Malfunctioning security robots turn into a lethal danger inside a Southern California shopping center after being affected by lightning, putting several young people celebrating at an upholstery shop late at night in peril. “Chopping Mall,” released in 1986, borrows the concept of hostile robots from “Westworld” (1973) and combines it with the mall environment seen in “Dawn of the Dead” (1978), featuring machines that resemble a dark twist on characters from "Short Circuit" (1986) and R2D2. The film “RoboCop” wouldn’t arrive until the following year. Kelli Maroney, playing the lead character Alison, is a definite standout; Russell Todd, known for his role in “Friday the 13th Part 2” (1981), provides solid support as Rick. Suzee Slater's portrayal of Leslie is acceptable. It’s an energetic lower-tier film, but ultimately disposable—enjoyable and competently made, yet lacking substance and easily overlooked. The movie has a runtime of 1 hour and 17 minutes and was filmed in Los Angeles at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, a location also used for “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982) and “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991). GRADE: B-/C+

Source on TMDB