Maniac Cop 2 Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Surviving the previous film, Cordell teams up with a serial killer in order to continue his murderous rampage.

Review: This is a better film than the first "Maniac Cop," but I don't feel the difference is significant enough to raise the rating any higher. There is also the fact that for every improvement made there is a corresponding bad decision. I will say this though, there was a concerted effort to increase the action which was noticeable and appreciated. The attack on the police station was an especially awesome scene. The makeup was fixed for Cordell to give him a gruesome presentation rather than that kool-aid mouth he was sporting before. I'm not entirely sure why Cordell would team up with some serial killer, nor how Cordell knew the guy even existed, but this did keep things kind of interesting. I'm sure others may find enjoyment from the strip club scenes but, damn, those chicks were looking homely as fuck! Lastly, there were just plenty of over the top moments that worked better than you'd think like the chainsaw fight (as quick as it was).

While I do have positives to say, this doesn't exclude the negatives. One thing that really bugged me was killing off the survivors from part one, Jack and Mallory; Jack being played by fan favorite, Bruce Campbell. That was a serious misstep right from the onset. More so, the new characters are lame and cliched. Cordell waited most of the year to continue his revenge, why? Considering that the setting was switched to Christmas, they never made use of this subject in any conceivable way; what an absolute waste. Although the plot is actually coherent this time around, Cordell's motivations are still vague and nonsensical. Likewise, they story refuse to declare him a zombie for whatever reason despite all the evidence he must be dead at this point. To semi-defeat Cordell, they exonerate him of his initial crimes which, I suppose, puts his spirit at rest when he's killed? I don't know. He does finish killing the people he wanted revenge against, kills his serial killer friend, and the two burn to death because two bodies falling into a bus surely makes it explode, right?

For what it's worth, a sequel to a movie about a killer, zombie cop was only going to be so good. There are plenty of improvements everywhere and much needed organization has been added to the plot. On the other hand, killing off Bruce Campbell will probably annoy the kind of fan that would watch the "Maniac Cop" movies. Likewise, everything feels pointless and many opportunities, like the Christmas setting, were squandered quite readily. But, with all things considered, if you liked part one you should enjoy this one just the same if not more.

Notable Moment: When Cordell storms the police station. It's a pretty cool scene--reminiscent of "The Terminator" even--though, they cut it way too short.

Final Rating: 5.5/10