Rampage (1987)

PLOT: This bloody thriller is based on the real-life story of Richard Chase, the notorious "Vampire of Sacramento." William Friedkin's film soft-pedals Chase's gruesome crimes, although the gore content may still be a bit hard to take for most viewers. Alex McArthur gives a noteworthy performance as the killer, and his scenes are far more memorable than the film's somewhat pedantic examination of the insanity defense. Overall, Rampage is more likely to appeal to fans of psychothrillers and horror movies than courtroom devotees because McArthur's chilling lead turn is the reason to see the picture.