Maniac [1980]
Hipster for a Day (Eric Isaacs)
Not too long ago Chris approached me about being a Hipster For A Day and I said “Absolutely, but I’m not wearing any skinny jeans!! Or a scarf!!” He said that was a deal breaker – but since we never see each other in person he shouldn’t have any idea of what I’m wearing today. Or any day for that matter! Anyway – I thought I’d spice up filmhipster with a little saucy 80s horror – in his format. Enjoy!!
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The film originally had a title song of the same name, but in the end was not used. The lyrics were toned down and the song, ‘Maniac’ was used in Flashdance.
Film #065 of 2013
Director: William Lustig Cast: Joe Spinell [The Maniac], Caroline Munro [Anna] & Abigail Clayton [Rita]
Plot: A psychotic man, troubled by his childhood abuse, loose in NYC, kills young women and takes their scalps as trophies. Will he find the perfect woman in photographer Anna, and end his killing spree? Source IMDB.com
Hipster Eric’s Review: Maniac, directed by William Spinell was definitely bloody and gory as allgitout, but after hearing and reading about this for 30 years I was left disappointed due to the lack of any “fun”.
“I told you not to go out tonight didn’t I? Every time you go out this kind of thing happens.” the Maniac
Highlights:
- This was one gory MOFO
- Tom Savini’s exploding head
- That public bathroom scene was almost scary
- The chick taking a bath
- The wicked ass hairdo gracing one of the cop’s head at the end
Biggest Surprise: The penultimate scene where he is confronted by his victims was actually pretty awesome.
Biggest Let Down: I have NEVER EVER seen a porn but I have NEVER EVER understood how Ron Jeremy ever got work *whistles* – superficiality aside, the lead in this looks like an even uglier Ron Jeremy.
Does the Maniac find his dream girl in the end? In a way, yes – he loses his head over her!
Worth a Blu-ray purchase? Probably not unless you saw this when you were younger and have fond memories about it.
Similar to: Every slasher movie ever made since 1980.
What Tweeters are saying:
Watchin' the horror movie classic 'Maniac' from 1980. Now, if mannequins coming to life doesn't scare you, than, i twitpic.com/6btd0u—
Jessica Ryan (@AudreyBeatle) August 27, 2011
Are you interested in becoming a Hipster for a day? Send me an email.
Thank you so much Eric for an outstanding review and being a Hipster today. Please visit Eric’s wonderful website theIPC and click the follow button, you won’t be disappointed. I’m officially Eric’s biggest fan.
Posted on March 15, 2013, in 1980, Hipster for a Day and tagged Abigail Clayton, Caroline Munro, Eric Isaacs, Filmhipster, Frank Zito, Hipster for a Day, isaacs picture conclusions, Maniac, Movie, Movie Reviews, Movies, Review, Reviews, theIPC, William Spinell. Bookmark the permalink. 51 Comments.
I watched this movie immediately after I heard about the remake happening with Elijah Wood. It’s terrible. Spinell is disgusting ugly and nothing he does I could get behind. Good review in that I completely agree with you. Good movie it is not.
Excellent, thanks Nick. Looking forward to the remake as well.
“Spinell is disgusting ugly and nothing he does I could get behind.” HAHAHAHAHAHA
Yes!!
I must be unofficially his biggest fan then! Good stuff here gentlemen
Thanks buddy, I’m your official best fan as well and I cannot wait to have you as Hipster for a Day! That would be fun.
I burn myself in effigy to both of you boys on a daily basis!
I’ll be a hipster in exchange for you picking an IMDB Top 250 film
I will review Hobo, get your zero % images ready!
Ha! I have no 0% so you’ll be forced to give it a 10%! But that sounds good.
Sounds pretty naff but I am interested for the remake. Good stuff.
Me too, Elijah Wood in this should be interesting. Thanks for stopping by Chris, would love to have you as Hipster for a Day if you ever have the time.
I’d be happy to mate, just name the place and time!
Excellent, I’ll send you the info.
Do you have an email I can send something to?
Sure, it’s chris1039@hotmail.com
I was very confused when I googled images for this post and saw a bunch of pics of Elijah Wood covered in blood. Being lazy like I am, I didn’t do any research but that makes sense now!!
I do worry about our Eric sometimes! He watches some odd stuff.
Nice work here you Hip-cats yous.
Thanks Mark, he’s got a great perspective on that genre that’s for sure. I wish I had a quarter of his knowledge in that sector. Thanks for stopping by buddy, I always appreciate it.
Nice review! Maniac is pretty trashy
will definitely watch the remake though!
I’m excited about the remake as well, especially with Elijah Wood at the helm. Thanks for stopping by Georgina, and if you ever want to do a guest spot as Hipster for a Day let me know, would love to have you!
Of course, I’d love to
Do i need to review a current film or can it be anything?
Anything you want. Your choice. Do you have an email address, I can send a Word Doc with all the details. I would be honored to have you!
THANKS Georgina!!!
It was directed by William Lustig and stars Joe Spinell as Frank Zito. Other than that, good job.
oops, see this is why I like you.
And I have Super Nintendo.
WHHHHHAAAAAAAA?????
I’m coming over. Do you have crusty bread stuck in the cartridge port?
Pop Tarts. And there’s a lot of boogers on the Start button.
Yum, iron for those long nights playing “Zombies Ate My Neighbors”.
This was directed by your butt and stars your butt!!!!
Now THAT the people would see!!
Was it in cinemas long? Was it hair today, gone tomorrow?
Zing…………..
The police were all over the premier…….. wait for it………… wait for it…….. ticketing SCALPERS!!!!
Speaking of Elijah Wood…he was mental in Sin City.
He was, and when I saw that I knew this was his genre.
Wood was sooo freakin’ creepy in this, I think his innocent face made his role even scarier!
Just re-watched Sin City last night.
Whoa…
I think your first two bullet points in the highlights are enough of a warning sign for me NOT to ever see this, ahah.
AWESOME!
Yawn!! It looks boring and more than anything simply for its time was attempting to be the bloodiest show of its time. Another generic slasher. Boring!
It was, hoping the remake has a little more meat to it.
I haven’t seen this one but planning on checking out the remake this weekend.
Great, look forward to your review Erik!
Fun review. I’m also really excited to see the remake. It’s been getting some rave reviews from people whose opinion I respect. Also, I squarely refuse to believe that quote about the title song. Pics or it didn’t happen.
I wish I had pics too!
Looking forward to the remake, hopefully Wood is all crazy like similar to Sin City.
Aren’t they making a new one of these?
There are yes starring Elijah Wood!!
Oh yeah its coming out soon
Great review, E! You’ve made me want to add this classic to my list of evil.
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