Maniac (2013)

Ever since playing Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012), Elijah Wood has been doing what he could to de-Frodo his image. That means popping up in the crime flicks No Man of God (2021), The Trust (2016), Pawn Shop Chronicles (2013), and Maniac (2013). Not to be confused with the Netflix miniseries Maniac (2018), the latter pic is a remake of the notoriously sadistic thriller from 1980. This reboot centers around a fictional serial killer called Frank Zito (Wood). For his portrayal, Elijah was named Best Actor by Fangoria magazine and at the Fright Meter Awards. Yes, Mr. Wood gives us wood when his reveals his alabaster chest. Otherwise, his character is a seriously disturbed New Yorker with penchant for scalping hookers. Under the direction of Franck Khalfoun, most of the film is shot from the schizo’s perspective. Suffice it to say, the viewer is put into the uncomfortable position of seeing the world through Frank’s eyes. As such, we encounter Angela Zito (America Olivo), Anna D’Antoni (Nora Arnezeder), Judy (Liane Balaban), Officer Burton (Bryan Lugo), and Martin Nunez (Joshua De La Garza). Critics may turn their noses up at remakes, but this one will have you turning another part of your body up when Elijah loses his clothes and shows off his fine physique. Granted, it happens during a bizarre sequence that will make you simultaneously chuckle and scream with sexual frustration. Spoiler alert: we hope you like Ken dolls!