Customer Reviews

Hidden [VHS]

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If you're all stocked up on the requisite horror/sci-fi DVDs and are looking to go deeper in your collection, here is a little gem from 1987 that I guarantee will please. Everyone has a movie they love that nobody else saw - this is one of mine.

You can get a feel for the story from the Amazon blurb above. My testimony is for the fun of the film. It's not gory, or even necesarrily bone-chillingly scary. It's just extremely entertaining and really well done (it's cousin in this genre is TREMORS, for the fun and campiness of it all).

But what makes this DVD worth BUYING is its extras, especially the commentary by director Jack Sholder. This guy is a B-movie director if ever there was one, and his resume isn't all that impressive: Nightmare on Elm Street 2, Renegades, some other forgettable 80's films, and the recently abysmal Supernova. But gosh darnit if he didn't make a good enough film to warrant some director's audio commentary, and boy does he go to town. You can tell he's probably a real jerk to work with, and quite impressed with himself. And his cranky disposition makes for some great dirt on the making of this film. He disses the star, Michael Nouri, and even blasts the poor acting of some of his bit players. This is a guy who likely makes few friends with his commentary, and it's VERY entertaining, especially after having enjoyed the film for your first time. On top of that, he's a pretty practical low-budget director who shares the tricks of what he did and adds depth to one's appreciation for the film.

So to sum up - a great little movie on its own merits, with great director's commentary to warrant purchasing the DVD.

This gets compared to "The Terminator" a lot, but I actually think this film is even better than THAT sci-fi classic. Maybe because it's deeper and uses the L.A. locale to great effect. Or maybe it's the acting, which is terrific. Even the lower-billed actors create an indelible impression (like a pre-Law and Order Richard Brooks). But there's other layers to this film that I think are overlooked - this is a really satirical film. The alien is obsessed with loud music, fast cars, and in the end, power. All very human qualities, I think. And then there's the emotional undercurrent of the story. This is a film that doesn't rely just on action but on the sadness of Kyle McLachlan's character, especially when it is contrasted with the happiness of Nouri's home life. That aside, this is also a kick-ass action film. This flick should be examined by those who want to know how to create an exciting story with minimal expostion. It starts out with that tremendously horrifying bank robbery, followed by a car chase that gets more violent as it goes on. And there's a number of bloody shootouts, each one more relentless than the previous. The final one in particular is scary because you just know the guy is not going to be stopped no matter what. And there's a real sense of terror as certain characters become hosts for the alien. And I don't think I've seen a film that better captures Hollywood's sleazy non-film industry underbelly.

I had seen this movie about 15 years ago as a teenager and it had left a special impression on me. I confess that I was not and am not much of a fan of bloody, shoot-and-kill movies, so I don't remember why I, a young girl, had rented "The Hidden" back then (probably because I liked Kyle MacLachlan at the time, teenage thing), but I was not disappointed. And now, seeing that I could get it on dvd, I risked ordering it, knowing that my memory could be playing tricks on me and my taste may have changed since then. End verdict: I love it even more!

How can I describe this movie without spoiling it for anyone?... I'd say watch it without knowing much of the plot. Just the basics, that it's a cop thriller with a sci-fi twist. It's fast paced, well scripted and, most of all, very well acted. MacLachlan is particularly good as the mysterious, sorrowful Lloyd Gallagher. The special features are a few but okay, with the Director's Commentary a real flood of behind-the-scenes information and plot explainations (it even explains the called-by-some strange connection between Lloyd and Beck's little girl).

A few warnings: The film is rated R for a reason, it shoots up a lot of people and it's not at all shy at showing exactly how a bullet hits and creates a bloody mess. It also has some bad language that childern should better not hear. It's not a big budget movie, it doesn't have the super duper special effects, but it makes the best of what it has with realism and style.

May I add a correction to the DVD description? Unfortunately, from the Special Features, the
"Scenes from the original screenplay, including the original ending // Photos, production sketches, storyboards" that Amazon lists are NOT included in this version, or at least in the dvd I got from Amazon.com this past week. I admit that I'm a little disappointed by that, but luckily the Director's Commentary sheds enough light on the original versus final script.

Bottom line: As a fellow reviewer put it, "The Hidden" is indeed a hidden little gem. It has guns, expensive cars and shoot-outs, it has aliens and cops, but it also has performances, nice dialogs, humor and, believe it, emotion. I think that every movie fan, male or female, that can judge a good cult movie when they see it, will smile when the end credits fall.

"The Hidden" is usually placed in the horror section of the videostore, which is a genre I don't usually watch. The only reason I picked this one up is because Siskel and Ebert said it was one of their secret pleasures. This movie is so much more than a horror film! It's witty and funny, satirical as well as full of pathos. Even though I've got this film in widescreen VHS, I'm going to get the DVD version because of the commentary track; I really want to know why the filmmakers made certain choices and what they think of them now that the film's several years old.

As others have said, there have been many stories and movies regarding aliens taking over human bodies however... This movie was original, it was the first time that I remember seeing a film where the aliens were both good and evil and they both possessed humans. THis film showed and alien crimmial coming to earth and taking over normal humans, committing very violent crimes and when the human body is so abused and used up, the alien transfers into another body. This film was fun and exciting to watch. Fast past and action packed. The unfortunate side effect of this movie was the fact that hollywood would use it as a template to copy and make horrid films, like the First Power, Shocker and many others all predictable and boring. I have heard this film compared to the masterpeice Invasoin of the body snatchers. I can see how one can make that comparison but this movie is far different. This was an action movie. And\it was not predictable.
Great Film, I would definately recommend it.

A rip roaring scifi/action flick that moves along at a relentless pace and is one of the best of its type. Sure, it's the old 'alien body snatcher' thing, but it is presented with such verve and accompanied by a terrific rock soundtrack (at least for the 80's!), that it really is irresistable fun. A fine job has been done with the dvd presentation and I'm still at a loss as to why this cult classic never got a cinema release, especially compared to alot of the drivel that does. Highly recommended.

Them space aliens sure is a sneaky (and often slimy) bunch...if'n they ain't trying to probe or kill us puny Earthlings, they're subjugating us in some nefarious fashion or other, a fine example of the latter displayed here in the film The Hidden (1987). Written by Jim Kouf (Stakeout, Rush Hour, National Treasure), and directed by Jack Sholder (A Nightmare On Elm Street Part 2: Freddy's Revenge, Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies), the film stars Kyle MacLachlan (Dune, Blue Velvet) and Michael Nouri (Flashdance, "The O.C."). Also appearing is Ed O'Ross (Red Heat, Another 48 Hrs.), William Boyett ("Adam-12", Sam Whiskey), Clu Gulager (McQ, The Return of the Living Dead), Clarence Felder (Slayground, A Nightmare On Elm Street: The Dream Child), Richard Brooks ("Law & Order"), and television sci-fi vixen extraordinaire Claudia Christian (Maniac Cop 2, "Babylon 5") in one of her first film roles (and what a role it is...hotchie mama!).

The film begins as we witnesses a shotgun wielding man rob a bank (and taking out a few guards in the process), jump into a black Ferrari, and haul ash through the streets of West Hollywood. The authorities give pursuit, some paint is traded, and things end badly (for both the robber and his getaway car) as the unassuming thief/murderer runs into a heavily armed police roadblock. Surprisingly the man is still alive and taken to the hospital, where homicide detective Tom Beck (Nouri) makes the scene. Apparently, the critically injured man has spent the last two weeks on a regular crime spree, robbing and killing at the drop of a hat, but prior to that his record was clean. Returning to the station, Beck learns he's been assigned to work with a FBI man named Lloyd Gallagher (MacLachlan), who's been actively searching for the man now in the hospital. Well, turns out the injured man was being controlled by some sort of alien life form in his body, an extry large space slug, one that soon leaves the now badly damaged body it once called home, opting for a older man with all sorts of health problems (played by Boyett), who happened to share a bed in the same room. After the death of the original man Beck thinks the case closed, but Gallagher knows differently, as now they must hunt down the alien in its new host body. Beck is obviously lost as Gallagher keeps a tight lip on what's really going on, and the pair follows the trail of bloody bodies that continue to pile up in search of the parasitic killer. After the Boyett body peters out, the creature enters a professional dancer played by Claudia Christian (good choice), and things really heat up as the creature has its eyes on the prize, that of a powerful senator who just happens to be in town, preparing to announce his intentions to run for president. Will they be able to stop the lil' bugger from its grab for power, or will the next commander in chief be a mindless zombie senator under the influence of an alien space slug?

I enjoyed this film a lot, and I learned quite a few things...

1. Parasitic alien entities love rock music.
2. Parasitic alien entities hate country music.
3. Parasitic alien entities have a thing for Ferraris.
4. Parasitic alien entities don't obey traffic laws.
5. The secret service equips their agents with Uzi's.
6. Altairians are a filthy people.
7. Claudia Christian looks hot in a G-String (okay, maybe this is more of a given than something I learned).

Okay, if you're a fan of science films, the concept of wee aliens assuming control of the bodies of Earthlings by some means (in this case entering the various bodies via the mouth) for whatever purpose isn't anything new, but this film works if only because it keeps things moving along at a fast pace, features some decent performances, a solid script, and a strong sense of direction. I doubt The Hidden will ever garner the label of being a true classic, but it is a whole lot of mindless fun, and a heck of a lot better than much of the sci-fi schlock I've seen over the years. One of the things I appreciate most about the film is it keeps things simple, assuming the guise of an action film with science fiction elements that doesn't take itself too seriously. MacLachlan seems well suited for his role as the odd and mysterious Lloyd Gallagher, as does Nouri as Beck, the frustrated detective in way over his head, continually trying to play catch up given Gallagher's reluctance to share any real information. Boyett was pretty funny as the sickly man with gastrointestinal issues under alien control, and Claudia Christian was just hot (this movie is worth checking out if only to catch her initial scene in the strip club). If it's action ye crave, matey, then you've come to the right place. There's gun violence galore, as the alien controlled victims tend to take a whole lot of damage before they go down (seems the alien gives its brain dead host a boost of vitality, enough so to withstand a whole lot of punishment). The alien itself was very cool looking, and completely hideous. It was about the size of a small dog, resembled a slug, and featured hairy legs and plenty of slimy tentacles coming from its backside. My favorite line of the film comes during a scene when the police are investigating a rash of homicides, and the coroner shows up stating to Nouri's character "It's getting a little in my van, you know?" There's a number of great sequences, but the one that really sticks out in my mind is after the alien assumes control of Claudia Christian's character, and begins feeling up its new, voluptuous host in a completely sleazy manner (I have to admit, that's exactly what I would have done if I were in the same position). Another memorable sequence comes after Beck orders Gallagher arrested, mainly out of spite for not being more forthcoming, and Gallagher's specialized alien killing weapon is confiscated (it looks like a prop from the Men in Black film). A curious ballistics technicians begins fiddling with it, and learns first hand why you shouldn't mess with things you're not familiar with...

The picture, presented in both fullscreen (1.33:1) and widescreen (1.85:1) anamorphic, looks sharp, and the audio, available in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround and Dolby Digital mono, comes through very well. As far as extras, there's a commentary track featuring director Jack Sholder and writer/director Tim Hunter (Over the Edge, River's Edge), special effects production footage with commentary by Sholder, cast and crew filmographies, and a original theatrical trailer for the movie.

Cookieman108

By the way, in case you're wondering, there isn't any real nekkidness in the film, but there are some worthwhile close calls...

Director: Jack Sholder
Cast: Michael Nouri, Kyle MacLachlan, Ed O'Ross, Clu Gulager, Claudia Christian.
Running Time: 97 minutes.
Rated R for violence, sexual situations, gore, and language.

A nice surprise of an action-science fiction feast, pitting police detective Michael Nouri and federal agent Kyle MacLachlan to join forces against an unknown evil. When a bizarre series of crimes wreck havoc on the streets of Los Angeles, California, the two discover that they may be up against a slithery alien intruder that wants to take over the world. MacLachlan's behavior gets stranger and stranger as the film goes on, prompting Nouri to suspect that he may have something to do with it.

Director Sholder creates a "Lethal Weapon" on extra-terrestrial steriods, creating an original and amusing cop-buddy flick that is satisfyingly different. While the script is fairly bogus and the performances are only mediocre, the action sequences and special effects are very well-done. Not a film that should cause anyone to drop all of their things and watch at once, but an exciting motion picture that will gratify those who enjoy many genres.

Absolutely awesome sci-fi film! The acting by Kyle MacLachlan is right on point. Michael Nouri who plays detective Beck does it with believability(its real hards to believe this is the same guy from Flashdance)thats rarely seen in this type of movie.The movie is mostly fast paced but at the right times it has extremley poignant moments. This movie has an in-your-face assault on the senses that keeps you riveted. Next to Invasion of the Body Snatchers this has to be the best 'alien using and abusing human bodies' movie to come along. Everyone who was taken over by the alien really played it like the real thing(even the dog).Most sci-fi buffs know of this film, but I'm surprised how many dont know of it. The chase scenes alone rival or surpass some "mainstream" movies. All the elements come together creating an interesting and action filled picture. Also, a great pondering ending. Love that unintended eighties feel this has. The dvd sound is good, but the aspect ratio of the film was played around with. That doesn't hurt it too much, but a corrected extra special edition is well needed. Don't waste your time on "The Hidden part 2". Its a mess.

Sci-Fi, horror, cop thriller, buddy movie, action flick. 'THE HIDDEN' is a delightful combo of all of these genres. It's almost like watching the best scenes from 'THE TERMINATOR', 'INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS', 'ROBOCOP', '48 HOURS' and 'SPECIES' all in the same movie! And yet, despite having all the necessary ingredients that make up a summer blockbuster, 'THE HIDDEN' has instead received a decent-sized cult following over the years. Perhaps one day it will join other movie greats like 'BLADE RUNNER' and 'HIGHLANDER', both of which were also flops at the time of their theatrical releases but have since then become classics of science fiction and fantasy. Peace.