Swamp Thing (1982)

A BUST

Well, Adrienne Barbeau has a nice set of bazooms, but that's about the only thing worth looking at in this silly nonsense that might entertain a few ten year olds. I had thought that maybe with an actor the stature of Louis Jourdan, A.B., and directed by Wes Craven, that maybe it would have at least something to recommend it. Afraid not. December 30, 2008

An Enjoyable, Decent Little Popcorn Thriller From '82!

I still like Swamp Thing (1982). Twenty-six years later it's still fun to watch. For a movie about a botanist who gets accidentally turned into a super-strong, half-man, half-plant superhero, it is pretty cool, even if it is admittedly more than a little campy. But hey, it's based on a DC Comics series, so whaddaya expect?!!? Of course it's gonna be a little bit campy. But it also has enough plot, atomosphere and science to hold the viewer's interest. Adrienne Barbeau is great eye candy as Cable, the film's heroinne and Louis Jordan is quite a treat as the menacing, placid villain, Anton Arcane.

I guess this film still strikes a chord with me because I first got see this one when I was little and also for the fact that much of the film's atomospheric swamp scenery and background was filmed right here in my own native South Carolina. (Even though in the film, it's set in the Florida Everglades) The scene where we first meet Reggie Batts's character at the run-down, backroad gas station was filmed on St. Helena Island, SC. The authentic South Carolina swamp scenery definitely added to the movie!

This was an earlier offering from director Wes Craven with a decidely Friday-the-13th-like musical score from composer Harry Manfredini. While not outstanding, it still has enough thrills, chills, action, mood and decent, pre-CGI creature effects ----- as well as a large enough fan following ----- to assure it cult status. The climatic showdown in the bog at the end of the movie between Swamp Thing and the mutated, sword-wielding Arcane creature was worth the whole flick! Still worth checking out, even 26 years later. September 9, 2008

A unique Mix of Horror and Superhero movies

Dr Alec Holland (Ray Wise) and Goverment Agent Alice Cable (Adrienne Barbeau) Are Working on a Formula that could end world hunger ! But Evil Scientist, Anton Arcane(Louis Jourdan) Tries to steal it and mutates Holland into a half man-half plant superhero Swamp Thing (Dick Durock).

I found it was pretty good but the Arcane Mutant look kin'da fake but had a great script and some pretty good actor's.

A Decent Comic Book Movie. July 31, 2008

A Modern Retelling of "Beauty and the Beast"

"Swamp Thing" is an early classic gem from Wes Craven who also directed such horror hits as "The Hills Have Eyes," "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Scream." Based on the popular DC Comics, "Swamp Thing" is actually a family movie that has something for everyone: action, adventure, horror, and romance.

"Swamp Thing" is a modern version of "Beauty and the Beast." It is a heart warming tale of good versus evil that teaches us that our true character is based on what is in our hearts and not on outward appearances.

The Florida swamps never looked more beautiful and inviting as they do in "Swamp Thing." A great musical score is provided by Harry Manfredini who also provided the eerie music for "Friday the 13th."

Great performances are given by all the leads, especially Louis Jourdan (James Bond's nemesis in "Octopussy") who always does a great job as the villain. In "Swamp Thing," Jourdan is the evil Arcane who is determined to steal Alec Holland's secret formula to combine plant and animal DNA. Adrienne Barbeau (best known for the series "Maude" and John Carpenter's "The Fog") is great as the beautiful, but tough, agent Alice Cable who is hired to assist Holland with his experiments. She develops a fondness for him that grows even after he changes into Swamp Thing.

I was surprised (not thrilled) to see David Hess as one of Arcane's filthy henchmen. Hess is usually cast as a slimy, repulsive character; his most notorious role is an escaped convict who abducts and murders two young women in Craven's gritty film, "The Last House on the Left." Thankfully, Craven doesn't make films like that anymore and "Swamp Thing" is a vast departure.

"Swamp Thing" is rated PG and is great fun for the entire family. I recommend it for those who enjoy comic book heroes or love action/adventure movies with a strong romantic element.

July 3, 2008

Save your childhood memories and DONT watch this DVD

The Swamp Thing - DVD

I know that this film is a cult classic, so I will tread carefully in this review. When you were young, and you watched this movie, you saw a green monster who was tough, explosions, people being thrown headfirst into the swamp, and Adrienne Barbeau's boobies bouncing about. If that is your recollection of this film, then please save your childhood memories and do NOT go back and watch this film again.

If you are an adult and you have not seen this film, or if you want to destroy your childhood memories of this movie... this is what you will see:

1) First there are not any special features on the DVD, except for the trailer which is a cheesefest of epic proportions.

2) Adrienne Barbeau's boobies do have 85% of the movie as the main focus... they bounce in all sort of directions under various conditions and have more costume changes than any other character in the film.

3) The Swamp thing is a man in a rubber suit that does not bend quite properly.

4) If you look carefully you can see netting and other things in the background used to increase the "Swampy" feel

5) The voices don't go to their mouths... infact often there are voices for characters who never open their mouths through the entire scene.

6) The things that blow up... aren't things that should probably have blown up under those circumstances.

7) The pig costume is TERRIBLE

8) Apparently a Doctor and A Government Agent can fall in love in under 12 hours... and it will be a lasting love that will be strong enough for them to be willing to sacrifice it all for their lover, whom they have only ever kissed and an awkwardly dispassionate way.

9) Bad guys always drink the potions...

10) 13 year old African American children run/own stores out in the middle of the swamp.

Basically this movie has about 20 minutes of plot, and it's not very good plot either. To fill up the rest of the time you have Cable (Adrienne Barbeau's Character) running about the swamp with her boobies bouncing, to be saved by the swamp thing who will then leave the scene with a reused shot resembling the "Big Foot" footage. This repeats about 8 times before she is captured and placed in an evening gown so her now tired boobies can breath. The bad guy chugs the potion and turns into a badly made monster who runs out into the swamp with a sword for an epic wrestling match with the Swamp Thing. The movie is funny, and bad, and cheesy and probably okay to let the kids watch if it wasn't for a few minor "s" words. But I would NEVER call this a 5 star film. Entertaining in that cheesy early 80's film way... but no great feat of cinematic genius.
January 14, 2008

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