Gila!

I've been disappointed lately with all the movies I've watched and that includes much of my collection of 50's sci-fi movies, most of which are B-movies. Even with the nostalgia factor factored in I haven't enjoyed them like I used to. Historically, I love big monster movies, new and old. So I decided to watch this one hoping it wouldn't disappoint... and it didn't.

The best thing about it was the soundtrack - classic 50's rock; no covers, all original artists.

The movie is very low budget with the special effects about 20 years behind the times but they are serviceable. A plus for the ancient CGI in this movie is that sometimes it's used cleverly, I won't give any spoilers but the old maxim holds true here "it's not what you got but how you use it".

The actors are hit and miss, some are competent and others marginal. The plot... your basic rebel teens help save a small town from an environmentally overgrown lizard. The dialog is surprisingly intelligent and clever and a much higher cut above low budget movies.

The bottom line is if you like 50's sci-fi and big monster movies then give it a look.

GILA! Opens with the death of a young couple by the rampaging beast of the title.

Enter Chase Winstead (Brian Gross), and his fellow 25 year old "teen" hotrod enthusiasts. In keeping with the original GIANT GILA MONSTER, these "kids" are engaged in harmless hijinks, until the creature starts eating them.

In this update, there's an actual reason given for the lizard's large size. Not-so surprisingly, toxic waste is to blame.

Director Jim Wynorski shows great restraint, as he omits his usual nudity and violence (no boobulars are unveiled, and the CGI blood just isn't that revolting). As for the CGI Gila itself, well, it's serviceable enough, though it does suffer from a clunky walk.

What sets this movie apart from other computer-generated monster epics is its sense of humor. It also wears its low budget proudly, featuring a sheriff with the cheapest, most oddly-fitting hat in existence!

Co-stars the awesome Kelli Maroney as Wilma. Fans of the first film will see Don Sullivan himself if they don't blink!...

I have not seen the original so I cannot speak on its accuracy, but as far as crappy monster movies go it was mediocre. The actual acting for this film was far above the average for the genre and the plot line wasn't terrible but it was hard to stay attentive. The movie was very slow and had a monster with very inconsistent ability. I would like to add that the way Gilla runs is absolutely hilarious. The story just continues to drag on with little to no action without a lot of immediate danger. Another very key flaw to this movie is the substantial lack of somewhat attractive women showing cleavage. As a major fan of the directors films this was overall a miss.

People missing and if you keep your eyes open you will know why. Will the authority's figure this out before you become Gila-chow? Kibitz if you like but they will not listen.

Ooey gooey Gila! (2012) is a cute remake of The Giant Gila Monster (1959). This movie was made in the era of campy remakes of favorite 50s movies. We get the theremin music for the monster and lots of oldies on the radio for ambiance. You may not recognize the actors but they are old hands at 50s era type and monster-like movies. There are lots of campy statements. We get autos of the era. At one point a deputy (Kelli Maroney) uses a six-shooter to shoot about 11 shots.

One character exclaims, "Next time people tell me pigs can fly, damn I am going to believe them"

Good slick remake of a classic '50's b-movie, brings memories back in color. I recall all the kids there and the smell of popcorn, hoots and hollers, just a nice relaxing afternoon at the movies without supervision.