Future animals

The earth's diminishing ozone layer is affecting the animal life in a very negative way and a few hikers are in real trouble.

Well, after reading countless reviews here and elsewhere stating that the animal attacks are laughable, I find myself in the minority group that actually was quite impressed at how the filmmakers managed to pull them off. They don't occupy much of the screen time but when they happen; well, I was impressed. Bear in mind that this is a low-budget feature film from a specialized B-movie filmmaker who used his wits and drive instead of money. As such I was very impressed with the end result.

The story here ain't much to write home about. Basically the hikers gradually learn that the animals look extremely mad and before long they're fighting for their lives.

The cast is good, a nice assembly of B-movie actors; Christopher and Linda Day George are always appealing and Leslie Nielsen really chews up the scenery as the crazy ad exec who takes on a giant bear.

The film is stretched and not much happens for quite a while but it's strangely atmospheric in a way and climaxes with some impressive stand-offs against the animals (again, I believe I represent the minority here).

William Girdler was a master copycat filmmaker, taking into account what was captivating to audiences and making a film on that subject while it was still fresh. The diminishing ozone layer was a hot topic in those days and he concocted a really neat little film (which looks much more expensive than it really was with that Panavision framing and impressive cinematography) that entertains without doing too much damage to our brains.

DAY OF THE ANIMALS is Director William Girdler's take on the "nature's revenge" film.

Trail guide, Steve Buckner (Christopher George) takes a group of city folks up into the mountains, unaware that something strange has taken place. It seems that mankind has depleted the ozone layer with their aerosol sprays, causing the wildlife to go berserk.

Now, Buckner and company find themselves up against an onslaught from land, stream, and air! This generally consists of shots of creatures looking bemused.

Meanwhile, hiker, Paul Jensen (Leslie Nielsen) begins acting like a total jackass, and native American, Daniel Santee (Michael Ansara) gives wise advice and looks warily into the forest. Professor Macgregor (Richard Jaeckel) takes pictures, and TV news personality, Terry Marsh (Lynda Day George) appears concerned. Unsurprisingly, the hellishness factor increases exponentially, while Jensen becomes an even bigger jerk, and the humans are put on the endangered species list!

DOTA is as enjoyable as it is absurd. It also boasts some superb shots of the natural surroundings, and tons of cool critters! So, if you love the great outdoors, or simply believe that mankind has ruled the Earth long enough, this movie will satisfy!

BEST BITS: #1- The flying rat attack! #2- Jensen shedding his shirt and coming completely unglued, going bare-chested like an eeevil Tarzan!

Indeed, this could be our future...

This was better than GRIZZLY in showing off some horrifying images of assorted wild animals hungry over human prey. On a horror level, only a slight bit of feeling. It still compares to WILD AMERICA because there's hardly anything here that best distinguishes between an evil monster or just a typical ol' wild animal. Sure it's violent, but that's nature as God intended. I can't understand why the movie heads for the wrong direction, thanks to Leslie Nielsen becoming an obnoxious freak. Even the end provides no clearer definition based on the goofy plot it has. Better head for the zoo.

I actually liked this movie even though it was slow at certain times. It was on the same level as grizzly as being a good movie to own. I just found out that it was on DVD, so I will definitely buy it eventually. I love killer animal movies and this one gives me a good show. My rating *** out of *****.

This movie is so bad it's hilarious. Leslie Neilsen plays a guy who's so annoying and obnoxious that it's hard to believe it's meant to be a serious role. His hilarious performance is worth renting the movie. There's a lot of great one-liners from his character. Christopher George is his usual no-nonsense macho self, Andrew Stevens is great, there's a lot of pretty women, and Ruth Roman is great in the Shelley Winters role of the increasingly hysterical mom. A very seventies-type movie, and very funny. I loved the nature theme, and there's a lot of great action scenes. I love the rats who come flying at the sheriff for no apparent reason. Highly Recommended!