39
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 63Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversGo Ahead And Scoff. But This cheap-jack sequel to the 1982 cult favorite about a hunky scientist (Dick Durock) turned talking plant delivers more tacky hit-and-miss hilarity than a Cineplex-ful of teen-sex comedies.
- 50The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyThe movie is based on characters that originally appeared in DC Comics, and means to be funnier than it ever is. It almost achieves its comic goal in one scene in which Swamp Thing and Heather Locklear, as Mr. Jourdan's innocent stepdaughter, attempt to consummate a love that cannot be. The film is otherwise composed entirely of special effects that alternate with whimsy.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineWith its endless string of good-naturedly cheap jokes and its comic-book style, The Return of Swamp Thing is good campy fun, spoofing its horror premise effectively.
- 50Time OutTime OutApprenticed under Corman, Wynorski is well-versed in double-bluffing his audience, denying them the chance of balking at dreadful special effects by implying that the ineptitude is deliberate. He opts for cheap nostalgic laughs and camp '50s sci-fi scenery; depending on whether you find this funny, you'll either smile knowingly or gasp in disbelief.
- 50The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray ConlogueThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Ray ConlogueA mere action suspense adventure lacking the depths of the original. [14 July 1989]
- 30Los Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonLos Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonThis is the same dopey save-the-princess-and-kill-everybody revenge plot we always get. The Return of Swamp Thing is enough to drive you back to the comic book stand. Or even the swamp.
- 25Washington PostRichard HarringtonWashington PostRichard HarringtonSome films aspire to B status; some achieve it accidentally. Return of the Swamp Thing does neither. It isn't shocking or entertaining. At best, it is a catalogue of bad acting unredeemed by humor, and it will quickly settle back into the swamp of anonymity accorded most minor comic book heroes. [26 June 1989, p.B8]
- 20EmpireWilliam ThomasEmpireWilliam ThomasThe world can only hope The Swamp Thing's abode is now bulldozered and turned into a shopping mall.