My review was written in May 1991 after watching the movie on AIP video cassette.
Unusual casting perks up this perfunctoiry murder mystery. Released at regional theaters on May 24, "Raw Nerve" is primarily a video title.
Eyebrows may be raised at a pic co-starring Glenn Ford and Traci Lords, but pic proves to be a significant transitional film for the ex-porn queen. She handles dramatic scenes well in the firt feature not to treat her as a caricature.
She plays the 18-year-old sister of Ted Prior, a young man troubled by nightmarish visions that prove to be accurate accounts of serial murders. He goes to the police with this info but is brushed aside as akook by the captain, Ford, and detective on the case, Jan-Michael Vincent.
Vincent's ex-wife, Sandahl Bergman, is an aggressive reporter who listens to Prior and writes up his story. Of course Prior becomes the No. 1 suspect, but after a revelation of incest (a la "Chinatown") the killer is identified. A final twist comes as an anticlimax.
Acting is good, with actio vet Prior showcased opposite Lords in a complicated central role. Name talent in support delivers pro turns.
Director David A. Prior makes good use of Mobile, Alabama locations but the film is too talky to qualify as an action pic, his prior specialty. A final reel stunt is well-done, however.
