While the third entry in the "Creature" trilogy is obviously its weakest link, it nevertheless continues the practice of trying to evolve the story rather than simply re-hashing it, as do so many current "sequels." However, the story may be going in a wrong direction here. True, the notion of converting the Creature into a land animal has interesting possibilities, and the sympathy and even respect shown him is commendable, but this deprives the story of the thrills and suspense and energy which made the first two entries in the cycle so memorable. Too often the movie drifts into philosophising and while some of this dialog is worthy and thought-provoking, it comes at the expense of the action which the audience reasonably expects. What's more, the desire to leave the ending "open" enough to permit yet another sequel deprives this story of a suitable climax.
Nonetheless, the third "Creature" movie has more merit than it's generally given credit for and, like most sci-fi movies of its era, has been assembled with a degree of efficiency and competency not often found in today's low-budget movies.
It's good to see Rex Reason and Jeff Morrow re-united following their work in "This Island Earth," though Morrow seems a bit mis-cast in a somewhat villainous role. Reason's acting range is limited but he was one of those actors groomed by Universal more for good-looks than for other factors -- think Rock Hudson and John Gavin -- and he's certainly easy on the eyes. What's more, the watery locale gives him ample opportunities to strip down to a snug-fitting bathing suit. (Note how his suit is white whereas Greg Palmer's is black. But also note that while Palmer is smooth-chested, Reason's chest is quite hairy --a departure from the usual pattern of good-guy-vs-bad-guy physiques.)
Nonetheless, the third "Creature" movie has more merit than it's generally given credit for and, like most sci-fi movies of its era, has been assembled with a degree of efficiency and competency not often found in today's low-budget movies.
It's good to see Rex Reason and Jeff Morrow re-united following their work in "This Island Earth," though Morrow seems a bit mis-cast in a somewhat villainous role. Reason's acting range is limited but he was one of those actors groomed by Universal more for good-looks than for other factors -- think Rock Hudson and John Gavin -- and he's certainly easy on the eyes. What's more, the watery locale gives him ample opportunities to strip down to a snug-fitting bathing suit. (Note how his suit is white whereas Greg Palmer's is black. But also note that while Palmer is smooth-chested, Reason's chest is quite hairy --a departure from the usual pattern of good-guy-vs-bad-guy physiques.)