Re: Neon Maniacs
Not great but true memories...
I had seen this film upon its initial 80's theatrical release when it was first came out. Remember when small films like this actually opened in theatres even if for a week only. The 80's were the last heyday it seemed for small exploitation films like this to open theatrically. Empire, Concorde, Troma, they all released films theatrically then.
Well I would have not thought of this film at all but one night while shopping at Pathmark (northeast supermarket chain)lo and behold, I saw a copy of NM in their DVD racks for only $4.99. At such a cheap price I said eff it and bought it. I had completely forgot the plot/film in general so it was like seeing it new after the 20 odd years from when I had first seen it (at the UA Midway theatre if I remember right).
For the films fans here's something I can add for their interest. I met the film's screenwriter Mr. Carducci on a trip to Cali. A friend of mine was acquainted with his brother who had been in the exhibition side of the film business with Cineplex Odeon (remember them lol) and thru that connection I met M.P. Carducci when my friends and I were out west. It was at an informal barbecue hosted by Tony Randel, director of Hellraiser 2 and Mark Carducci was there. I don't remember any particular words spoken but I do remember that Mr. Carducci and Mr. Randel were very down to earth, sociable and nice to us New York 'strangers'.
Mr. Carducci had also written Pumpkinhead which I consider to be an entertaining good film. It's sad that he's no longer with us. Him and his brother had grown up in New York City and were film fans since being kids. I remember my friend who had known the brothers had told me that M.P. Carducci was a big fan of Mars Attacks and maybe I'm speculating since that was a very popular card series from his youth that the NM cards were inspired by that. I also think Paula's room directly shows Mr. Carducci's inner horror fanboy. He was very much I was told a horror.sci fi afficianado growing up...the kind that read "Famous Monsters".
As for the film itself...I can't say its one of the worst I've ever seen. Far from it. It's silly and inane yes but it has its moments or should I say the Maniacs have their moments. It doesn't make a lick of sense really but for some reason the film is watchable despite that. To me, its very much in the vein of a 60's Roger Corman film--it has monsters, bad music, romance and is too silly to hate just like an old Corman monsterama. I think my favorite moment is when one of the Maniacs is driving the train & bopping his head totally digging it.
I'm surprised their are no jokes about the Maniacs fitting right in San Francisco's free to be freaky vibe.Or no jokes about the Maniacs similarity to the Village People. Both have a soldier, leather motorcycle guy and indian afterall. Also why no female Maniacs lol? Finally, as to answer the question where the Neon Maniacs came from...that's easy...from the huge plotholes lol.
P.S. -- Most unbelievable moment (and in this movie that's saying something!)...when in the school, hiding in a room after being chased by the Maniacs they start to make out. Yep thats what I'd do when scary, deadly,killer monsters are chasing me.