The
Blob (1988)
Directed
by Chuck Russell
Starring
Kevin Dillon, Shawnee Smith, Donovan Leitch, Jeffrey DeMunn, Candy Clark, Joe
Seneca
A
meteor crashes in a small town, bringing something unstoppable and deadly. A devouring
goo emerges from the rock, engulfing a hobo and moving on to some townspeople. As
the sentient mass consumes more and more, it becomes a race against time for
two teens to convince the town of the imminent danger coming their way.
Make
no mistake: this remake is all about the gory fun of horror movies. That’s not
to say that The Blob is dumb, it’s
certainly more cynical and darker than the original. The film is all about getting
the story and the audience to the next FX shot with as little resistance as
possible. Kind of like Michael Mann makes style into substance; Chuck Russell shows
the merits of a sickly satisfying monster movie.
The
special effects are the stars here, showing everything about the Blob’s digestive
process that the 1958 film would never dare to exhibit. People are digested
alive, onscreen, under bright lights. Teens implode, soldiers get engulfed, and
even small children fall apart in the creature’s gooey embrace. It’s shocking
and disgusting, but also kind of fun and nihilistically charming.
The
consistency of the Blob no longer resembles jello topped with jam. It’s got a lumpy,
mucus-like consistency that looks bio-hazardous. The mass also sprouts
tentacles in this update, which vary in quality. Some look menacing, others
look like rubber tubing. Overall, the creature and gore effects are cool and
still make gruesome sights. The only effects that didn’t age well are the green
screen backdrops which are used sporadically.
Russell
and Frank Darabont wrote a script that balances plot, action pieces, and sets
up the scares quite well. The story just flows, never dwelling too long on
anything but still keeping your attention. There are some legitimately good
action scenes, even a full motorcycle chase. Little things introduced seemingly
offhand come back later for some serious payoff.
The
characters work well enough, but they’re only there to be put into terrifying
sequences that demand your attention. Shawnee Smith has the most interesting
part in Meg, a cheerleader that’s intelligent and capable of dealing with the
Blob on her own. She’s almost a proto-Buffy. Russell and Darabont put a lot of
work into making the Blob itself have a pronounced personality. It’s not just
this oozing thing that mindlessly pursues Steve McQueen. This Blob is
aggressive and tactical, finding the best moment and method for which to
attack. The monster here is a Lovecraftian apex predator and it makes all the
difference.
The
cast is awesome and full of future success. Kevin Dillon plays the bad boy
turned mulleted hero Brian. Shawnee Smith does well giving some spirit to Meg.
Jeffrey DeMunn shows up to play hard ass sheriff with a secret soft side. Del
Close has a memorable performance as the town Reverend, a side character that
has an interesting character arc. Joe Seneca plays military scientist Dr.
Meddows with equal parts old man charm and authoritative viciousness. Only the
kid actors turn in sub par work, but not enough to ruin the movie.
The Blob
is twisted, dark horror movie fun. It’s for those who don’t feel too precious
about the original or haven’t tested their squeamishness in a while.
8 out of 10
