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swind74
Reviews
The Black Scorpion (1957)
Great effects and acting...for the most part.
I picked up the DVD during my phase of "I must own everything associated with Ray Harryhausen". Seeing his involvement listed on the back of the DVD, combined with the $6.99 price tag and the wonderful cover art made this one a no-brainer.
From the very first few minutes, it is very apparent that they are going for the same look and feel of the 1954 big bug classic "Them!" using the same dusty surroundings and a run-down house that looks eerily similar to the one used in that film. We do have to wait a pretty long time before being treated to our first sighting of the titular bugs, and they look wonderful thanks to FX pioneer Willis O'Brien. My only complaints are that the screeching/groaning noises that they make are the same in tone and length every time they are on screen. Being from Ohio, and unfamiliar with the machinations of an angry scorpion, perhaps I am unqualified to comment on the realism of these effects. Another small problem I have with the presentation of the scorpions, especially "big daddy", is that they always cut to the same close-up stock footage, no matter where the action is situated nor if it is day or night. Other than that, the effects are wonderful, especially the stop-motion chases and the shadows of the pincers chasing after their human prey. Great stuff.
The acting isn't too bad, although it is underplayed a bit too much for my taste. If you're truly in peril, you probably shouldn't be quite as interested in sharing a cocktail with the locals, even if the lead actress is as hubba-hubba worthy as this one.
All in all, this is truly one for your collection, especially if you're a deadly-bug-a-holic like me. I still prefer "Them!" but this one still sits proudly on my shelf.
Breeders (1986)
Time hasn't been kind to this one.
I picked up this one since I have an affinity for 70's and 80's deadly animal flicks. The reviews said this one would fall squarely into this sub-subgenre.
Since this one was released in 1986, I guess it would be fair to compare it to a similar film from that year, The Fly. Some of the makeup effects and general atmosphere are similar, but Breeders falls way short of Cronenberg's work. Plots aren't fully explored, the acting is painful to watch (except for the guy who plays Ira), and you never get a grasp as to what the titular creatures look like. I was willing to allow for a little clumsiness in the appearance of the creature(s), since this was pre-CGI, but I was disappointed.
I suppose if you have a thing for 80's hairstyles on unclothed ladies, then this one may suit your late-night fancy. Otherwise, go watch Cronenberg's work again, or take a look at Piranha, Razorback, or Squirm.
Trapped (2002)
Poor casting sinks this one.
Stuart Townsend in listed as being 29 years old (probably younger when this was shot). He could easily pass for 21. Hence, we are expected to believe that his character has gotten married, had a daughter (who is at least 4), graduated from college AND medical school, been a doctor for at least a couple years, advanced in the field beyond many of his peers, and also had a few extra minutes to invent some new medical products. This is the epitome of poor casting.
As for the others, Bacon is wonderful as always, Theron is as radiant as ever as a spunky mother, and Love phones it in as a requisite wacko.
The story is pretty standard stuff for a thriller, although there are a few surprises along the way. Recommended for Bacon die-hards, if such a thing exists.
Grade: C-