Forgotten Horror - Maniac Cop (1988)

A killer dressed in a police uniform begins murdering innocent people on the streets of New York City.

Maniac Cop is a 1988 American action-slasher film directed by William Lustig and written by Larry Cohen. It stars Tom Atkins, Bruce Campbell, Laurene Landon, Richard Roundtree, William Smith, Robert Z'Dar, and Sheree North. Z'Dar plays the title character.

Let me start out by saying that this movie is not going to win any huge awards or anything, however it wasn’t trying to! This movie is one of the true cult classic horror/action movies of the 80s and the fact that we still write/read content around it shows how much of a following and impact it still continues to have. The overall vibe of this movie would be impossible to replicate now, from the acting and story to the kills and score(which is amazing) Maniac Cop has it all!

Robert D’Zar really is Maniac Cop, just as Freddy is Robert Englund.. I can’t imagine any other person in this role. I am excited to see the new TV show and who will play the role. The seedy New York backdrop was a fantastic fitting with its scummy feel that fills every corner during the night scenes, but still enough daylight that it pulls you between the feelings of ease/unease. An unsettling sense is felt with rustling sounds that added even more to the tension and feeling of dread.

While many seem to praise both Bruce Campbell and Tom Atkins for making the movie what it is, I honestly feel that Robert D’Zar is the true star here. The kills are fun and really have that gritty and 80s feel from them. Lustig and Cohen were quite the team back in the day and continued to make some fantastic movies throughout the years.

Fans of horror should check this little gem out and if you enjoy it make sure to watch the sequel, especially number 2. Another forgotten horror classic here.

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