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1986 - 76m.

In the late 80's when I first saw this as a teenager I enjoyed its mix of killer robots and dopey humour, and surprisingly enough I still do. The story is basic as a group of teens decide to party after hours in a furniture store in the mall only to start getting killed by three fangled new security robots (dubbed "protectors") who have gone on-line for themselves and have a murderous streak thanks to a lightning storm.

From the get go you can tell you're not supposed to take this too seriously and this is certainly a guilty pleasure movie with tons of in-jokes and cameos (Paul Bartel and Mary Woronov show-up as characters they played in 1982's Eating Raoul and there's subtle jokes like the sporting goods store being called "Peckinpah's"), enough silly humour and one cool moment involving a laser beam decapitation. Sure the whole thing shows its low-budget (especially during an sort of mechanical effect such as explosions) and it's a mindless time; but it's entertaining and makes for a snappy 76 minutes.

Probably one of director/co-writer Jim Wynorski's better efforts (and if you know the man's filmography, you'll understand). Genre favourite Barbara Crampton shows-up in a side role (and briefly doffs the dubs, much to our delight).

Directed By: Jim Wynorski.
Written By: Steve Mitchell, Jim Wynorski.

Starring: Kelli Maroney, Tony O'Dell, John Terlesky, Russell Todd.

aka: Killbots.