La Revanche des animaux

Eco-horror was one of the notable genres of 1970s cinema. William Girdler's "Day of the Animals" is a prime example. It depicts ozone depletion causing all wildlife above 5,000 feet to turn against humans. Of course, the best scene is Leslie Nielsen - still a few years away from his career in comedy* - wrestling a grizzly. This is a movie that, ridiculous as it is, must have been really fun to film. The animals really look like some mean mothers.

Yes, it's one of the many silly exploitation flicks of the era. Totally enjoyable, I might add. Unfortunately, the director got killed in a helicopter crash in the Philippines less than a year after the release. Too bad.

Also starring Christopher George, Lynda Day George, Richard Jaeckel, Andrew Stevens (Stella Stevens's son) and Michael Ansara (Barbara Eden's former husband).

*As late as 1987, Nielsen co-starred in the dead serious "Nuts".

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!

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.

This is a real cool B movie that delivers the goods !!! William Girdler also made the very entertaining GRIZZLY in 1976. The cast do a good job and the direction is solid. Leslie Nielsen put in a good strong performance as an unhinged kinda guy and once again , poor Susan Backlinie does sterling stuntwork as the victim of wolves and vultures (the vulture attack sequence is the highlight of the movie and splendidly done. The score by Lalo Schifrin is creepy and atmospheric and adds a neat touch to the overall "feel" of the film. I am lucky enough to own the original Warners UK video release and would love to get hold of the R1 DVD.