Chopping Mall (1986): Soundtrack Review

Jim Wynorski’s Chopping Mall (1986): A Cult Classic of B-Movie Horror and Sci-Fi

Chopping Mall is a cult classic that combines 1980s B-movie horror and sci-fi in a way that's both hilariously self-aware and genuinely inventive. Beneath its campy exterior of killer security robots and mall-culture absurdity lies a clever reflection of Reagan-era consumerist horror.

The Plot: A Night to Remember

The film Chopping Mall tells the story of eight teenagers trapped overnight in a high-tech shopping mall guarded by three malfunctioning security robots programmed to “protect” after hours. When lightning strikes the mall’s control system, the robots go rogue—resulting in a gleefully absurd blend of laser shootouts, exploding heads, and bubblegum dialogue. The film stars Kelli Maroney, Tony O’Dell, and Russell Todd, supported by genre icons Barbara Crampton, Mary Woronov, and Dick Miller.

Despite its modest budget and wooden performances, Chopping Mall works as a fast-paced, fun genre mashup. The cinematography captures the pastel-lit 1980s mall milieu perfectly. The pacing—barely 77 minutes—ensures it never overstays its welcome. Critics frequently compare it to Dawn of the Dead and RoboCop for its implicit critique of consumerism and automation gone wrong.

A Killer Soundtrack for a Killer Mall

When you talk about Chopping Mall, you can’t help but grin at the pun. The film is every bit as gloriously camp as its title — part teen slasher, part robot apocalypse, all ’80s attitude. Yet beneath the cheesy laser fire and exploding mannequins beats the heart of a surprisingly tight electronic score by Chuck Cirino. His pulsing synths elevate the chaos into something sleek, stylish, and strangely endearing.

Cirino’s soundtrack is a quintessential slice of 1980s sonic excess: drum-machine adrenaline, arpeggiated basslines, and gleaming synth textures that sound like they were built from the same plastic as the mall mannequins. It’s the sound of an era that thought technology was the future—and then asked what would happen if that future turned on us.

From Corporate Safety Demo to Carnage

The movie opens with a tongue-in-cheek promotional video for the mall’s new “completely safe” security robots. This inspired intro doubles as a satire of corporate optimism and a synth-pop overture. The track under this sequence feels like a commercial jingle that wandered into a horror score, bouncing between bright, catchy melodies and the creeping hum of circuitry. It’s the perfect tonal handshake for what’s to come.

The rest of the soundtrack mirrors this blend of fun and fear. When the teens sneak into the mall for an after-hours party, Cirino’s cues slide effortlessly from energetic, youthful rock into tense, robotic pulses as the robots (“Killbots,” in the original cut) begin their malfunctioning rampage. The music never lets you forget you’re in the 1980s—where even terror comes with a beat.

Chuck Cirino: Synth Surgeon of the ’80s

Working with analog synths and early sequencers, Cirino crafted entire soundscapes on a shoestring budget. Composed by Chuck Cirino, Chopping Mall’s soundtrack is one of the defining features of the film. Entirely electronic and performed by Cirino himself, the synth-heavy score pulses with the same neon energy that defines the 1980s. The central theme mixes harrowing chimes, disco-tinged rhythms, and robotic arpeggios that shift between tension and camp.

Tracks such as “Main Title,” “Burning Terror,” and “Running Rampant” build an infectious synthetic groove that heightens both the horror and the absurdity of the premise. Waxwork Records remastered and reissued the Chopping Mall soundtrack in 2014 and again in 2024 on neon pink and splattered vinyl—a testament to its lasting cult status among synthwave and horror music fans. In fact, Rolling Stone recently listed Cirino’s Chopping Mall score among its “35 Greatest Horror Movie Soundtracks of All Time,” highlighting its playful futurism and enduring retro appeal.

The Cultural Impact of Chopping Mall

Chopping Mall isn’t just a film; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a testament to the creativity of low-budget filmmaking in the 1980s. The film has sparked a dedicated fanbase that celebrates its quirks and charm. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best stories come from the most unexpected places.

The film’s blend of humor and horror has inspired countless discussions and analyses. Fans love to dissect its themes, from the critique of consumerism to the absurdity of the characters' situations. This film has become a staple at midnight movie screenings, where audiences revel in its campy glory.

Why You Should Revisit Chopping Mall

So, why should you revisit Chopping Mall? It’s simple. This film is a delightful escape into a world where absurdity reigns supreme. It’s a reminder of a time when movies didn’t take themselves too seriously. Plus, the soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission.

Whether you’re a die-hard horror fan or just looking for something fun to watch, Chopping Mall delivers. It’s a perfect blend of nostalgia, humor, and sheer entertainment. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare for a wild ride through the neon-lit corridors of this iconic mall.

The Legacy of Chopping Mall

The legacy of Chopping Mall continues to thrive. Fans gather at conventions, celebrating the film's unique charm and its place in pop culture history. Merchandise, from T-shirts to posters, keeps the spirit alive. The film has inspired a new generation of filmmakers who appreciate its campy humor and inventive storytelling.

Moreover, the film's themes resonate even today. The critique of consumerism feels relevant in our current society. As we navigate a world dominated by technology, Chopping Mall serves as a playful reminder of the potential pitfalls of automation and corporate greed.

Final Verdict

If you love ’80s horror scores, retro-synth vibes, or music that could double as a laser tag anthem, this soundtrack is essential listening. Chuck Cirino took a low-budget robot slasher and gave it a pulse that still thumps decades later.

🛍️ Watch Chopping Mall (for free, btw) on Tubi — and crank the volume. Because nothing says “retail therapy” like killer robots and a killer synth line.

In the end, Chopping Mall is more than just a movie; it’s an experience. And who doesn’t love a good experience, especially when it involves killer robots and a killer soundtrack?