Maniac

MANIAC is intriguing from start to finish, jam packed with mystery & action. Tarantino meets The Punisher in a film that questions whether society truly favors justice or vengeance.

The direction by Sam Borowski was superb, the soundtrack was solid & fitting, and there were some solid performances by the cast, especially by Bill Sorvino, Joe D'Onofrio, Maria Rusolo, & David Harris. The story of the movie is reminiscent of the gritty realism found in the films of the 1970s.

This short film's ending leaves the audience wanting for more MANIAC- a sequel, be it another short or a full feature. 9/10

Over the past weekend I had the pleasure of attending The Long Island Film Festival to see the highly anticipated movie Maniac, directed by Sam Borowski with a star studded cast of Bill Sorvino, Joe D' Onofrio, and David Harris. At the Q&A following the screening I learned that it was filmed on the Red-Epic camera to give the film that 1970's picturesque look. I can equate this movie to 1970's TAXI DRIVER meets 2009 LAW ABIDING CITIZEN. MANIAC was surely worth the hype that the critics raved about, i was at edge of my seat from start to end, didn't want the movie to end knowing it was only a 23 min short film. Sam Borowski a multi talented award winning director really has an eye for pacing that holds your attention for the duration.

What can you say about the Star of the movie; the multi talented actor Bill Sorvino. His portrayal of a un-named rogue character who is emotionally disturbed and is on a mission is to help the less fortunate takes the law into his own hands in a such a silent suave way that you cant help to love him. Sorvino's performance of The Man was so brilliantly acted that you can actually feel his dark side, pain, and the tragic events from his past that lead him to his actions in the movie. I already can see THE Oscar BUZZ for a nomination in the Live- Action Short Category not to mention the Best Actor in the category.

While Bill Sorvino rifled the movie to great heights, the brilliant acting by his supporting cast help drive the film home in tremendous fashion (Joey D' Onofrio who many of you remember from "Goodfellas" and A Bronx Tale" and David Harris from 1979 "The Warriors" and "A Soldier Story". The rest of the cast are also praiseworthy of there performances, Paige Wilhide, Maris Rusolo, Anthony Palino, and Mary Dimino, and the cast goes on.

From beginning to end, this short was packed with an array of spine tingling scenes. Bill Sorvino, along with the rest of the cast did quite the job embodying the serious elements of this story.

This is a very thought provoking film with the potential to make an impact on its viewers. It already seems to be making one heck of a buzz in the festivals. Director Sam Borowski really displayed his undeniable talents with this one. Along with a rock star cast consisting of David Harris from 1979's "The Warriors" and Joe D'Onofrio from "Goodfellas", you can be sure to expect a great show of performance.

Be sure to look out for this possible Oscar nomination film as it will be playing at several festivals over the next few months.

Sam Borowski's MANIAC is a gripping drama with a gritty look like a 1970s film (kudos to cinematographer Bill Schweikert for that, too). Fans of TAXI DRIVER will definitely see some similarities, as will those fans of FALLING DOWN and any other solid movie or TV series that shows a man at his breaking point with society. An outstanding performance turned in by Bill Sorvino, who commandeers the screen. Even though this is a short film and not a full-length feature, it still delivers the emotional punch of a major movie. In fact, one of the positives of it being a short film is that it cuts to the chase. This movie isn't padded with filler or unnecessary subplots and meaningless characters. Everyone contributes to its success.

I liked Maniac it takes you on a trip inside the world of a man who's life is unraveling before your eyes. Bill Sorvino and Joseph D'onofrio's performances are a true testament to Sam Borowski's direction. This short film has all the emotional stages of a man on the edge of breakdown. I was taken back by Sorvino's performance especially in the scene that takes place inside of a local convenience store, not to mention D'onofrio's exciting and classic scene's as the pimp who takes advantage of a hooker who is so ignorant she's bordering on dumb. The part of the hooker (Gina) was played by Paige Wilhide along side D'onofrio she really pulls it off. I would like to see more from Sam Borowski and Maniac.