C.H.U.D.

C.H.U.D. (1984)

Runtime: 97 minutes

Directed by: Douglas Cheek

Starring: John Heard, Daniel Stern, Christopher Curry, Kim Griest, many familiar faces in small roles

From: New World Pictures

Would you believe this was a first-time-watch for me? In the second of two reviews I’ve posted today that were set & filmed in the Bad New York City of Old, I had to hit up an infamous motion picture from the 80’s which officially spawned a sequel known as BUD THE CHUD and unofficially, the term has entered the lexicon and spawned a popular movie website/messageboard. Thus, about time I experienced this in what was a last minute decision.

C.H.U.D. was a hoot for me. It has an over-qualified cast, including John Heard as the lead. At times his character was a jerk; on the other hand, several characters were on the antagonistic side AND to mention a spoiler, his g/f announces she was pregnant. She asks if she could keep it… he responds, “your choice.” Progressive, at least. He’s a fashion photographer who did a human interest story on homeless people. That’s how he and several different disparate people eventually get together to combat the Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers. The most memorable character (as he was the funniest) was played by Daniel Stern as “The Reverend,” who runs a homeless shelter.

For a goofy B-movie creature feature, there are plenty of familiar faces, even if some are in bit parts: Heard, Stern, Christopher Curry, Kim Griest, Jon Polito, Frankie R. Faison, John Goodman, Jay Thomas, and even Patricia Richardson for a moment. The film is not for those that want gnarly kills, as there are none; nonetheless, there ARE a few gory remnants of corpses literally torn apart. Some viewers will want more C.H.U.D. action; personally, there was enough for me. They are nice practical effects, not to mention a distinctive creature. A basic but effective story kept me invested when there was no monster action. An “only in the 80’s” score was another asset.

The plot thread concerning the plight of the homeless becomes a whisper after the first act; even then, that’s more of a focus on the societal issue than you find in most films. The underground world that makes up a good chunk of the picture is appropriately grimy, setting the mood. C.H.U.D. is not the most thrilling nor memorable 80’s trash horror cinema out there; with that point recognized, that doesn’t mean there isn’t fun to be had.