Manhattan Baby (1982)
Manhattan Baby (1982)
Rating: 
Fulci’s next film, Manhattan Baby, is the story of the young daughter of an archaeologist, who becomes possessed when her father opens an Egyptian tomb. Various strange occurrences begin to cause trouble to all people around the family. Meanwhile, the young girl’s brother appears to be joining in on the fun when he accompanies his sister on ‘voyages’. The film then continues down the traditional path of possession movies: try to save the possessed.
There are certainly high points in this film, but they are scattered amidst a half-hearted tapestry of work. The good notes are that the gore is well done and highly entertaining, although not as pervasive as Fulci fans have been used to at this point in time. Atmosphere is used, for the most part, effectively. However, as a whole the story really feels like a half-assed attempt to get another movie pushed through production.
I don’t love it; I don’t hate it. Manhattan Baby is by all means a decent watch, but Fulci followers are likely to be disappointed. It does not do a great job at maintaining the viewers attention, but the few scenes that bring you back to a peaked interest are worth it. All in all my recommendation is that avid Fulci fans see this film, and decide for yourself, but don’t expect anything the likes of The Beyond or Zombi 2.
Jonny Dead
