Amityville Cop attempts to blend supernatural horror with crime thriller elements, but it ultimately struggles to deliver on either front. Directed by Gregory Hatanaka and written by Geno McGahee, the film follows Detectives Miller (Jason Toler) and Val (Nicole D’Angelo) as they investigate a series of grisly murders in a city haunted by a dark past. The twist: the perpetrator may be a demonic force wearing a police uniform.
The film opens with a brutal and somewhat effective kill scene reminiscent of classic slasher films like Maniac Cop, hinting at potential thrills. Unfortunately, the initial promise quickly dissipates. Much of the runtime is consumed by awkward dialogue scenes, poorly lit interiors, and stock footage of cityscapes that fail to blend with the rest of the film. Cinematography is inconsistent at best—while nighttime scenes attempt to convey mood, day scenes suffer from harsh shadows and lackluster lighting, leaving characters’ faces obscured.
Acting is a major hurdle. Jason Toler’s wise-cracking Detective Miller is meant to be a charming lead, but his attempts at humor often fall flat, and his timing struggles throughout the film. Supporting cast members, including Nicole D’Angelo and Chris Spinelli, deliver uneven performances, and even experienced actors like Laurene Landon (as a cult leader) and Lisa London can only partially elevate the material. A particular comic-relief character attempts to channel Will Smith, Chris Tucker, and Mike Epps simultaneously, with decidedly mixed results.
The film’s tone is inconsistent. Its soundtrack shifts jarringly from Miami Vice–style synth to noir-ish themes, which does little to support the story or atmosphere. While gore is present, it is limited and rarely impactful, leaving horror fans largely unfulfilled. For viewers seeking a connection to the Amityville franchise, the title is largely misleading—there is no real link to the iconic house or its lore, and any semblance of a sequel to Maniac Cop is tenuous at best.
On the positive side, the film is mercifully short at 68 minutes, which makes it an easy, if forgettable, watch. For viewers with low expectations or a taste for “so-bad-it’s-bad” films, there are occasional moments that could be enjoyed ironically with friends.
Amityville Cop is a disappointing, poorly executed mix of horror, comedy, and crime thriller. Weak performances, inconsistent lighting, clunky dialogue, and minimal action make it hard to recommend. Its only redeeming qualities are its brevity and a handful of notable performances by Laurene Landon and Lisa London. Horror aficionados and general audiences alike would be better off skipping this one, unless their goal is mockery rather than entertainment.
Jessie Hobson