I hate going against the grain here, especially since I'm one of those 70s kids scarred by Gargoyles and all the other made-for-TV horror cheapies back in the ancient days of 4 TV channels. Back then these movies would premiere on Friday or Saturday nights, and then re-run in the afternoon for years, so our parents had no idea we were watching them. I vividly remember the claws on the bedframe and the gargoyles bursting through the door -- this movie kept me from sleeping for a long time. But watching this now is nothing short of painful. The costumes are basically "Land of the Lost" Sleestak rubber suits plus wings and hair, except not as effective. Worse still, the "eagle" breeder gargoyles look like those vultures from H.R. Pufnstuf. I mean seriously -- did the director actually watch his own rushes, a hilarious hodgepodge of rubber suits in slow motion, and say "EUREKA! THAT'S THE SHOT!" Godzilla vs Ghidrah had more battle drama, and better rubber suits. And the acting here ain't much better either. For me the only bright spots are Bernie Casey as the lead gargoyle, and especially Scott Glenn, knowing he had such a wonderful career ahead of him.
I guess my biggest problem is comparing this joke of a film to something that still works, like the original "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark." Now there's a fine example of low-budget 70s TV horror.
I guess my biggest problem is comparing this joke of a film to something that still works, like the original "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark." Now there's a fine example of low-budget 70s TV horror.