Desert Alien

Ah the 80's, its the decade that just keeps giving. In this case, late 80's. This is definitely a weird one and a good one. The horror element is subtle, its a kind of omni-present and foreboding kind of horror. It does not take long until the weird stuff starts happening which is something I appreciate with these sorts of movies.

Mark Singer plays Brad Mueller a bench pressing city slicker who loves to get out in the rough and do some hunting with his buds. Chuck Conners plays Stan Brown a weather beaten old timer who gets around with a pair of saddle horses. When the lot of them meet up things get strange real fast. There is a bit of psychology going on in this movie as well as mystery.

The unraveling speed of the story/plot happens at a nice constant pace which keeps one watching. This is definitely a weird horror which has what you might call surreal moments. Worth seeing if you like the 80's horror and and the strange stuff. Definitely a tenner in my books.

This is one film you don't want to miss! This could become a cult classic, if enough people would view it with the right attitude.

Here are some of my random thoughts:

The Cover: The cover has a cool looking design, even though it really has no resemblance with anything in the film.

The dialogue: Probably improvised by the actors as they went along. "What's driving all the animals away, is it the drought?" (As Chuck Connors and Anthony Geary are walking past a large flowing river, in a lush, green forested area)

Cinematography, editing: In one scene, where the guys are scattering Pauls ashes, the scenes alternates many times between overcast skies, with dim illumination to bright sunny skies, casting long shadows on the actors faces and surrounding scenery.

Chuck Connors, playing Stan, the "Professional Hunter": What was he thinking, taking on this role? The poor guy must have really needed the cash. He does all that he can with the material, however. His voice inflections and facial expressions are top notch.

The drunken party with the "Hippie Girls" is a classic. Many memorable moments.

Micah Grant, playing Ray Bettencamp: Why did they even bring Ray along on their hunting trip? He's not their friend, he's not a hunter, he's half their ages... But hey, he delivers some of the worst lines in the film, (and he had access to his dead uncle's 4wd vehicle) so its ok.

Four men in the desert, on a hunting trip. But something is watching them... and affecting their moods/behaviour...

The cast are good - particularly Chuck Connors and Marc Singer - and the story pulls the viewer in, right from the start. Some of the odd behaviour (like the orgy with the two 'hippy girls') is a genuinely weird viewing experience. But it works because, just like the characters, you are constantly wondering 'what the heck is going on?'

None of the characters are particularly likeable. Deliberately so. And the points made about male bonding and friendship are well observed. There's plenty of tension and a small amount of action. It's never dull or boring, there is always something new/interesting happening. And the ending is good. Both the way the surviving characters use to escape, and the twist in the final seconds.

One of the first TV movies made for USA Network.

I first came across this film one night when I was staying at a friend's house after a night out! All 3 of us drunk watched it an loved it!!! Yes it's very cheesy and has bad acting. But very suspenseful! And quite chilling. Also contains one of the funniest dance scenes ever in a movie! It took me years after to get a copy and that was on VHS. Think the full movie is now only YouTube.

Three guys (2 buddies and the nephew of their dead friend) go on a hunting trip that happens every year. They meet up with always good Chuck Connors who plays expert hunter Stan Brown. He tells them there is no game anywhere, but the three brush it off and go off on their hunting expedition anyway. But once the hot female campers disappear and they catch themselves eating some raw bear it's time to hit the road Jack, but they find out it's not that easy.

Now, there really is some mystery shrouding the story, some good music throughout and Chuck Connors is good and not wasted. Yet the execution on the story needed to be reworked I thought in order for this to hit the mark. The final act works best, but the opening act is bad. As well there is this evil or bad guy P.O.V. while the characters are sleeping that is down right cheesy and not scary at all. It gets old real fast, but they keep going to it during the movie. Also starring Marc Singer.

I did wonder when watching this movie though how many days were they planning to go without a change of clothes? Did they not bring any with them?

Close, but not close enough 5/10