33 Facts About The Movie Chopping Mall

The movie was released in 1986

Chopping Mall, also known as “Killbots,” hit theaters in 1986, bringing a unique blend of horror and sci-fi.

It was directed by Jim Wynorski

Jim Wynorski, a renowned filmmaker in the B-movie industry, took the reins as the director of Chopping Mall.

The screenplay was co-written by Steve Mitchell and Jim Wynorski

Steve Mitchell and Jim Wynorski collaborated on the screenplay of Chopping Mall, ensuring a thrilling storyline.

The original title of the movie was “Killbots”

Before being released as Chopping Mall, the movie was initially titled “Killbots,” which perfectly captured the essence of the film.

The movie revolves around a group of teenagers trapped in a shopping mall

In Chopping Mall, a group of teenagers finds themselves trapped inside a shopping mall, pursued by deadly security robots.

The robots were inspired by the popular Star Wars character R2-D2

The design of the menacing security robots in Chopping Mall was inspired by the lovable astromech droid, R2-D2, from Star Wars.

It’s a cult classic

Over the years, Chopping Mall has gained a cult following for its unique blend of horror, humor, and 80s charm.

The movie was filmed at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in California

The Sherman Oaks Galleria in California served as the filming location for Chopping Mall, adding an authentic backdrop to the suspenseful scenes.

The movie’s tagline is “Where shopping can cost you an arm and a leg!”

The catchy tagline perfectly captures the premise of Chopping Mall, hinting at the danger lurking within the mall’s walls.

The soundtrack was composed by Chuck Cirino

The suspenseful and thrilling soundtrack of Chopping Mall was masterfully composed by Chuck Cirino.

The movie was initially a commercial failure

Despite its later success as a cult classic, Chopping Mall did not fare well at the box office initially, but it has since gained a dedicated fan base.

The movie blends elements of horror, science fiction, and slasher genres

Chopping Mall seamlessly combines horror, science fiction, and slasher elements, offering a unique viewing experience.

The actors had to wear prosthetics for their death scenes

To create realistic death scenes, the actors in Chopping Mall had to wear prosthetics to depict various gruesome injuries.

The movie was originally given an X-rating for violence

Due to its intense violence, Chopping Mall was originally given an X-rating before being edited to achieve an R-rating.

The robots in the movie were crafted by special effects artist Robert Short

Renowned special effects artist Robert Short designed and created the menacing robots featured in Chopping Mall.

The movie features an iconic explosion scene

Chopping Mall is known for its memorable explosion scene, which adds to the intensity of the film’s climax.

The movie’s budget was $800,000

With a relatively modest budget of $800,000, Chopping Mall managed to deliver an entertaining and thrilling cinematic experience.

It has a runtime of 77 minutes

Chopping Mall boasts a concise runtime of 77 minutes, ensuring a fast-paced and action-packed story.

The movie features a mix of practical and visual effects

Chopping Mall utilizes a combination of practical effects and visual effects to bring the terrifying robots and gory scenes to life.

It has gained a cult following for its cheesy dialogue and campy charm

The cheesy dialogue and campy charm of Chopping Mall have contributed to its cult status, making it a beloved film among genre enthusiasts.

The movie was released under various titles in different countries

Chopping Mall was released under different titles in different countries, such as “Robot War” in the UK and “Shopping Center” in Italy.

The original VHS release of the movie featured a holographic cover

The VHS release of Chopping Mall featured a unique holographic cover, adding to the appeal of owning a physical copy of the film.

The movie features some creative kill scenes

Chopping Mall doesn’t hold back when it comes to creative kill scenes, providing gruesome and suspenseful moments throughout the film.

The movie was influenced by classic slasher films

Chopping Mall takes inspiration from classic slasher films of the 80s, paying homage to the genre while adding its own unique twist.

The film’s cast includes popular B-movie actors like Kelli Maroney and Barbara Crampton

Chopping Mall features a talented cast of B-movie actors, including Kelli Maroney and Barbara Crampton, who bring their characters to life with memorable performances.

The movie has references to other popular films

Chopping Mall includes clever references to other popular films, offering a nod to genre classics and adding an extra layer of enjoyment for fans.

The movie’s release coincided with the rise in popularity of shopping malls

Chopping Mall’s release in the 80s coincided with the peak of shopping mall culture, capturing the fascination and fear associated with these retail havens.

The movie features a group of protagonists trying to outsmart the robots

In Chopping Mall, the group of protagonists must use their wits and resourcefulness to outsmart the deadly security robots and escape the mall alive.

The film’s unique premise makes it stand out in the horror genre

Chopping Mall’s blend of horror, sci-fi, and slasher elements, coupled with its unique setting, sets it apart from other films in the genre.

The movie has gained a resurgence in popularity in recent years

Chopping Mall experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years, with renewed interest in 80s cult classics and B-movie horror.

The film’s practical effects still hold up today

Despite being released over three decades ago, the practical effects in Chopping Mall still impress audiences with their realism and effectiveness.

The movie offers a nostalgic trip back to the 80s

For fans of 80s cinema, Chopping Mall serves as a nostalgic time capsule, taking viewers back to a decade filled with unique style and charm.

The movie’s ending leaves room for a potential sequel

Chopping Mall’s open-ended conclusion leaves audiences wondering if there might be a chance for a sequel, adding to the excitement and speculation surrounding the film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chopping Mall is a cult classic that has gained a dedicated following over the years. Its unique blend of horror and sci-fi, along with its memorable characters and creative kills, make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. The film’s low-budget charm adds to its appeal, as it proves that a great story and innovative ideas can shine through regardless of financial constraints. Chopping Mall is a true gem of 80s cinema, and its impact on the horror genre cannot be understated.

FAQs

Q: When was Chopping Mall released?

A: Chopping Mall was released on March 21, 1986.

Q: Who directed Chopping Mall?

A: Chopping Mall was directed by Jim Wynorski.

Q: What is the plot of Chopping Mall?

A: The film follows a group of teenagers who find themselves trapped in a shopping mall after it is taken over by malfunctioning security robots.

Q: Is Chopping Mall a horror or a sci-fi movie?

A: Chopping Mall is a blend of both horror and sci-fi genres, combining elements of slasher films and futuristic technology.

Q: Who are the main characters in Chopping Mall?

A: The main characters in Chopping Mall include Alison Parks, played by Kelli Maroney, and Ferdy Meisel, played by Tony O’Dell.

Q: Is Chopping Mall a well-known movie?

A: While Chopping Mall may not have achieved mainstream success upon its initial release, it has since developed a strong cult following and is highly regarded among horror movie enthusiasts.