Phil's Horror Watch, Day 30: Phil watches MANIAC COP (1988)-October 30, 2011

Hello everybody!! Welcome to Day 30 of Phil's Horror Watch!! We are getting down to the wire, so let's jump right in to tonight's film. Another great horror cult classic from the 1980's, MANIAC COP is a no-hold barred, slice and dice, action packed, slasher film that will grab you from the first frames and it doesn't let go til the final credit rolls!

Theatrical Movie Poster (1988)

When series of brutal deaths involving innocent people plague the streets of New York, the prime suspect is rogue cop gone berserk. While City Hall covers up the murders, Detective Frank McCrae (Tom Atkins) heads up the investigation. Soon a young police officer named Jack Forrest (Bruce Campbell) is mistakenly arrested for the crimes. After escaping from his holding cell, McCae, Forrest, and his girlfriend, officer Theresa Mallory (Laurene Landon), to stop the maniac cop (Robert Z'Dar) from killing them all.

The film was directed by legendary B-Movie William Lustig, who also directed such cult classics as MANIAC, VIGILANTE, and the two MANIAC COP sequels. The screenwriter, who was another B-Movie legend, was none other than Larry Cohen, the director responsible for such legendary exploitation films such as BONE, BLACK CAESAR, GOD TOLD ME TO, Q: THE WINGED SERPENT, ORIGINAL GANGSTERS, and the IT'S ALIVE trilogy. Actor Tom Atkins has played in several cult/horror/action films, such as THE FOG, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, HALLOWEEN III: SEASON OF THE WITCH, LETHAL WEAPON, and NIGHT OF THE CREEPS. With Bruce Campbell from the EVIL DEAD trilogy and Robert Z'Dar from SOULTAKER (which became more well known after appearing in an episode of MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000), RETURN TO FROGTOWN, TANGO & CASH, and the two MANIAC COP sequels, the film seemed destined to be a smash hit, but it was panned by the critics. However, it soon became a cult classic on home video. The film was originally released to theaters on May 13, 1988.

MANIAC COP is a slick, entertaining, action packed, exploitation, horror flick with an awesome cast and some excellent gory kills! The film is perfect for your next midnight movie party at your place. But be careful when going out to get it, because there may be a maniac cop out there, and he's waiting for you!

MANIAC COP is currently on DVD and was just recently released on a special Blu-Ray from Synapse Films. To purchase a copy, visit your local retailer or visit Synapse Films' website at http://synapse-films.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!