Watch Q: The Winged Serpent

In the heart of New York City, an ancient Aztec god swoops down from the skies and terrorizes the city's inhabitants in the 1982 horror film Q: The Winged Serpent. Directed by Larry Cohen and starring David Carradine, Michael Moriarty, and Candy Clark, Q: The Winged Serpent combines elements of horror, crime, and suspense into a thrilling story of terror and survival.

The movie begins with a series of gruesome murders throughout the city, leaving police baffled as to the cause. As the death toll rises, detective Shepard (David Carradine) and his partner Powell (Richard Roundtree) begin to investigate the possibility of a giant bird or reptile responsible for the attacks. Meanwhile, small-time criminal Jimmy Quinn (Michael Moriarty) falls out of favour with his boss and ends up hiding out in the top of the Chrysler Building, where he stumbles upon the lair of a giant serpent.

The serpent, worshipped by the Aztecs as the god Quetzalcoatl, has been awoken from its centuries-long slumber by the construction of the building. Its hunger for human sacrifice drives it to launch a series of attacks on the people of New York City, leaving behind a trail of decapitated bodies and ruined buildings.

As the body count rises, Quinn strikes a bargain with Shepard and Powell, offering to lead them to the creature's lair in exchange for immunity from prosecution. What follows is a heart-stopping showdown at the top of the Chrysler Building, as the police and the criminal work together to defeat the winged serpent.

Q: The Winged Serpent combines elements of horror, crime, and suspense to create a thrilling and unforgettable cinematic experience. The movie's special effects, although dated by today's standards, are still impressive in their own right, particularly the scenes of the giant serpent swooping through the skyscrapers of New York City.

The film also benefits from strong performances from its lead actors. David Carradine, best known for his role in the Kung Fu TV series, brings a sense of gravitas to his role as the no-nonsense detective Shepard, while Michael Moriarty delivers a convincing performance as the hapless criminal who gets caught up in the chaos.

In addition to its suspenseful plot and strong acting, Q: The Winged Serpent also explores themes of mythology and religion, as the creature's origins are linked to the Aztec civilization. This adds a layer of depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple creature feature.

Overall, Q: The Winged Serpent is a classic horror film that has stood the test of time. Its combination of suspense, action, and mythology make it a must-see for fans of the genre, while its compelling characters and impressive special effects ensure that it remains a classic of 80s cinema.

Q: The Winged Serpent is a 1982 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.