This movie is absolutely bonkers - in the best sense of the word. We get Tom Atkins playing the cynical, un-trusting detective, a post Evil Dead II Bruce Campbell giving his best "leading man" performance, classic late 80's gore effects and a strange, pulsing synthesizer soundtrack.
As much as I enjoyed Maniac Cop - and I did enjoy it - I certainly wouldn't defend this movie as being a great film or as some underrated art piece. While there is some great subtext about police brutality and the public's growing mistrust of authority figures, the movie isn't mature enough to really tackle these themes. Director William Lustig lacks the finesse and skill of George A. Romero - the undisputed master of political horror - which could have elevated this film to classic territory.
In the end, the movie is what it is. A fun, vibrant, and occasionally clunky 80's slasher... and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's certainly worth a watch for any horror fan. There's a lot of fun moments and creative sequences.
As much as I enjoyed Maniac Cop - and I did enjoy it - I certainly wouldn't defend this movie as being a great film or as some underrated art piece. While there is some great subtext about police brutality and the public's growing mistrust of authority figures, the movie isn't mature enough to really tackle these themes. Director William Lustig lacks the finesse and skill of George A. Romero - the undisputed master of political horror - which could have elevated this film to classic territory.
In the end, the movie is what it is. A fun, vibrant, and occasionally clunky 80's slasher... and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. It's certainly worth a watch for any horror fan. There's a lot of fun moments and creative sequences.