Runtime: 95 minutes
Directed by: Chuck Russell-no relation
Starring: Shawnee Smith, Kevin Dillon, Donovan Leitch, Jr. Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark
From: Tri-Star
Heck, might as well start my Spooky Season right now.
As explained in previous years, I never follow the usual “Hooptober” voluntary lists that Letterboxd users participate in where they choose their films based on various guidelines. Is there even one this year? That’s irrelevant to me anyhow; I view whatever passes my fancy as horror or appropriately spooky movies/shorts/cartoons/what have you are seen from now until Halloween, the official list to be posted in early November.
This was selected as a few months ago I saw the OG Blob and it’s 50’s silliness which was nevertheless charming and had the hilarity of “Steven” McQueen playing a teenager when he was 28 at the time and looked to be at least 30. Several then suggested that I needed to check out its 80’s remake from Chuck Russell-no relation. One step ahead of you—there were thoughts of seeing both last October (!) so that’s why the remake has been on the DVR since then, finally deleted last night.
The remake (an example where doing a remake was the right call) similar to the original: teens discover the titular blob escaped from a meteorite that crashed in the woods and it causes havoc; naturally, the adults don’t believe such a fantastical tale. The film enhances the plot points from the original and of course the gore/effects are improved with the passage of 3 decades’ time. In fact, this was incredibly gory and filled w/ goopy effects. Those that love seeing those practically, you’ll be satisfied as the crew did a swell job w/ that. The movie’s good pacing and winning script (from Russell & Frank Darabont) played critical roles in my enjoyment.
It is a movie lit well even at night-it takes place in the span of 24 hours and mostly once the sun’s down-filled with memorable characters, including the teen leads that thankfully aren’t foul-mouthed louts nor irksome idiots. It is simply a fun ride for those that enjoy gory 80’s films that aren’t dead-serious yet avoid lame “humor” or winking at the camera-there are amusing moments that are funny. It’s a nice cast where several familiar faces-much to my surprise-and Shawnee Smith as the cheerleader/Kevin Dillon as the motorcycle-riding rebel were the highlights. Mix in a totally 80’s score and this was something that should have been tackled YEARS ago.
After all, this even took the time to present this sleepy California town in October (actually filmed in Louisiana) via the opening credits and establishing shots, which seem to be rare these days. Even after all the horror films experienced by me through my life (not just what I’ve reviewed here on Letterboxd during this time of year), there are still famous, quality examples like The Blob for me to discuss during Spooky Season 2024.
No comments:
Post a Comment