Joe Spinell is best-known for writing, producing and starring in William Lustig's gritty, legendary horror movie "Maniac," the DVD of which showcases this documentary. "The Joe Spinell Story" plays like an A&E Biography, but more interesting because you really feel like you're unearthing something new here. A&E and the E! Network wouldn't even consider airing something on a "lowly" character actor. Too bad for them, but bully for you if you pick up the "Maniac" DVD. Spinell was an outstanding actor, who played all sorts of strange, diverse characters. His career is covered in this doc, but more importantly, you get a portrait of Spinell as a real person, with stories from Lustig, Jason Miller ("The Exorcist"), Robert Forster ("Jackie Brown"), plus other friends and family. The doc is funny, poignant and sometimes downright sad, but in the end you feel like you met the guy, perhaps even had a couple drinks with him. Watch it, then watch "Maniac" again. And then, search out Spinell's other work.
Review of The Joe Spinell Story
