This movie is authentic. Shot on the real streets of NYC, back when the streets were mean and dirty and filled with assholes. Shot in the real attic of the Chrysler building! A New York teeming with crooks and bad cops and exasperated construction workers and lecherous window washers and the occasional Aztec priest and flying serpent god. As a person afraid of heights, the aerial photography is legit dizzying, and a great touch. This movie is the bridge between Jaws and Ghostbusters.
Also, the movie takes a break to let Michael Moriarty piss off a dog by playing jazz piano.