The Deadly Spawn (1983) (DVD Review)
Directed By: Douglas McKeown
Starring: Charles George Hildebrandt, Tom DeFranco, Richard Lee Porter
Rated: R/Region: 0/1:33/Number of disc: 1
Available from Synapse Films
Two campers in the New Jersey woods have their outdoor fun interrupted by the arrival of a meteorite crashing nearby. They go to investigate the crater, but are suddenly attacked and devoured by alien parasites who have hitched a ride to Earth. After finishing off the campers, the hungry space monsters head for a nearby town, where they make their domain in the basement of an old house soon begin polishing off one hapless inhabitant after another. Four young teenagers, plus one pre-teen boy, try to find a way to stop the angry space monsters before they reproduce and literally eat humanity.
The Deadly Spawn is a movie that has “cult film” written all over it. It’s a little goofy, it’s cheesy, but overall it can be a lot of fun IF you are into this sorta thing. A creature coming down from space that proceeds to eat people in an 80s environment isn’t something that will ever be mistaken for Citizen Kane. It never was meant to be. So if you are looking for anything serious, you probably won’t like this movie very much. But I do think we have good stuff here for any fan of 80s horror. I’m a big fan of that kind of horror myself, so I’m more forgiven with this one as a result. Now we have a bit of a give and take with the way the film plays out. The creature stuff is awesome. I enjoyed every scene that featured this odd being on screen. But the stuff with the actual actors is a bit rough and does get a little dull at times when the film attempts character development early on.
As a matter of fact, I would say the first part of the film probably does more dragging than it does moving. But hold on there, faithful horror watchers. If you can at least make it until the halfway point, the proverbial poo hits the fan and things pickup nicely. One of the best things this film has going for it is the gore and effects. Yeah, some may be a little cheesy, but it’s the 80s after all. The red syrup does fly around a whole heck of a lot and that can be a blast to watch. One interesting and cool thing the movie does with it’s characters is make it to where you never know who will live or who will die. In fact, I think people make it that have no business making it, but IMDB does explain that in the “Did you know” section for the film. The film wraps up in a very entertaining fashion, leaving room for a sequel that we sadly never got..At least not in the “official” way anyway.
– New digitally mastered windowboxed transfer in the original filmed aspect ratio of 1.33:1
– Extensive still galleries of behind-the-scenes photos, make-up effects, and the premiere in New York City
– A comic-style prequel with its own musical score
– Original theatrical trailer
– Alternate opening sequence with new effects and credits
– Outtake reel and audition tapes
– Cast and crew biographies
