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Death Valley, released in 1982, is a horror-comedy film directed by Dick Richards. The movie follows a police officer named Hal (played by Paul Le Mat) and his partner (played by Edward Herrmann) as they investigate a series of bizarre and gruesome murders in the titular Death Valley in California. The movie begins with the discovery of a dismembered body in the desert by a troupe of showgirls traveling to Las Vegas. Soon after, a family on vacation is attacked and killed by a unseen creature. The local police enlist the help of Hal, a jaded and cynical officer with a reputation for being an oddball. He is paired with a rookie officer named Bunky (played by Dana Kimmell), who is eager to prove herself on the force.

As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that the culprits are a group of psychotic bikers led by Eddie (played by Stephen McHattie) who are on a killing spree. However, the nature of the murders is not what it seems - the bikers are actually being controlled by a supernatural force lurking in the desert.

Along the way, Hal and Bunky cross paths with a married couple (played by Catherine Hicks and Wilford Brimley) who are camping in Death Valley. They offer some comic relief and serve as a foil to Hal's cynical outlook on life.

As more bodies pile up, the tension in the film ramps up with thrilling chases, gruesome deaths, and a final confrontation between Hal and the supernatural force controlling the bikers.

Death Valley could be classified as a horror-comedy because of its blend of horror elements with comic relief. There are scenes of gruesome violence and gore, but also moments of satirical humor, particularly regarding Hal's sardonic personality.

The film's performances are solid across the board. Paul Le Mat delivers a nuanced performance as the wry, world-weary cop determined to solve the case. Stephen McHattie is convincingly menacing as the charismatic leader of the biker gang. Catherine Hicks and Wilford Brimley provide comic relief and a more optimistic outlook on life compared to the bleak perspective of Hal.

In addition to the performances, the film's visuals are noteworthy. The barren, desolate landscapes of Death Valley serve as a stark backdrop for the horrors that unfold. The cinematography enhances the sense of isolation and desolation, which add to the eerie atmosphere.

The soundtrack of the movie is also worth mentioning. Composer Dana Kaproff creates a foreboding and suspenseful score that heightens the tension in the film.

Overall, Death Valley is an entertaining horror-comedy film that delivers on both scares and laughs. It benefits from strong performances and excellent visuals that add to the eerie atmosphere of the story. Fans of horror movies with a touch of humor will find a lot to enjoy in this 80s cult classic.

Death Valley is a 1981 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.