Alerta de Perigo

Out of all the really bad science-fiction creature features that I see quite regularly on the Sci-Fi Channel, there are very few of which I can describe as descent. "Eye of the Beast" is one of those few that is surprisingly good enough to be called descent. The acting is fine, the screenplay is more intelligent than others I can think of, the special effects are better than expected, and since they are mostly shown at night, they are easier to believe. The creature is effectively not shown mostly until the end. Before then, we see nothing of it except for its tentacles (rubber, inflated) that lash out and grab onto people. The plot is kind of ludicrous. A giant squid SOMEHOW gets into a lake and SOMEHOW is not seen until now when it just decides to try human fresh off the docks, but still, it's a B-movie, so can cut it SOME slack. The characterization of the characters is very good, there are some very well-done dialogue and dramatic moments, and the music score really aids it. Ultimately, we have a climax that we really care about, speeches that are actually well-written and don't outstay their welcome (as they do in another B-flick called "Sasquatch Mountain"), and overall, "Eye of the Beast" is a very well-done creature feature. I recommend it for fans of its genre.

You can either take them or leave them, where the cheaply made straight to TV horror effort "Eye of the Beast" starring former teen idol James Van Der Beek turned out to be a neat, if unassuming b-production. It might somewhat get bogged down within the halfway mark and consist of some daftly cheesy clichés, but there's enough going on; you know tentacle action (you can't get enough of that), feuding fisherman, James Van Der Beek frowning a lot and to top that off 10 reasons are given to why fishing is a lot better sex. Quite convincing arguments too. The special effects for such a low-budget are well implemented, but actually there's very little (up until to the squid's glorious reveal) and the tentacles when they come into play are mainly prosthetic. It could have used a little more action and creativity in its attack sequences, but Van Der Beek and Alexandria Castillo are agreeable in their parts making it enjoyable to watch. Then there's the constant bickering (ecological messages) and dramas between the characters of this drably lit small ocean community to keep it moving, despite it's fairly laid-back pace. Mildly amusing, lazy afternoon entertainment.

"A giant squid in a lake"?

The citizens of an island fishing community in Canada find their livelihoods threatened by the existence of an unlikely predatory animal: a fresh water giant squid! Among the heroes are a young scientist (James Van Der Beek) called in by NORA, and a hottie Fisheries officer (Alexandra Castillo) who had encountered this beast as a child.

For such a routine story that displays a complete lack of originality, 'Eye of the Beast' is fairly watchable, and somewhat superior to most of the creature features made for TV. This is because we never see THAT much of the squid - mostly, we see its enormous tentacles. We only see a bit more of it during the finale, when it comes to the surface during the inevitable battle. And even then, this scene takes place at night. Since the body count is actually quite minimal, and the special effects aren't as terrible as people would tend to expect, this is a little more than mere cheese. Rather, the narrative focuses more on the lives damaged by the lack of good fishing in the area.

Reasonably competent filmmaking helps, as well as decent if unexceptional acting. One exception is Ms. Castillo, whose bright, engaging presence helps a lot.

If you're a fellow Manitoban, like this viewer, the movie will have more resonance, as this was not only filmed entirely on location here (in Winnipeg, Selkirk, and Gimli), but it appears to be SET here as well. Van Der Beek a.k.a. Dawson is really the only true name actor here; other than Chilean born, Canadian raised dancer / actress Castillo, much of the cast are locals.

The formulaic tale is groan-worthy at times - complete with supporting characters who remain stupidly stubborn until the time comes for the monster to reveal itself - but it also comes complete with a subtext of racism and intolerance. Naturally, those that head into the final battle with the giant squid are finally able to put aside their differences.

Not VERY good overall, but not all that bad either.

Six out of 10.

If you accept the fact that this is a B-movie from the outset, this isn't too bad of a movie. The writing wasn't too badly stilted anywhere, the story is...well...a fairly predictable "sea monster" story, and the acting, while nothing to write home about, was certainly nothing to complain about. Of course, James van der Beek makes the movie a little easier to watch too. :)

My biggest complaint about the movie, other than the obvious low-budget quality, was the straight-forwardness of it. Establish the town, figure out the relationships, show monster to viewers, nobody believes monster exists, prove monster exists, deal with it, male and female leads fall in love and live happily ever after. Wow, now there's a story that hasn't been told about a million times before!

But in spite of its shortcomings, it was suitably entertaining for a Saturday afternoon where I had nothing better to do. I don't think I'd ever watch it again, but I'm not disappointed at having watched it a first time.

The first thing to do when approaching this picture is to accept that it is a thoroughly conventional low budget monster flick with zero originality .This need not be a problem when the standard ingredients of its type are served up with some professionalism and style and this is the case here. The Beast of the title is a giant squid which is chomping its way through the fishing grounds near a small Canadian township which depends upon fish for its economic well being and as a result the place has fallen upon hard times .A researcher has been sent from a government organisation to investigate the cause of the poor catches and meets with some hostility from the local residents who fear he may advise shutting down the whole fishing area .There is also a deal of racial tension between the majority white population and the Native peoples ,who are firmly convinced of the existence of the squid . Stir into the mix a newly elected female sheriff of Native ancestry and the usual "Jaws" inspired debate between opposing factions about closing down the main industry or carrying on as normal and you have a standard tale redeemed by some decent special effects and competent performances . Its no world beater but it is watchable and professionally done