MADMAN"It all started during a campfire at North Sea Cottages, a special retreat for gifted children. . ."
IMDB.com Rating: 5.2 out of 10
Availability: Out-of-print and very expensive
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Out of the success of 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th', 'Madman' was born. The movie begins simple enough -- with a one-man musical number. It's a circle of camp counselors and kids, sitting around a fire. The next person to entertain everyone is the head counselor. He tells a story about a farmer who killed his wife and kids. When the farmer was caught, the townspeople hanged him and left him for dead; but when they came back in the morning, his body was gone. Since then, he comes out to murder only when his name is uttered; so, of course, one of the kids jokingly yells the name of "Madman Marz".
Based on the Cropsey maniac (which was also the basis for 'The Burning', released the same year), 'Madman' was an all-out bloodbath about a malicious brute. There's heavy similarities between this and 'Friday the 13th'; but what 'Madman' most has to be proud of is the clear influence it had on the genre -- primarily, films like the 'Hatchet' trilogy.
Based on the Cropsey maniac (which was also the basis for 'The Burning', released the same year), 'Madman' was an all-out bloodbath about a malicious brute. There's heavy similarities between this and 'Friday the 13th'; but what 'Madman' most has to be proud of is the clear influence it had on the genre -- primarily, films like the 'Hatchet' trilogy.This is one of the more-entertaining body count slashers, racking up 10 kills. By axe, knife or hand, Marz kills the counselors off in various ways -- hanging, neck-breaking, burning, stabbing, axing, throat-slashing, fist-pounding, wall-hooking and seldom-seen car hood-decapitation. It's the over-the-top violence which separates 'Madman' from many other slashers of the early '80s.
There are very few dull moments in the film. The music, primarily at the beginning and end, is awesome. The killing kinda overrides the film so you're not looking at too much character-development; but the film manages to pace itself pretty well. Goofy dialogue and corny acting were common characteristics for a 1980s (or anytime, really) slasher film, so that's not too distracting. All-in-all, 'Madman' is a pretty solid effort; "one of the all-time drive-in movies" ~ Joe Bob Briggs.
And if you decide to buy this movie (because, despite it being expensive, it's worth it), buy the Anchor Bay version. Although I very much like Code Red, their release (I've heard) isn't as good of a transfer and might be missing a scene.Well-worth your time. Tony says, "check it out". 4 Stars. Best of 1981.
On my scale:
Overall Enjoyment ----18
Redeeming Qualities--18 (2 points for end music, primarily since it's a song about the movie. SEE: 'Maniac Cop 2')
Rewatchability---------8
Fun/Special Effects---8
Directing/Quality------7
Plot/Storyline----------7
Pacing-----------------7
Dialogue/Acting-------5
TOTAL---------------78
Bonus points for kills (10)---1.0
FINAL TOTAL: 79
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Overall Enjoyment ----18
Redeeming Qualities--18 (2 points for end music, primarily since it's a song about the movie. SEE: 'Maniac Cop 2')
Rewatchability---------8
Fun/Special Effects---8
Directing/Quality------7
Plot/Storyline----------7
Pacing-----------------7
Dialogue/Acting-------5
TOTAL---------------78
Bonus points for kills (10)---1.0
FINAL TOTAL: 79
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