword while sporting a beret, things were undoubtedly more badass back then.
80 Blocks From Tiffany’s was made in 1979 by Gary Weis, who used to make shorts for Saturday Night Live back in the good old days. If you’re at all interested in gang culture, you’ve probably already seen it, or at least heard of it. It was originally released in 1985 but was, for most of its existence, really, really hard to find.
WELL NOT ANYMORE! NOW YOU CAN WATCH IT FOR FREE ON THIS VERY INTERNET WEBSITE! It’s basically the real-life, less cute version of The Warriors. But with similar, stylized, sleeveless denim vests. So, still kind of cute. Check it out below.
[it’s also out on DVD. Thanks to Vice for finding this.]