The Bruce Campbell Blogging Trifecta!

In keeping with the Urban Docent's recent posts relative to Mr. B-Movie himself, Bruce Campbell, I bring you this spoiler-free discussion of 1988's "Maniac Cop."

"Maniac Cop" is kind of a horror/crime murder romp with Campbell off to one side for most of the movie. He plays a key part in making the loose plot come to a close, but much of the film rolls without him.

Summary: Someone, dressed as a uniformed officer, is killing people left and right in late 80s New York City. A small group in the law enforcement community goes out of its way to stop the rampage. A few other twists and backstories are thrown in for good measure.

Overall, "Maniac Cop" is standard-issue movie cheese with goofy killing after goofy killing. But I will say there is evidence of some actual craftsmanship and value in the production; they really tried to make a movie that comes off without a weak moment. I applaud them for their efforts.

There are, however, some holes here and there that keep this from being a total classic. It is a great example of low-budget action films of the 80s, but I think the fan support for Campbell (who turns in a pretty good performance, by the way) is the only thing that has kept this one going for nearly two decades. Every so often, you'll catch this title playing on a weekend afternoon on your local UHF station . . . so enjoy it!

As a side note: "Maniac Cop" would be nothing if weren't for the performance of another b-movie legend: Robert Z'Dar. Z'Dar is the kind of actor with a very distinctive face that you'll remember without ever knowing the guy's real name.

MST3K fans will recall Z'Dar's "immortal" role as the wacky reaper in "Soultaker," which is another example of bad 80s film making leaching its way into the early 90s.

Just remember the lesson the following "Soultaker" clip taught us: The Grim Reaper may come for you while you're in the shower, but he'll likely enjoy the free show before cutting another notch in his scythe.