User Reviews

"Maniac Cop" is a 3.5-minute movie from 8 years ago written and directed by Chris R. Notarile. The cast also includes some of his regular co-actors, such as Roberto Lombardi of course. If you have seen some of Notarile's later work, then you will certainly recognize some of the actors in here. Unfortunately, this one here from almost 10 years ago is as short as it is forgettable. The action was not too interesting and the story was almost non-existent. But the good thing is, we clearly see how the director has stepped up his game following this one here. progress is visible. I do not recommend "Maniac Cop". Thumbs down. Has little to offer beyond action and special effects.

This director doesn't seem to be able to come up with anything original. And I am not even talking about the fact that he apparently has to turn to already existing (popular) movies. No, he also can't even make up a single original scene.

This short movie is basically just a 'remake' of the very first scene in the first Maniac Cop movie (which was great, by the way). Or to put it more correctly: it's almost completely the same. The only thing he changed from that scene is that the two muggers get killed. It's really disappointing that that's the only thing he can come up with.

The photography isn't too bad, though a bit amateurish at some points, so I suggest he focuses on that instead of trying to write stories/scripts.

I've watched Chris R. Notarile's 'Maniac Cop' a few times now & it is so good that I keep going back for more. But then again, I just love Chris' films! The plot line follows some of the original film and left me wanting to see an entire movie and not just a short! Kim Santiago is perfect as the victim and looks the part to a T! Scott Dadika just scares me as the Maniac Cop and is more than worthy to carry on from the original. Damien is also good, but my favorite actor in this is Roberto Lombardi! He's just so believable and such a great actor that goes from a tough, self assured thug to scared out of his mind in the space of a few minutes! If you haven't seen this you should check it out!

Considering that this promotional film was made in less than three hours on a presumably tight budget, this short really stands out as a sound and impressive piece of work. A young woman walking home alone gets attacked by two vicious muggers in a New York City back alley. A lone cop arrives on the seen, but turns out to be anything but your average police officer. Writer/director Chris R. Notarile does a sturdy job of creating and sustaining an effectively eerie atmosphere. The competent acting helps a lot: Kim Santiago is credible as the scared victim, Damien Colleti and Roberto Lombardi are suitably slimy and hateful as the scuzzy hoodlums, and hulking Scott Dadika makes for a truly fearsome and intimidating maniac cop. Notarile's moody cinematography uses both hand-held camera and a muted near black and white color palette exceptionally well; the shots of the maniac cop walking down busy Big Apple streets at the very start of the picture are genuinely creepy and striking. Notarile deserves extra points for wisely retaining Jay Chattaway's supremely shivery'n'spooky original score. Highly recommended to fans of the "Maniac Cop" flicks.