Theatrical Poster
Fred Andrews’ directorial debut, Creature, tries to recapture the old Universal creature from the black lagoon feel, all the while mixing it with Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Deliverance.
The film takes place in Louisiana where a group of friends go to the backwoods of the swamp. They meet some locals, one being Sid Haig, who tells them the story of local legend Grimley, a half man half crocodile who has for decades feasted on the people from the swamp area and tourists.
Of course the group decides to go and find the house where Grimley once lived as a human, which sets up typical scares of finding an abandoned cabin in the woods. Then they decide to camp close by for the night and leave in the morning, but of course, the locals have other plans. Throw in a twist to the characters that isn’t such a twist regarding who is really who, and you’ve got Creature.
Now I will say that the Creature looked fantastic. If there was something they did right in this production, it was Grimley for sure. The gore in the film was also very nicely done. Also, the set design in the swamp area was done really exquisite as well, and it should be since Andrews’ career thus far has been in production design.
The acting in this film was pretty much what you expect it to be. Nothing really amazing or even memorable.
This storyline has worked wonderfully for many films in the past, and even currently with Shark Night 3D, but Creature just seemed tired and uninspired. I’d even go so far as to say maybe an easy paycheck for the cast and crew.
If this was a lower budget film direct to DVD or even found only at conventions being sold by the director on personally pressed DVDs, it might have been a saving grace for it because then it’s like, “Hey it’s his first film done with no money. I can see some potential here, let’s hope that he keeps working at it and someday we’ll see something amazing.” But getting a nation wide distribution deal with a budget of three million dollars and then going to the theater and being given this…knowing there are hundreds of other great, original horror films being made in the indie world really made me sad and disappointed that I spent about twelve bucks to see it. I’ve seen what he can do with three million dollars, and I don’t care to see what he could do with ten or fifteen million after this film.
Creature is honestly worth seeing only if it’s a Saturday night and you’re with your buddies looking for a horrible horror film to watch with a case of beer, otherwise it’s not worth your time.
