Unconventional Imperfections Propel Neon Maniacs into a More Captivating Cult Favorite
Unconventional Imperfections Propel Neon Maniacs into a More Captivating Cult Favorite
Underneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a clandestine collective of beings dwells - a surly crew of beings, not unlike those portrayed in "The Hills Have Eyes", each sporting a unique appearance reminiscent of the Village People, and perhaps even robotic features. Their purpose is clear: to send chills down the spines of teenagers in the heart of San Francisco. Centrum of the narrative in this noir titled Neon Maniacs is filled with potential, which unfortunately goes unfulfilled. However, the quirky film, released in 1986, still manages to captivate audiences.
Although a few picturesque shots of the renowned bridge are shown, complemented by strategic fog horn sounds, it seems that Neon Maniacs was largely filmed in Los Angeles – a forgivable oversight considering the bulk of the film's meager budget likely went towards its special effects. Directed by Joseph Mangine and written by Mark Patrick Carducci, Neon Maniacs features one recognizable actor: Leilani Sarelle, who later starred as Sharon Stone's vengeful girlfriend in Basic Instinct. In this film, she portrays Natalie, the sole survivor after her friends decide to celebrate her birthday at a park adjacent to the Neon Maniacs' territory. Worst birthday celebration ever! Then, the Maniacs set their sights on Natalie, intent on settling any unfinished business.
Only Natalie's crush, Steven (Alan Hayes), and Paula (Donna Locke), an ardent monster movie fanatic and tomboy, who dons an Alien cap throughout the movie behind the wheel of her camera, become entangled in this thrilling adventure. When Paula endeavors to capture the Maniacs on video outside their lair, their aim is awakened.
Famously, parents are negligent, and the police dismiss the teens' hysterical accounts, regardless of the mounting evidence indicating that something is amiss – such as missing kids and a scene resembling a crime scene, clean except for random puddles of an unidentified slime.
The climax unfolds at a high school battle of the bands, where one group aims to mimic Rick Springfield, while the other seeks to emulate Motley Crue. As the Maniacs make their grand entrance, the stage is set for disarray. Fortunately, the Maniacs dissolve when exposed to water, and Paula unearths a hose in time to save the day.
Although the premise is ludicrous and fails to introduce any unexpected twists, there’s a strong sense that Neon Maniacs sought to establish a more intricate and vast narrative. It begins with a solemn voiceover manifesto, alluding to the Neon Maniacs' grandeur, that leaves one wanting more. Regrettably, as the opening scene unfolds, we discover a series of trading cards depicting the Neon Maniacs in ominous postures, each donning their trademark ensembles – the Samurai, the sadistic doctor, the axe-wielding zealot, and so on.
The origin of these photographs, along with the cards' intended purpose, remains unexplained – a small mystery compared to the fact that we never learn anything about the Neon Maniacs themselves. For instance, where did they come from? Were they manufactured by an unseen scientist? Why do they reside in a secret chamber beneath the bridge? Why are they so prone to violence? Why does one of them appear to have a robotic arm? What is the origin of the glutinous slime they leave behind, and why do they resemble the Wicked Witch of the West when exposed to water?
Regrettably, these are questions that only the late screenwriter Carducci may have had the answers to. Undoubtedly, the original vision for Neon Maniacs included delving deeper into the monsters but suggest a rocky production process. One clue: if you glance at the credits, you'll notice that almost every individual Maniac was represented by multiple actors, indicating an uneven shooting schedule.
However, for those who can abide by not knowing every detail about the Neon Maniacs, and tolerate Steven's musical selections, Neon Maniacs remains an endearing curiosity cherished by its cult fans. The Paula character propels it into a unique sub-category of "monster movies featuring characters who adore monster movies," and there's an element of absurdity that comes with hideous creatures aspiring to be invincible, only to dissolve when confronted with water.
© Bedford Entertainment
Neon Maniacs makes its debut on Shudder on December 9.
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The group of teenagers in the film, inspired by their love for movies, particularly monster movies, often discusses new releases highlighted on io9's website. In the future, they dream of creating a movie that combines the elements of their favorite films, incorporating technology to bring their ideas to life.