Beyond the Poseidon Adventure (1979)

An extension of the previous film, wherein a cache of adventurers return to the overturned ship to seek several fortunes.

From memory: The original was no masterpiece, but Irwin once again manages to take it step lower in another cheapskate production; it's amazing how you can gather such an ensemble of stars and completely ignore their talents.

Halliwell (no star): "Dreary alternative ending to The Poseidon Adventure, with cardboard character studies, cut-price action, and tenth-rate technicalities."

Maltin*1/2: "Following THE SWARM, Caine teamed up with Irwin Allen for another career killer - a needless sequel..."

Hardcore (1979)

A conservative Midwest businessman ventures into the sordid underworld of pornography in California to look for his runaway teenage daughter who is making porno films in California's porno pits.

From memory: Intense and at times depressing drama about bigotry confronted with the harsh realms of reality is fascinating; the "happy" ending is deliberately ambiguous.

Halliwell***: "Intense and solemn treatment of a situation that could have gone over the top, and very nearly does; the acting saves it."

Maltin**1/2: "...at times fascinating, sad, and repellent. Marred by unbelievable conclusion."

The Brink's Job (1978)

Crime story based on the real armed robbery of the Brink's Building in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17th, 1950.

From memory: Professionally made, star-cast heist movie is offered with humor, but not much excitement.

Halliwell (no star): "Farcical variation of a much-told true tale. Despite much mugging by the stars and a frantic narrative style, it does not come off."

Maltin***: "Entertaining, comically oriented account...Excellent period and location flavor."

Outland (1981)

A federal marshal stationed at a mining colony on the Jupiter moon of Io, uncovers a drug-smuggling conspiracy.

From memory: Above-average science faction action drama has great production design and some suspense, but it's nothing more than a Western set in space.

Halliwell (no star): "Ludicrous, over-plotted outer-space version of High Noon, in such thick colour that the action is hard to follow."

Maltin**1/2: "Slickly made, but predictable and unpleasant in tone."