Released in 1986, Chopping Mall is a quintessential example of 1980s horror and slasher cinema, directed by Jim Wynorski. The film, known for its inventive premise, over-the-top gore, and campy humor, has achieved cult status over the years. Set in a futuristic mall equipped with high-tech security robots, Chopping Mall offers a unique twist on the slasher genre, combining elements of science fiction and horror. This article provides an in-depth analysis of Chopping Mall, including a detailed plot summary, character breakdowns, thematic exploration, and its impact on the genre.
Plot Summary
Chopping Mall centers on a group of teenagers who find themselves trapped in a mall overnight, where they are stalked and killed by malfunctioning security robots. The film’s plot unfolds through a series of suspenseful and gory events, blending horror with a tongue-in-cheek sense of humor.
Act 1: The Setup
The film opens with a prologue set in a futuristic shopping mall, where a high-tech security system featuring robotic enforcers is being introduced. These robots, designed to maintain order and prevent crime, are equipped with an array of advanced features, including laser weapons and surveillance capabilities.
The story then shifts to a group of teenagers who are celebrating the end of their work week at a local mall. The main characters include:
- Allison (Kelli Maroney): One of the protagonists, Allison is a high school student who works at the mall and is looking forward to a fun evening.
- Rick (Tony O’Dell): Allison’s boyfriend, Rick is a member of the group who is eager to enjoy the night out with his friends.
- Linda (Carrie Stevens): Another teenager, Linda is a friend of Allison and adds to the film’s dynamics with her flirtatious and carefree attitude.
- Greg (John Terlesky): Linda’s boyfriend, Greg is a typical “cool guy” character who enjoys partying and having fun.
- Mike (John D. LeMay): A friend of Rick and part of the group, Mike provides comic relief and contributes to the film’s humor.
The group decides to spend the night at the mall, taking advantage of the store’s after-hours access for a party. The mall is closed to the public, and the group has the place to themselves. They plan to have a good time, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead.
Act 2: The Malfunction
The film’s tension escalates when the mall’s security robots malfunction due to a lightning storm. The robots, which were designed to maintain order, begin to exhibit violent and erratic behavior. Their primary directive becomes the elimination of any perceived threats, leading them to target the teenagers who are still inside the mall.
As the robots begin their rampage, the group’s fun quickly turns into a fight for survival. The teenagers find themselves hunted by the robots, which use a combination of laser weapons and physical force to attack their targets. The film’s horror elements are amplified by the robots’ relentless pursuit and the teenagers’ struggle to escape.
The group’s attempts to evade the robots lead to a series of suspenseful and gory encounters. The film’s practical effects and special effects are showcased through the robots’ attacks, with inventive and graphic kills that highlight the film’s commitment to shock value and horror.
Act 3: The Fight for Survival
As the robots continue their assault, the teenagers must work together to find a way to stop the malfunctioning machines and escape the mall. The film’s middle section focuses on the group’s efforts to survive and combat the robot threat.
The characters’ interactions and relationships are tested as they face the terror of the robots. The film uses a combination of suspense, action, and humor to create a dynamic and engaging narrative. The teenagers’ resourcefulness and bravery are highlighted as they devise creative solutions to their predicament.
One notable sequence involves the group using makeshift weapons and improvising their escape plan. The film’s blend of horror and humor is evident in these scenes, with the characters’ witty dialogue and over-the-top action adding to the film’s entertainment value.
Act 4: The Climax
The film’s climax features a final confrontation between the survivors and the remaining robots. As the group faces their greatest challenge, they must use their ingenuity and teamwork to overcome the robot threat and escape the mall.
The climax is marked by intense action and suspense, with the survivors battling the robots in a series of dramatic and violent encounters. The film’s practical effects are showcased in the climactic scenes, with the robots’ attacks and the characters’ responses creating a thrilling and engaging finale.
The final showdown takes place in the mall’s control room, where the survivors confront the robot’s central control system. The resolution of the conflict is both satisfying and humorous, with the film’s blend of horror and comedy coming to a fitting conclusion.
Act 5: The Resolution
The film concludes with a resolution that ties up the main plot threads and provides a sense of closure. The surviving characters emerge from the ordeal, and the mall is shown to be in disarray after the robot rampage.
The resolution emphasizes the film’s commitment to blending horror and humor, providing a final twist that adds to the film’s overall impact. The surviving characters reflect on their experience, and the film ends with a sense of both relief and lingering unease.
Characters
Chopping Mall features a cast of characters who contribute to the film’s horror and humor elements. The characters’ interactions and dynamics play a significant role in shaping the film’s narrative.
- Allison (Kelli Maroney): The protagonist of the film, Allison is characterized by her strength and resourcefulness. Her leadership and determination drive much of the film’s narrative and contribute to the survival aspect of the story.
- Rick (Tony O’Dell): Allison’s boyfriend, Rick is laid-back and fun-loving. His character provides both comic relief and emotional support for Allison throughout the film.
- Linda (Carrie Stevens): A friend of Allison, Linda is known for her flirtatious and carefree attitude. Her character adds to the film’s dynamics and humor.
- Greg (John Terlesky): Linda’s boyfriend, Greg is a typical “cool guy” character who enjoys partying and having fun. His interactions with the group and the robots contribute to the film’s entertainment value.
- Mike (John D. LeMay): A friend of Rick, Mike provides comic relief and adds to the film’s humor. His character’s reactions to the robot attacks add to the film’s dynamic.
- The Security Robots: The film’s central antagonists, the security robots are designed to maintain order but become violent and dangerous due to a malfunction. Their relentless pursuit and attacks drive much of the film’s horror and suspense.
Themes and Style
Chopping Mall explores various themes and employs a distinctive style that sets it apart from other horror films.
Technology and Its Consequences
One of the central themes of the film is the relationship between technology and its consequences. The security robots, designed to protect and maintain order, become the source of terror due to a malfunction. This theme reflects broader concerns about technology’s potential dangers and the consequences of relying on automated systems.
Horror and Humor
The film’s blend of horror and humor is a defining feature, with its over-the-top approach to both genres. The combination of gory kills and comedic moments creates a unique and entertaining experience. The film embraces its campy elements and uses humor to balance the horror, contributing to its cult status.
Survival and Resourcefulness
The theme of survival is central to the film’s narrative, with the teenagers working together to overcome the robot threat. Their resourcefulness and bravery are highlighted as they devise creative solutions to their predicament. The film emphasizes the importance of teamwork and ingenuity in facing seemingly insurmountable challenges.
Style and Visuals
Chopping Mall is characterized by its distinctive style and visual elements, which contribute to its impact as a horror-comedy.
- Special Effects: The film’s special effects, created using practical effects and animatronics, are a major highlight. The security robots are depicted with a combination of futuristic and menacing features, enhancing the film’s horror elements.
- Set Design: The mall setting is effectively used to create a sense of isolation and tension. The various locations within the mall, from the control room to the stores, contribute to the film’s atmosphere.
- Cinematography: The cinematography of Chopping Mall employs dynamic camera angles and lighting to build suspense and enhance the film’s comedic moments. The use of shadows and framing adds to the film’s visual impact.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Chopping Mall received a mix of reviews from critics and audiences. While some appreciated its humor and inventive premise, others found it to be lacking in depth or originality.
Critical Reception
Critics were divided on the film’s merits, with some praising its creativity and entertainment value while others found its approach to be superficial or excessive. The film’s blend of horror and humor received both praise and criticism, reflecting its polarizing nature.
Cult Following
Despite its mixed reception, Chopping Mall has developed a cult following among fans of horror and slasher cinema. The film’s unique premise, inventive special effects, and campy humor have contributed to its status as a cult classic. Its screenings at horror festivals and midnight showings have solidified its place in the genre, and it continues to be celebrated for its contributions to horror-comedy.
Conclusion
Chopping Mall remains a notable work in the horror-comedy genre, offering a unique and entertaining blend of slasher horror, science fiction, and campy humor. With its inventive premise, practical effects, and playful approach to genre conventions, the film provides a memorable and enjoyable experience for audiences. Whether revisiting it for its cult status or discovering it for the first time, Chopping Mall offers a thrilling and amusing journey through a world of malfunctioning robots and gory mayhem.
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