FRIDAY MOVIE REVIEWS: CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (1954)
It’s day 457 of winter here in New England, and if you're sick of hearing me complain about it, I hate to break it to you, but we’ve got about 300 days left of this misery. And believe me, my complaining only intensifies as we inch closer to spring. One of the ways I try to combat this endless winter is by watching movies or TV shows set in the summer. It’s almost like I can trick myself into believing the cold isn’t that bad.
Which brings us to today’s movie review: The Creature from the Black Lagoon. This 1954 classic introduces us to the last of the original Universal Monsters—and arguably the most unique one. The Gill-man is, in my opinion, the coolest-looking monster of them all. There's something truly creepy about the design that makes this creature stand out. But let's dive into the review.
Monsters/Villains: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (9.5)
The Gill-man is a visually stunning design, and it’s easy to see why it remains iconic. Designed by Milicent Patrick, the creature's look was inspired by prehistoric reptiles, and she absolutely nailed it. The tension and terror created by Browning and Chapman on screen are palpable. One of the most terrifying moments comes when the creature lurks in the tent—a scene that still sends chills down the spine. I’d go as far as saying this is a Top 5 designed monster of all time.
Actors/Characters: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.0)
Julie Adams delivers a fantastic performance as Kay, the love interest of the creature and, quite frankly, pretty much everyone else in the film. She provides a lovely contrast to the evil, terrifying Gill-man, played by Ben Chapman on land and Ricou Browning in the water. The chemistry between her and the creature is fascinating, creating a dynamic tension that adds a unique layer to the story.
Story: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (7.3)
At its core, The Creature from the Black Lagoon is a tale of obsession disguised as love. The creature, a creepy amphibian stalker, gets a glimpse of Kay swimming, and nothing will stop him from getting what he wants. It’s a classic monster movie story, but with a creepy, almost tragic twist. While the plot may not break any new ground, it sets up the tension and suspense effectively.
Joe’s Score: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.9)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon is one of my favorite Universal Monster films. The score is genuinely terrifying, perfectly setting the tone for the creature’s menacing presence. The movie moves quickly, keeping the suspense high throughout, and it’s a perfect film to watch when that dreaded winter cold is getting to you. If you need a mental escape to the tropics, this one’s for you.
Overall Score: 8.42
The Exorcist (9.25)
Psycho (9.22)
Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (9.0)
The Omen (1976) (8.45)
The Creature from the Black Lagoon (8.42)
Salem’s Lot (8.4)
The Ghost & Mr Chicken (8.32)
It (2017) (8.3)
Rosemary’s Baby (8.28)
The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (8.08)
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (8.07)
The Wolfman (1941) (7.98)
The Lost Boys (7.97)
The Thing (1982) (7.67)
The Fog (7.5)
Homicidal (7.12)
Halloween (1978) (6.65)
Ernest Scared Stupid (5.35)
Monster Squad (5.22)
