A Criatura das Sombras

This movie was pretty good overall with excellent performances from the cast except for Neve Campbell who had just an average performance at best in her big screen debut. The cinematography was excellent along with the creature and special effects plus the script was well written.

Police detective Paul Buckner chases a suspect into a graveyard where the suspect is killed by an unknown creature. Gary 'Hunter' Henderson (Stephen McHattie) happens to be visiting a grave at the time and witnesses the event. Two years later, he is determined to hunt down the creature. There are angry bikers, a diner waitress, grave diggers, two local deputies, and detective Buckner.

It's a low grade Canadian horror. I like the underground premise but I don't like cheap monster suit. The most notable is that this is Neve Campbell's film debut in a supporting role as a deputy. The acting is generally fine. Otherwise, it's weak in almost every other way.

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

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!

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...