9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boffo Camp, December 7, 2007
This review is from: Creatures from the Pink Lagoon (DVD)
OK... how can you NOT give a rave review to something that knows it's not a Fellini production and relishes the fact? An homage to the schlock horror classics of the 50's and 60's,"Creatures" never takes itself seriously and puts the "C" in "camp" (not to mention "amp"ing up the fun).
It's "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Boys in the Band" (note the group kickline), it's sheer madness, it's a crowd pleaser! For a first effort from director Chris Diani, I was pleasantly surprised that this was a full-length feature, with witty dialogue and a bevy of capable actors. The special effects are anything but--but that is obviously intended, as few of the (no doubt low budget) horror films of the time employed believable effects. Anyone remember "Them!" with the giant ants? Perfect example.
The movie had no low moments, and had me laughing out loud throughout! If you love Judy, if you love hunky men (okay, some had rotting flesh), if you love gay camp and "dish dish dish", this movie is for you!
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Leave your "PC" inhibitions at the door ... or the zombies are gonna GET ya! :), October 23, 2007
This review is from: Creatures from the Pink Lagoon (DVD)
Did you ever wonder what would happen if the cast of "Boys in the Band" had stuck around to remake "The Night of the Living Dead"? Wonder no more!
The story starts (as did "Boys...") with a birthday celebration attended by a group of gay friends. Everyone gather's at Stan's beach house to honor Phillip (Nick Garrison), while his friends also want to convince him to drop his new boyfriend, who is cheating on him. Randall (Philip Clarke .. channeling Paul Lynde in full bitchy-queen mode) throws constant cutdowns at the others, especially his boyfriend-du-jour, Gary (John Kaufmann), who is instantly smitten by Stan's boyfriend, the hunky Billy (Vincent Kovar). Rounding out the group is Billy's shy gay cousin Joseph, who is attracted to Phillip.
Unfortunately, the chemical plant near the highway rest stop - a favorite cruising area for gay men, including Phillip's slutty boyfriend - has somehow mutated the local mosquitos, so that anyone bitten becomes a raving, undead flesh-eating zombie. But, of course, they are all gay, so they become GAY raving, undead flesh-eating zombies ... with an attitude, a dislike of cheap cologne, and an appreciation for showtunes and Judy Garland. Of course, the zombies come out to feed shortly after the party gets underway, and the partygoers hope for someone to take the lead in protecting them from certain, gory death. Un huh.
"Creatures from the Pink Lagoon" (2006) is a delightfully campy and cheesy send-up of stereotypes, primarily of gay men in the late 1960's (as portrayed in "Boys in the Band") and of a host of low budget "zombie" movies that filled the drive-ins and movie screens of that decade. Shot in black & white, and made on a shoestring budget by a group of Seattle stage performers and directors, using a cast with few if any movie credits. What the simplistic script and cheesy special effects (think turkey with chocolate sauce!) take away from the production is made up by the enthusiasm of the performers, who obviously had a lot of fun making this film, which makes it fun to watch as well. Park your political correctness hangups at the door, and enjoy!
An impressive number of DVD extras include trailers, deleted scenes, a "making of" featurette, a previous short by the director (and one of the stars, in drag) for Seattle's 2004 gay pride, production stills, crew and actor commentary. The film is in Black & White, to capture the mood of the '60's horror films it spoofs. I give it a joyful 5 stars out of 5, and recommend it highly for your Halloween party!
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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
High Camp and Gore!, December 3, 2008
This review is from: Creatures from the Pink Lagoon (DVD)
Totally enjoyed this movie. It doesn't pretend to be anything but a low budget, gay themed take off of the 50's horror movies we flocked to the matinees on Saturday afternoons to see. In that it succeeds! A treat.
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