Creature Unknown 2004 Horror Movie Review

I must come out and defend this movie for one simple reason - the monster.  In this age of CGI, it’s quite refreshing to see a very high quality monster suit worn by an actor.  CGI has gotten so good in big budget movies that it’s indistinguishable from reality, but lower budget movies that can’t afford the real good stuff always have bad CGI.  You instantly know it isn’t really there.  Bless Creature Unknown for making the effort to create an old-school rubber suit that looks absolutely great (no wrinkles, bending fingers, or blatant seams), and is really *there*.  For creature fans, you can’t beat it, and you get to see a LOT of it.  Even quite a bit in broad daylight.  There’s nothing to hide on this suit.  Bravo for the monster!


The rest is, of course, completely forgettable.  There was a little more of an attempt at character building than you usually get with popcorn B movie horror, but the plot is nothing new in any way.  As other reviewers have said, there’s also the ridiculous.  First is the biker chick genetic engineer with a lab out in woods.  What is the bunker-like underground building she’s using?  How did she get it?  How does she afford supplies?


There are also many moments of “well…well…HELLO!” such as when the main protagonist tells the biker chick scientist that she’s holding his father’s (or maybe grandfather’s, I forget) shotgun.  And…that’s it.  He doesn’t insist on having it back, doesn’t ask how she got it, doesn’t make any accusation of her robbing from the cabin.  One character is attacked in what should clearly be a fatal scene, then later he turns up with just a bad stomach-scratching.  This was clearly a cut-away death scene, the creature had him on his back and was toothily moving in for the easy kill, then the scene cuts.  Later the guy’s OK with no explanation (“Yeah, he had me, but then this mountain lion came outta nowhere and scared him off”).  It’s those little things that stick out like a sore thumb constantly and guarantee B movie status.


Oh well, there’s always that creature and he looks excellent.  I could have been spared the drool in a couple of scenes (does every damn critter have to drool?), but if you love the creatures then this movie is very good for that.  Ignore the same-again plot, fast-forward through the petty, typical arguments, and check out that great monster.  I’d say fast forward through the entirely unnecessary and blatantly gratuitous shower scene, but you get a great look at the creature at the same time.  Besides, I’m sure most out there find the T & A less tiresome than I.


So, don’t expect a fresh plot, exciting new twists or stellar cinematography.  Just dig that monster!