The Dark

A scientist and an ex-FBI man are both hunting for a strange creature that lives underground and feeds on the bodies of the dead. This strange monster has the ability to heal deadly wounds, but the ex-FBI agent (played with wild menace by the great Brion James) is determined to kill it because it killed his partner. Be sure to look for an early career appearance by Neve Campbell as a young Deputy.

Because of the average script, combined with a decent cast, this movie manages to somewhat overcome the fact that the monster looks like an extra from a 1950's horror movie. Worth a watch, but not a whole lot more.

This is one of the neatest movies I've seen in a long time. It is creative, fast-paced, fun, freaky, and surprising all at once. What more could I ask for in a film? Here's the rundown: (it's been awhile since I've seen it, so a few minor details might be off)

Stephen McHattie plays a doctor who is on the trail of a creature left over from prehistoric times: a giant rodent-like beast whose blood has the magical power to heal. The creature lives in tunnels it digs underground in cemeteries, and McHattie has finally tracked the last of its kind to one in a small town. Unfortunately for him, the creature is also being trailed by a crazed FBI agent (played by the always wonderful Brion James) who wants to kill the creature because it killed his partner.

Not much else to say about the plot without giving away surprises, other than that the climax inside the creatures tunnels are some of the coolest scenes I've watched. They create suspense and make you giggle while you shiver. And it is a prime example of how you don't need a super huge budget to make a super movie. Horror fans, this is a must-see! Zanatos's score: 9 out of 10!

THE DARK is an ambitious film, really one of the more interesting horror premises in years. Not wholly original, but it's more of a 50's throwback with a fine sense of purpose which is just to have some fun. A giant rodent with a hankering for dead people digs tunnels under cemeteries to get at it's food source. An ex-FBI agent is out to kill it while a scientist wants to capture it for study. It seems some goop it excretes helps quickly regenerate tissue in humans for quick healing.

THE DARK is from Imperial Entertainment, who seemed to specialize in off-kilter genre product. Almost family films, until you're quickly jarred by some extreme violence or out of place profanity. They're pleasantly odd as is THE DARK. It's a little slow in places and I'd have to pin that on the director Pryce. He could've really moved this sucker along. Brion James (RIP) gives a really bad performance; he's just picking up a paycheck. McHattie's a likable non-actor, like Steve McQueen, and his MOVING VIOLATION from the 70's is one of my favorite drive-in films. Of course, Neve is in it, she looks great, but let's face it, she can't act. She's done alright though, a lot better than I, so more power to her. THE DARK is fun, worth seeing, but not if you have to go out of your way.

A scientist and a waitress (Stephen McHattie and Cynthia Belliveau) investigate a gigantic, prehistoric rodent living in tunnels underneath a cemetery. Meanwhile, a retired FBI agent (Brion James) seeks the same creature, only he wants revenge for his partner's death. Now, along with two gravediggers and a sheriff's deputy (Neve Campbell), the final confrontation begins.

THE DARK is a good, old-fashioned monster movie. If you enjoy such fare, then you'll probably like it. The giant rat is fairly well-realized, and kept mostly in the shadows to hide any shortcomings. The human performances are adequate, with Mr. James playing another of his intimidating characters. The story is decent and never becomes tiresome. All in all, a good way to spend a late-late night of movie watching...

Strange tunnels beneath a cemetery lead monster hunters into a labyrinth where hides a corpse eating giant mutated rodent. Pretty ridiculous premise is somewhat saved by interesting characters. Stephen McHattie is the scientist wanting to keep the creature for science, while, the always evil, Brion James wants to kill it. The subterranean gut cruncher is well hidden for most of the film. This is a good thing, because it tends to mask it's low budget shortcomings. For me, "The Dark" is only kept from monster movie oblivion, by the presence of Brion James. Otherwise this film would be completely forgettable. - MERK