Creature Feature: 50 Years of the Gill-Man (2004)

This is a great documentary. Like most documentaries I see, I knew little-to-nothing about the subject matter, but I was fascinated and captivated by the Gill-Man's story from beginning to end.The classic film footage cut with the old NBC "Abbott & Costello" commercials and publicity stills are all priceless. The interviews with today's collectors and super-fans are beyond interesting...to call them 'Trekkie-like' would almost be fair if it wasn't also almost insulting.I would have liked to have seen more footage with the surviving actors, writers and producers (a la "Rico almost drowned on the first day")- and maybe even more of the latter day reunion in Florida- but what was there was obviously carefully crafted and very well put together.I'd see it again and I'd definitely add it to my collection. I hope to see this documentary as part of any DVD anniversary and/or remake add-on, at the very least.

Really enjoyed seeing the clips of this feature in 2004 (at Monster Bash 2004) - then to see the finished product (at Monster Bash 2005) - EXCELLENT!! Much more complete that the "other" Gill-Man history. It includes ALL aspects of the films - from conception to the last in the series. Includes comments from the creators (who are still with us), actors (YEAHHH - Julie and Ben!!!), film "professionals" AND (and maybe most importantly) FANS!!! It is apparent that MUCH time and effort went into every aspect of this film - background research, concept, script, filming (including traveling to original shooting locations and fan conventions), editing and production. A QUALITY production and hopefully product in the near future. Can't wait until it becomes available for sale!! A MUST HAVE for all "Creature From the Black Lagoon" fans!!!

At a recent screening there was a moment where the magic of this film suddenly transported me out of my comfortable chair and into the eight year old me again. I suddenly remembered all the promos they showed during "4:30 Movie" that week on channel nine all over again. I remembered making my Dad take me to Seven-Eleven to get the special 3D glasses they gave you with purchase of a Super Slurpee, right side red, left side green. Then flash to me and our whole crew over at Ralph's house, all gathered around the Tube in the dark, with a giant bowl of butter soaked popcorn, and nothing was cooler to that eight year old me than a creepy monster who lived under a swamp, except of course, that same creepy monster in a 3D swamp! Gimmicky or not, classic 3D was an early stab at today's virtual reality, and man was it whacked to see stuff flying out of your TV screen in 1982. Good times... Well last month, I finally saw this undisguised labor of love they titled "Creature Feature," and the whole thing came rushing back. I had forgotten all about that awesome event on channel nine, and all about The Creature in general. The rest of the Universal Monster Crew might get all the good press, but it's the Gilman who's always had the creepy hold on my soul. Thank you Creature Feature, you helped me to remember that.

After seeing how Universal recycled their "Back To The Lagoon" doc for the new Creature box set, it was a real treat to see another filmmaker's take on a monster close to the hearts of many fans. And 'fan' is the appropriate word here - Creature Feature is all heart, and was obviously made by folks who not only love the Creature From The Black Lagoon, but the whole world of movie monsters and all the collecting and obsessions that go along with fandom in general. So instead of the usual, boring "this is how the soundtrack was made" - styled interviews and details, Creature Feature gives us a broad, loving tribute to The Creature From the Black Lagoon, including all the people, movies and events it helps inspire to this day. More importantly, it shows Creature's impact on culture.It's amazing that considering all the movies and books about Dracula and Frankenstein's influence on us all, that it's only now we see the Creature and his story getting recognition for it's influence on art and culture. This is the complete, definitive Creature documentary, which shows a real love and a real knack for what makes a monster, and monster fans, tick. Highly Recommended. Bravo!