Blood Tide (1982)

Poorly made Lovecraftian-type monster movie about a legendary creature from hell accidentally released and seeking sacrificial victims. You see the monster for about four seconds, which was probably for the best. Filmed ion Greece, which did nothing for the movie. James Earl Jones and Jose Ferrer at least got a holiday out of it. Martin Kove arrives at a coastal village seeking his sister. Deborah Shelton plays the fetching nymphet, and a couple of other beauties spend a fair amount of time in skimpy bikinis. But there is nowhere enough nudity and very little gore or violence. Shelton has one nice scene near the end where she writhes in orgasmic delight, dressed in nothing but a wet shirt. Still, there's little to recommend this misfire.

Below-average creature feature concerning a hibernating sea monster, who according to Greek mythology, is offered virgins to protect the the community and keep the monster at bay - until it's awoken by a trio of amateur archaeologists (Jones, Shelton & Cornell) visiting a tiny Greek island where the villagers harbor the deadly secret. Martin Kove and his new wife Mary Louise Weller sail into port to locate his missing sister (Shelton) but is warned off by the local elder (Ferrer) until he discovers that his sister (a virgin) has become obsessed with the mythical creature and is willing to become its next sacrifice.Picturesque locales and some occasional suspense can't quite mask a lack of direction and content. Attractive and able cast deliver some reasonably entertaining dialogue with James Earl Jones spouting Shakespeare while Kove and Weller trade friendly barbs - the script has more promise than the shaky plot. Leading lady Shelton as the obsessed artist is amateurish (she also sings the film's closing track), and Ferrer is one-dimensional as the nay-saying doomsday prophesier, passively supportive of the beast's culturally cleansing rampage. Oscar-winning actress Lila Kedrova ("Zorba the Greek") adds further status to the notable cast as a concerned nun at the local monastery who fears the beast's revival.The music is atmospheric and there's a couple of gory moments, but it's mostly an aimless and uninspired monster movie that squanders a capable cast and engaging script. If you're into creature features then this will require your attention, but others may find little to enjoy.

"A legendary sea monster is awakened from centuries of sleep on a Greek island by an American archaeologist (James Earl Jones). An island elder (Jose Ferrer) is aware of the legend of the beast, including its appetite for virgin sacrifices," according to the DVD sleeve's synopsis. Elderly Lila Kedrova (as Anna), a knowing nun, is also aware of the monstrous danger. Hopefully, the monster isn't averse to snacking on a few tasty non-virgin women as well, because there are a few to wet one's appetite. In fact, the main "Blood Tide" attraction is watching three very arousing thirty-something women. First, rise to attention for beautiful blonde model Mary-Louise Weller (as Sherry Grice), newlywed wife to handsome shirtless hero Martin Kove (as Neil Grice). Next, salute bouncy brunette Deborah Shelton (as Madeline), who looks swell in either wet clothes or the wind. Then, make it a third thumb up for busty blonde Lydia Cornell (as Barbara). Nobody shows too much skin, but everyone looks good.*** Blood Tide (9/82) Richard Jefferies ~ Martin Kove, James Earl Jones, Deborah Shelton, Mary Louise Weller

Film that is for ever in the dollar rack has aged badly, I remember this playing so much better back in 1982.James Earl Jones stars in a monster tale set in and around Greece. It has to do with an ancient monster lurking around and eating virgins. its the sort of thing you've seen a dozen times before both better and worse.Its not bad movie as such but there is way too much talk and nowhere near enough monster. The film taken for what it is isn't bad but it promises way more than it delivers. Actually it delivers little, but it does keep you watching. If you're stuck watching it it won't kill you. Its also the sort of thing that once you watch it you can use the DVD as a coaster.