Movie Review: Maniac Cop (1988)
Synopsis: Matt Cordell was a decorated New York police officer who was sent to prison for police brutality. After being beaten and stabbed in a prison shower, Cordell is believed to be deceased. However, years later, he resurfaces and begins a killing spree while searching for those who framed him for his crime. While Det. Frank McCrae has figured out who the killer is, another police officer, Jack Forrest, has already been arrested and remains his superior's favorite suspect.
Who's in it? The movie stars Tom Atkins, Bruce Campbell, Laurene Landon, William Smith and Robert Z'Dar.
Review: Since my daughters had a sister date and saw A Minecraft Movie twice yesterday while I was at home taking care of my sick wife, I decided to find a film to watch too. I don't know what drew me to Maniac Cop when I came across it on Amazon Prime but decided to give it a try. It ended up being pretty much what I would expect from a 1980s B-movie.
The overall premise of the film wasn't terrible. Cordell (Z'Dar) was large, strong and apparently bulletproof (raising the question of if he came back from the dead or if there was some other reason why) and out for revenge. However, since he seemed to have no problem killing innocent people as well as those he was seeking to kill out of revenge, it was clear he was the bad guy.
I also liked how there was a little mystery surrounding how Cordell was getting inside information, who was supplying it to him and why. It both gave Cordell an edge, especially when he purposely framed Forrest (Campbell) for his crimes and meant the accomplice could possibly do some harm as well.
The movie's execution wasn't the worst I've seen but still could have used some work. For example, the part about citizens being so scared of police they were killing random officers was something I think was supposed to add some suspense but instead ended up being a bit comical.
The same was true with the acting. I absolutely love Bruce Campbell movies, but Forrest seemed kind of unemotional and maybe even a bit robotic throughout. I mean, I know he was having an affair, but his wife did get brutally murdered, and he barely acknowledged it. Then there was his partner/lover, Theresa Mallory (Landon), who had to be the worst police officer ever when it came to dead bodies, turning into a screaming mess whenever she saw one. It honestly made it hard to take her seriously, even when she did manage some badass moves while facing Cordell.
Final Opinion: It ended up being an entertaining movie, though maybe not for the reasons the writers intended. There are apparently two sequels to this film, but I am undecided about watching them.
My Grade: C
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Here are some reviews of other movies from 1988:
Movie Review: Night of the Demons (1988)
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