An absolute waste of money

A Disappointing Continuation

It's fun, it's light, [but] it has a hard time when its tries to get heavy.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

A tile like 'Maniac Cop' should be an indicator of low quality but this film even though low budget is surprisingly good. A disgruntled ex-cop thought deceased is killing people in New York but it is not as simple as that. Who he is and why he is killing are eventually explained which involves the justice system, the penal system and ideas of trust and betrayal. There is a lot in the film and it moves along briskly with good character scenes and exciting action scenes. The last stunt is amazing. When the city realises there is a killing cop the paranoia of the population is well portrayed.The cast acquit themselves excellently, particularly Tom Atkins as policeman Frank McCrae, William Smith as Captain Ripley and Sheree North as Sally Noland. Robert Z'Dar as the titular cop is frightening, even in silhouette standing still. Bruce Campbell plays an adulterous cop who is accused of the crimes. Apparently the actor disliked the film but what does he know? He is fine in it.It's not really a slasher film, it's not a monster film, it's not a police procedural film. The laudable direction by William Lustig and script by Larry Cohen makes it rather a good drama and more engrossing than many a bigger budgeted thriller. There were sequels but was definitely the best one.

"Maniac Cop" definitely has one of the coolest villain designs and backstories I've ever seen. By 1988 it was tough to find something that hadn't been done before in this genre, but this one is completely unique. It surpasses the genre, because we get characters we actually care about in situations that are actually unpredictable and suspenseful. Director William Lustig also does some amazing things with dark back alleys, the movie bathes in a chilling atmosphere. However, the last fifteen minutes of this movie are so dumb that they kinda pull you right out. None of the characters' actions make any sense anymore, everything happens simply because the movie is wrapping up. The big showdown between our hero and the killer is an incredible letdown, and the 'twist' at the end is as transparant as they come. It's almost like they were getting close to a deadline or something. Thankfully, all this comes after an infinitely rewatchable first hour or so.

Although Larry Cohen's script is a bit of a mess and fails to explain just how Z'Dar can do what he does despite being shot numerous times by multiple cops and receiving multiple stab wounds from a chiv in prison; Lustig's direction keeps the pace going and offers a stylistic touch that almost rescues the film from its bouts with plot incredulity. The casting is so good, too, that it serves as a bonus. That unnerving score (especially when Z'Dar is attacked in prison) further adds gravitas. Tom Atkins, as the chief detective trying to solve the Z'Dar murders, is recognized as the star (few gave him such a position), while Bruce Campbell as a cop framed for civilian executions is credited in right behind him. After two successful Evil Dead films, Campbell is behind the guy so rarely placed ahead of anybody (but couldn't deserve to more!)…kinda cool. Robert Z'Dar got a real plum part in this movie which he was always remembered for: the definitive hulking monster in a cop uniform who can snap your neck with ease, toss you around like a rag doll, and withstand rounds of ammunition (including shots and knife slashes to the face!). I think the key to whether or not this film is successful to the viewer is their acceptance that practically nothing can stop him. I just wonder how this film would have been received had the maniac cop purposed his mission specifically at corrupt cops and law enforcement who wronged him. Sheree North had a small but pivotal role as a crippled filing clerk who was romantic with Z'Dar and knows of his murderous activities. Laurene Landon is Campbell's narcotics officer lover on the side, knowing of his innocence because she was with him when Z'Dar murdered his estranged wife. Richard Roundtree as the commish and raspy-voiced William Smith as police captain round out an impressive cast…they believe wholeheartedly that Campbell was behind a massacre when all evidence leads to someone far more powerful than him behind them. I think that is just one of several reasons this film is far-fetched: how could Campbell seriously commit the crimes like those that happened in the police station (hanging officers, such an example) when it would take overwhelming force in order to do so? Atkins' fate remains a shocker and I personally found it hard to watch…he's just a beloved cult figure. Good action at the end has a fun chase as Z'Dar, commandeering a police van (with Campbell inside), flees the St Patty parade with Landon and the officer driving in hot pursuit. Sam Raimi as an uncharismatic reporter, was wise to stick with directing, although it was still a nifty cameo. Campbell as the cheating husband and hero by default was an interesting script decision, including his continued suspicion as the killer. The confession of the prison coroner that Z'Dar was salvaged from near death when all signs would indicate *no one* could survive that kind of blood loss (and just how Campbell and Landon could get into the prison to talk to him) further comments on how implausible Cohen's script is. Still, truth be told, I always find myself entertained by the film just the same…sometimes direction can overcome details that make little sense. Z'Dar is a really scary dude. I actually prefer the extended version with Ken Lerner as the corrupt Mayor and Leo Rossi as his complimentary assistant as their inclusion gives meat to the reasoning behind why Z'Dar was sent to prison and the motivating factor fueling his rage.

The story (written by Larry Cohen of "It's Alive" fame) is just about as straightforward as you can get: a guy's dressing up as a cop and going out and hacking the stuffing out of people, first at random, then with a clear vendetta in mind. Tom Atkins plays the tough as nails but honest as a boy-scout detective who decides he's got to unravel the whole thing, even if it means airing out some dirty laundry at the mayor's office. Along the way, Bruce Campbell turns up as the prime suspect, and he's determined to prove his innocence! The pace is great, especially at the beginning where some films will bog you down with trying to get to know their one dimensional characters as if that has any relevance in a film like this. Nope, Maniac Cop doesn't pretend its characters are people it gets right down to the nitty gritty of murdering victims. Murder, meet Tom Atkins and see that his boss doesn't like him much, murder, get to see a couple more scenes of Atkins, murder, hello this is Bruce Campbell he could be the killer but murder happens and it's not likely he did it. No stringing you along, no pretension that this is anything but a slasher film through and through. While we're on the topic of murder, the killings are all done well. There's not an especially high level of variety or creativity to them, but it's not a film that calls for that kind of thing anyway. There's stranglings, stabbings, hangings, quite down to earth, almost even realistic within the story. The level of gore is also just right.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.