Lou T
Being a huge fan of DC Comics and Swamp Thing, I was pleasantly surprised to find this mostly forgotten flick was streaming. Boy, did I not know what I was getting myself into. While adapting the original comics, the film takes some liberties of its own, which comes together in one of the most boring films put to screen. With a story that feels to be the equivalent of paint drying, one of the most interesting and powerful superheroes is reduced to nothing more than a strongman in a rubber suit. Each actor performs devoid of any human emotions and fail to even deliver reactions that suit the situations they find themselves in. The blame can't fall entirely on the actors, as the dialogue feels stale, even by the 80's standard. The 3rd act has a few moments worth finding on YouTube, but as a whole, it is certainly not worth suffering through the excruciating mess. Swamp Thing fails to create anything worth remembering and now I understand just why this film has been largely forgotten.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
12/21/23
Full Review
Petros T
The first part is kinda interesting, as is the fact that in all honesty the protagonist is not Swamp Thing but Alice Cable - and she's pretty badass. Plus, Jude is a fun supporting character, even though the movie suddenly stops caring about him. By that point, the proceedings have already become rather repetitive and, well, boring, and the familiar themes and genre cliches certainly don't help. Also, it's way too obvious that Swamp Thing is a man in a suit, and it doesn't look very flattering.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
11/28/23
Full Review
B P
The idea of Swamp Thing sounds great on paper— and it was when the character got introduced in the 1970s comic books. But watching Wes Craven's 1982 feature is a harsh reminder the technology (and budget) to successfully realize creator Len Wein's vision was not yet available.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
10/21/23
Full Review
Robson C
O Dr. Alec Holland e a sua irmã trabalham em um projeto secreto do governo em um laboratório no meio do pântano sobre recombinação de células animais com vegetais. Porém, o laboratório é atacado por um milionário chamado Arcane, que busca a vida eterna e acha que a fórmula de Holland é o caminho. Porém, no ataque, Holland derrama a sua fórmula em si e se incendeia. Desesperado, ele corre e se joga nas águas do pântano e desaparece. A fórmula reage e transforma Holland em um monstro, que parte em busca da sua vingança. O Monstro do Pântano tem todo um ar gótico na sua criação nos quadrinhos. Aqui, ele se torna uma homenagem aos filmes de monstros da Universal, como o Monstro da Lagoa Negra. Craven respeitou bem a mitologia da personagem, trazendo praticamente todos os personagens importantes. As alterações não interferem em nada. Como transformar Linda Holland em irmã de Alec, em vez de esposa, já que Craven manteve o interesse romântico mais famoso do Monstro: Abigail Cable, renomeada para Alice. Apesar de ter um orçamento maior que as suas primeiras produções, isso não resultou em um filme melhor. As caracterizações do Monstro do Pântano são risíveis, pois nota-se a borracha da roupa e sem esforço. Apesar do roteiro respeitar a história já existente do Monstro do Pântano, é muito ruim. O elenco não convence. Os personagens são todos estereótipos, não há profundidade. Pena que um diretor como Wes Craven não tenha funcionado com o personagem. Pelo menos não é a bomba que foi o filme do Homem-Coisa.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
10/14/23
Full Review
Superhero F
Ew, whenever the villian became a monster I felt like I was gonna throw up. Nevertheless, it's an alright movie.
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
08/13/23
Full Review
Chris J
MOVIE REVIEW
Swamp Thing
/ –
Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 1982, 2023 MVD 4K/Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Wes Craven
Writer(s): Wes Craven
Cast: Louis Jourdan, Adrienne Barbeau, Ray Wise, David Hess, Nicholas Worth, Don Knight, Al Ruban, Dick Durock
Where To Watch: available August 8, 2023; pre-order now here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com
RAVING REVIEW: Sit back, relax, and step into the world of SWAMP THING, the cinematic brainchild of renowned director Wes Craven. A fascinating mix between action flick, sci-fi, and the uncanny, this film offers a fresh perspective on "superhero" narratives. Set against the picturesque yet eerie wilderness, filled with flora and fauna, SWAMP THING promises to stimulate your eyes and mind in a nostalgic feast.
Our storyline orbits around the zealous Dr. Alec Holland (played by Ray Wise) and the unyielding Alice Cable (portrayed by Adrienne Barbeau). As they traverse the path of scientific discovery, they cross paths with the malevolent Arcane (Louis Jourdan). This collision of ambition and wickedness triggers the birth of SWAMP THING, a sentient force of nature with the mental prowess of a human and the raw power of the wild.
Originating from the minds of Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson, the character of SWAMP THING has been brought to life by a constellation of notable artists, including Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Mike Mignola, Mark Millar, and Scott Snyder. The film version might not be a carbon copy of the source material, but it nonetheless carves out its unique artistic space.
The renowned horror maestro, Craven, doesn't shy away from introducing spine-chilling elements into his superhero adaptation. The atmospheric and symbolic swamps are a captivating canvas for the unfolding drama. Amid the fauna, an unlikely love story blooms between the central characters, lending a fairy-tale quality to the narrative. (and some fascinating unanswered questions)
Elements of the movie show their age, and humor seems forced at times. The depiction of the female lead occasionally succumbs to stereotypes, and the lack of consistent character development muddles the narrative. The beautiful restoration is a passion project; I felt like I had just sat in the theater to watch it on day one. With the more extended unrated international version also available, this should be a must-own for any genre fans.
The film score by Harry Manfredini crafts a cohesive landscape that dovetails the visual narrative. In contrast, the deliberate use of vibrant colors, notably neon green, formulates an otherworldly aura, enhancing the supernatural theme of the movie.
Craven's SWAMP THING is not just a beastly hero of the wild but a romantic entity caught in the perpetual struggle between good and evil. The narrative is replete with symbolic echoes, reminiscent of timeless literary works like those penned by Oscar Wilde.
SWAMP THING is an exciting blend of genres and narrative devices that stands out in the cinema. It provides a unique cinematic experience that is both enjoyable and thought-provoking. If you are open to an innovative cocktail of comic book genre, horror, and romance, SWAMP THING might be the film for your next cozy weekend. Remember, its imperfections are part of its charm, and its creativity is a testament to the dynamic world of cinema.
DISC 1: 4K ULTRA HD SPECIAL FEATURES:
– 2023 4K Restoration (16-Bit Scan of the Original Camera Negative) of both the US Theatrical PG Version and Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio in Dolby Vision / HDR
– Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
– Optional English Subtitles
– Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (Theatrical / PG Version)
– Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher (Theatrical / PG Version)
– Collectible "4K LaserVision" Mini-Poster of cover art
– Limited Edition Slipcover (First Pressing Only)
DISC 2: BLU-RAY SPECIAL FEATURES:
– 2023 HD Restoration of both the US Theatrical PG Version and the Unrated International Version of the film presented in its original 1.85:1 Aspect Ratio
– Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Wes Craven moderated by Sean Clark (Theatrical / PG Version)
– Audio Commentary with Makeup Effects Artist William Munn moderated by Michael Felsher (Theatrical / PG Version)
– Audio: DTS-HD Master 2.0 Mono, Spanish Mono
– Optional English Subtitles
– "Tales From the Swamp" (Remastered) with Actress Adrienne Barbeau (HD, 16:56)
– "Hey Jude" with Actor Reggie Batts (HD, 14:30)
– "That Swamp Thing" with Len Wein, Creator of Swamp Thing (HD, 13:19)
– "Swamp Screen: Designing DC's Main Monster" featurette (HD, 20:32)
– "From Krug to Comics: How the Mainstream Shaped a Radical Genre Voice" featurette (HD, 17:34)
– Posters & Lobby Cards – Photo Gallery
– Photos from the Film – Photo Gallery
– William Munns' Behind the Scenes Pictures – Photo Gallery
– Behind the Scenes Photos by Geoffrey Rayle – Photo Gallery
– Theatrical Trailer (HD, 1:31)
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As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.
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Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
08/03/23
Full Review
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