Bigfoot et les Henderson

Dracula had his movie. Frankenstein had his movie. The mummy, the wolfman, and even the creature of the black lagoon had a movie. So why not Bigfoot? Sure, Bigfoot is not on the level of the aforementioned monsters but he has earned his spot in folklore-he's earned his movie.

Harry and the Hendersons was his movie. He could've opted for scary but instead he opted for funny and it was a score.

Harry, played by Kevin Peter Hall, was minding his own business in the woods when he was hit by a car. The driver of said car, George Nathan Henderson (John Lithgow), thought it would be very lucrative if he brought Harry home with him. Perhaps he could sell him to a lab or something for a big payday. What George didn't know was that Harry wasn't dead and when he woke up he was very hungry, very annoyed, and very discombobulated.

But Harry was a nice guy. Even though he was about 7 feet tall and maybe 500 pounds, he didn't take that opportunity to hurt the Hendersons. Sure he damaged the house a bit but that was pure clumsiness. In fact, they developed a very sweet and precious bond that was wrapped in l funny moments. Harry was not like the other monsters.

Family film about a Seattle family that runs over Bigfoot, then bring him home. Good clean film all around. Rick Baker won an Oscar for make-up.

I used to dislike this film. I disliked the mushiness, the story and even the sad parts. This movie was stuck on the shelf, covered in dust, forgotten.

Only days ago I pulled this movie out and decided to sit down and watch it, expecting the same mushy film that I saw years and years ago.

However, as I have gotten older I have a greater understanding of what this film offers me and people alike. In fact, it touched me so much to see how something that is often portrayed as scary was so gentle and caring.

From the introduction when Harry is first discovered (in a rather unfortunate way) to the end of the movie, the Hendersons learn that Harry is more human than they ever thought, and that he has a bigger heart than the human race combined.

Throughout the film, the effect that Harry has on people's lives is always seen. We as humans are so receptive to myth, legend and rumours. Yet, before the truth is given a chance to be known, we block our ears, close our eyes and run away.

The Hendersons, Jacques LeFleur -a hunter who has followed his trail for 25 years and Dr Wrightwood -a man whose life has been ruined by his dedication towards the study of Sasquatch, all gain a new perspective on life, as well as a new respect. Their original feelings of the "Beast" all quashed swiftly to realize that inside of it lay a big heart.

Harry's compassion, love for other beings and respect for life made this film an absolute delight to watch. I whole heartedly recommend this for anybody looking for a family film that not only warms the heart, but also teaches a lesson of who is really the monster on Earth.

WE happened to catch this movie again on the PAX channel and start getting completely captivated once again by its funny scenes, and Harrys reaction to everything he encounters, from the family to the things in the house and its eventual feel good conclusion! I think one of the most touching scenes is when he encounters a deer head mounted on the wall and knocks out a hole in the wall to look for the hind part of the deer.......makes one wonder why people like to hunt in the first place, especially seeing it from Harry's perspective.......well, sit back and enjoy the movie, you will be glad you did, and have a kid or two with you..........OK? shar from oHIo........

The Henderson family of Seattle and I say that because this film was shot in Washington State are on a camping trip and heading home when John Lithgow hits something. Turns out to be a sasquatch, a really big Big Foot. They do exist.

What to do but the Hendersons bring him home quite unconscious. Since nobody has any history of dealing with them it takes awhile but Lithgow, Melinda Dillon, Margaret Langrick, and Joshua Rudoy;.all develop some rapport with Harry as they've taken to calling him.

Big as he is he's also not exactly house broken. The neighbors are bad enough, but the Hendersons also have to deal with a professional hunter in David Suchet. They get help from a retired scientist in Don Ameche.

Harry And The Hendersons is a nice if somewhat unbelievable fantasy. If Big Foot is out there I doubt he'll run into any of our species as nice as the Henderson family.

7'4" Kevin Peter Hall plays Harry and the makeup job they did on him earned an Oscar for the film. With all that makeup Hall gives a great performance with the camera catching differing expressions with his eyes. It's a great performance, better than the other players playing to an animated creation for instance.

Harry And The Hendersons is a nice fantasy and holds up well after 30 years.