Chopping Mall, also known as Killbots, is a horror film released in 1986. The movie was directed by Jim Wynorski and produced by Julie Corman, wife of legendary filmmaker Roger Corman.
The film is set in a shopping mall, where a group of eight teenagers decide to sneak into one of the stores for a late night party after their shifts end. The group includes nerdy computer programmer Ferdy, his popular girlfriend Allison, bad boy Rick, sensible Suzie, energetic Greg, lovestruck Linda, tough girl Leslie, and her boyfriend Mike.
The mall has recently installed a new state-of-the-art security system including three robots named Robot Sentry Model 101. Unfortunately, due to a lightning storm that causes a power surge, the robots' programming malfunctions, causing them to perceive the teenagers as intruders.
The robots are armed with lasers, stun guns, and other weapons, and systematically hunt down the teenagers throughout the mall, killing them one by one. The group tries to escape using the mall's exit doors, but they are all sealed shut, trapping them inside with the deadly robots.
The remaining teenagers are forced to fight back with their wits and whatever makeshift weapons they can find, including flare guns, propane tanks, and sporting goods equipment. Meanwhile, the mall's owner, Mr. Blandford, and the head of security, Mary, try to disable the robots before anyone else is killed.
Chopping Mall is considered a cult classic for its over-the-top violence and cheesy special effects, as well as for its clever satire of consumerism and technology gone awry. The film also features a memorable synth soundtrack by composer Chuck Cirino.
