The Zoo Gang (1985)

In the heart of an unassuming town, a ramshackle nightclub named The Zoo languishes, its deafening silence broken only by the inebriated grumblings of its owner, Leatherface (Vereen). That is until a group of spirited youngsters, led by the determined Kate and her brother Ricky, along with their vivacious friends Bobbie, Danny, and Val, decide to breathe life back into the derelict establishment. Their ambition turns The Zoo into an enchanting refuge and a resounding hit overnight, a haven for fun-starved youth. But tranquility is short-lived as the brutish Donnelly Clan, led by the vindictive Little Joe and his muscle-bound, dim-witted twin brothers, catch wind of this thriving hotspot. Trouble and the Donnellys are synonymous, and the moment they enter The Zoo, a battle is ignited, threatening to consume the club that our protagonists have worked so hard to resurrect. Meanwhile, a newcomer to the town, Hardin, steps into the fray, defending Kate from the Donnellys' wrath. This act of defiance incites a bitter feud that escalates into a full-blown war, forcing Little Joe to summon their eldest brother, Goose, a bear of a man with a volatile temper. The Zoo Gang, as Kate and her friends are now known, are pushed to their limits, battling not just for their beloved club, but their camaraderie and shared dreams. In a desperate bid to regain control, the gang persuades Leatherface to step out of his drunken stupor and into the role of their bouncer. Leatherface, a former wrestling champion, must now find the strength to ward off the savage onslaught of the Donnelly siblings. The fate of The Zoo hangs in the balance, ensnared in a gripping struggle between youthful resilience and unchecked brutality. Will the Zoo Gang manage to protect their sanctuary, or will it fall into the greedy hands of the menacing Donnelly Clan?

The Zoo Gang is a drama movie featuring Eric Gurry and directed by John Watson.

The Zoo Gang is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV.