Maniac Cop. The plot. A maniac policeman is walking the streets of New York, killing at random. This excellent premise for a horror film is given good treatment by director William Lustig and scriptor Larry Cohen (who has been involved with many good horror films). *Spoilers* The opening of a policeman equiping himself for duty is a great opening and sets the tone nicely. The reasons for the maniac cops killings are explained, and Bruce Campbell and Tom Atkins turn in two very nice performances. The film begins with a woman being attacked by muggers and running for a policeman. Big mistake. She is killed and the muggers are arrested for her murder. They say it was a cop and Tom Atkins believes them. Unfortunately the Mayor thinks he is a bit crazy. Bruce Campbells a normal cop who has marrige trouble's (his wife thinks he is the maniac cop) and after his wifes murder he is set up as the culprit for all the murders the the police chief. I won't say any more about the plot except to say the ending is a bit of a dissapointment. The dialogue is good and often very funny (intentionally), and as usual Larry provides some social commentry through the use of social icons being twisted around. The music in this film is great and Jay Chattaway really has shown a good hand for being able to score horror movies. Overall I would say that Maniac Cop will give a horror fan their fill without being too spectacular and with an open mind the average movie goer may find it worth watching if they don't know what to watch. My score 7/10 Because I'm a big fan of horror.
Review of Maniac Cop
Maniac Cop
(1988)
Great premise and some very dark humour. WARNING *Spoilers* inside
2 January 2000
Warning: Spoilers