Horror Daily Double: Death Spa, Chopping Mall

The mall was an equally culturally significant symbol in the ’80s – and the idea of keeping all that shiny merchandise safe after closing time kept all those business owners up at night. Writer/director Jim Wynorski helped address that concern with Chopping Mall, where the overnight security was handled by cutting-edge robot guards that have abilities, ranging from checking special ID badges to tasing and incapacitating intruders. But, in a memorable argument for surge protectors, a lightning bolt to the robot control center on the roof of the mall sends all the robo-guards on a murderous frenzy. And wouldn’t ya know it happened on the same dang night that Alison (Kelli Maroney) and her friends decided to hang out after hours, making out and testing those new mattresses? Chopping Mall is hindered (or aided) by some cheesy effects, but there’s some impressive stunts, and the movie now serves as a vivid glance back in time.

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