On its way back to Earth, the space shuttle Nautilus passes through a cloud of alien spores causing its sole occupant, astronaut Steve Thomas to transform into a blood-thirsty monster. The s... Read allOn its way back to Earth, the space shuttle Nautilus passes through a cloud of alien spores causing its sole occupant, astronaut Steve Thomas to transform into a blood-thirsty monster. The shuttle crashes into a swampy region of central Florida, creating a situation which threate... Read allOn its way back to Earth, the space shuttle Nautilus passes through a cloud of alien spores causing its sole occupant, astronaut Steve Thomas to transform into a blood-thirsty monster. The shuttle crashes into a swampy region of central Florida, creating a situation which threatens contagion and/or death to all who encounter the shuttle or its mutated pilot.
- Judy Lawson
- (as Cherie Scott)
- Birdwatcher
- (as Dave Ward)
- Tourist Jr.
- (as Ryan Thomas Latshaw)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
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Featured reviews
* (out of 4)
Silly direct-to-video release about a space shuttle on its way back to Earth but it runs into an issue and crashes in the Everglades. The one astronaut on board turns into a murderous monster and it's just in time for a reporter, a swamp guide and others to come wondering out there. DARK UNIVERSE is a really, really bad movie but thankfully there are some pretty campy moments that make it worth watching for those who enjoy sitting through awful movies. If you're looking for any type of story, acting, directing or heartbreaking drama then you're going to be highly disappointed. There's really nothing "good" going on with this film but there are a few funny moments and it's too bad there weren't more of these. If I had to shine a spotlight on a highlight it would probably be the monster outfit. It's a clear rip-off of ALIEN and it's a wonder that the filmmakers here weren't sued because the similarities are incredibly strong. I did like the monster enough even though there were times where it seemed like it had no mobility to move around or do anything. The black tar look isn't the most original out there but it did lead to a couple good and gory kill scenes. The rest of the film is pretty much flat, boring and lifeless. Joe Estevez has a brief role as the guy leading up the space mission but even he can't save this thing. The rest of the performers aren't the greatest in the world but they're pretty much what you expect in a movie like this. At least a couple of them got naked. DARK UNIVERSE certainly isn't a movie that's going to appeal to many as most are going to hate it with a passion. If you like ultra low-budget, bad movies then you might want to give it a rental.
MST3K could have done wonders with this one, but with a few witty friends and enough beer or dried vegetable matter to go around it could still be entertaining --- just don't even THINK of this as an actual movie!
I'd give it a star or two for some nice fleeting breasts, and an extra one for the most hilarious, faked-up special effects since the old Buck Rogers serials. The monster is definite proof that at some point Barney mated with "Alien." You can almost hear it singing, "I love you, you love me, let's terrorize the community!"
The throwaway plot involves a team sent in to locate the fallen craft. Their journey is intercut by the deaths of various swamp-billies. Containing one of the most annoying casts of numbskulls ever assembled, one only hopes for their quick departure at the claws of the lumbering meatloaf. Alas, the characters live far too long, speaking endlessly.
The quality of acting ranges from wooden to petrified dog flop. If you are a sub-sludge film afficionado, you've just hit the mother lode! So, buckle up and get ready for a spin down the drivel drain!
THIS FILM FEATURES: Topless females, orange goo, and a killer armadillo!
For added misery, Joe Estevez is also -barely- in this mess...
Did you know
- GoofsNear the end of the film, Judy Lawson fires a single-shot flare pistol at the monster. Moments later, she fires a second time with no evidence of having reloaded.
- ConnectionsEdited from The Aftermath (1982)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
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- Also known as
- Universo oscuro
- Filming locations
- Los Angeles, California, USA(scenes with Steve Barkett and Joe Estevez)
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