Maniac
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Movie Reviews of Maniac
Movie Review: He's a nut worth seeing
Summary: 4 Stars
I first want to say that Blue Underground did a very good job encoding this film. The bitrate looked high and the colors were rich, as far as I could tell.
As for the movie, I have to say Joe Spinell did a fantastic job as the serial killer. His pockmarked face and crazy eyes really gave his character that extra creepiness which made the movie a good watch. It's amusing to see how Spinell's character can smoothly transition from a psycho-killer to an effeminate hairdresser who gives advice on how to wash blood out of hair. And he gives this advice to one of the few mannequins he has in his tiny apartment.
Added bonus is Tom Savini's appearance as some regular joe who picks up a girl at a club. However, that's not the interesting part: his exit is interesting or shall I say spectacular! I didn't expect it and nicely executed, too.
See this movie if you like to chuckle at serial killers who have weird mannerisms. In other words, if you have an eye for detail and like to focus on those small things which most people overlook. It will help you enjoy this film that much more.
As a warning, this film will only appeal to a certain type of horror fan or viewer. It's not for everyone but I think it's worth viewing even one time.
Movie Review: Worth watching, but no misunderstood masterpiece....
Summary: 3 Stars
I remember when this film came out, and Gene Siskel walked out of the film when Tom Savini's character's head blew up from a shotgun. I thought that was good for Gene, but then decided to rent the film anyway. While it isn't a masterpiece, Maniac has some genuine creepy moments and is worth watching.
The film has a really seedy vibe to it due to being shot in NYC in 1980, years before it was "cleaned up" by Giuliani. There's an air of desperation in the film, a whispering brutality. However, while it has great special effects that still hold up today, it's still not as artistic or as great as it could have been. Joe Spinnell (who stars and co-produced) stars as the deeply disturbed title character, a man who was abused as a child and now is reeking havoc on NYC streets and collecting his victims back in his apartment. There's some great atmosphere, and a great chase in a subway bathroom, but overall the film just feels incomplete. It teeters on the edge, but doesn't become an underrated, misunderstood masterpiece. The film should be viewed more as an 80's time capsule than a great piece of cinema. Many think this film is a masterpiece, and while it's better than most slasher films from the 1980's (most of which were terrible), it's not a work of genius or art. But it should be viewed at least once, though....
Movie Review: Alot deeper than the average slasher.
Summary: 5 Stars
Joe Spinell plays Frank Zito. A very disturbed man with murder on his mind. He spends his day dealing with his demons. Then later takes strolls that end with the very brutal demise of single women and couples.
Maniac to me sets itself apart from the average slasher. There's alot more to this film than the killer who murders for the sake of it. I feel Maniac makes a successful attempt to uncover the motives of a serial killer. Spinell's performance isn't groundbreaking by any stretch. But what little he does accomplish paints a very disturbing and terrifying picture. Like it or not, there are people who fit this description among us. And this for me is Maniac's biggest strength, making it a very effective horror movie.
Maniac is weak on plot. But this is one of those rare cases where it doesn't hurt the film to me at all. We're dealing with a deranged individual. His random acts of violence fits perfectly with the very name of the film. The atmosphere at times creates a very chilling mood. The stalking scene especially, concerning the location. Stands out the most for me.
Most of the death scenes are pretty brutal and the gore is well done. One scene in particular instantly became one of my top favorite death scenes in a horror film ever.
I feel all fans of horror should give this movie a shot. Is it brutal and disturbing? Of course it is, it wouldn't be a real horror movie if it wasn't. Now, I'm not saying this is exactly what makes a horror movie good. But given the nature of the movie. It could've never worked out if it hadn't went too far a little bit. If you have a weak stomach for violence against women. Then I recommend skipping this or reading the low rated reviews before bothering with this.
Movie Review: Mixed up and confused
Summary: 1 Stars
I'll preface by stating that I am generally a huge fan of schlocky B horror films.
This movie has some decent gore and sick murders, but the premise is muddled and follows no logical order. The reason we are given for the Maniac's craze seems tacked on. There is no evidence to support it throughout the entire film. If there was more exposition it might have come out better but all we get is a poorly acted nutcase going around killing people with a quick "this is why" at the end.
The acting is mediocre, the story is lacking, the writing sucks. The worst part is watching with the director's commentary. He seems to think he was creating a gift to the genre and the entire film industry. He is dead wrong. Usually when I find a DVD in the $5 bin I can forgive it no matter how bad it is. The director's pompousness put the icing on the cake, I would not recommend this film to anyone.
Movie Review: Maniac
Summary: 5 Stars
I am the niece of the late Joe Spinell and I played "Denise" in the film. After 28 years, this movie is still ahead of its time. My uncle wanted to create something that would become a cult classic-which is exactly what this film is. Gory, disgusting, disturbing, slimy, chilling...nothing like my beloved uncle. So proud this movie is still appreciated. I recently went to a showing of "Maniac" and over 50 people came out to see it!!! It amazed me that there is still nothing like it being made.