Dark Universe (1993)

Dark Universe (1993) * (out of 4) Silly direct-to-video release about a space shuttle on its way back to Earth but it runs into an issue and crashes in the Everglades. The one astronaut on board turns into a murderous monster and it's just in time for a reporter, a swamp guide and others to come wondering out there. DARK UNIVERSE is a really, really bad movie but thankfully there are some pretty campy moments that make it worth watching for those who enjoy sitting through awful movies. If you're looking for any type of story, acting, directing or heartbreaking drama then you're going to be highly disappointed. There's really nothing "good" going on with this film but there are a few funny moments and it's too bad there weren't more of these. If I had to shine a spotlight on a highlight it would probably be the monster outfit. It's a clear rip-off of ALIEN and it's a wonder that the filmmakers here weren't sued because the similarities are incredibly strong. I did like the monster enough even though there were times where it seemed like it had no mobility to move around or do anything. The black tar look isn't the most original out there but it did lead to a couple good and gory kill scenes. The rest of the film is pretty much flat, boring and lifeless. Joe Estevez has a brief role as the guy leading up the space mission but even he can't save this thing. The rest of the performers aren't the greatest in the world but they're pretty much what you expect in a movie like this. At least a couple of them got naked. DARK UNIVERSE certainly isn't a movie that's going to appeal to many as most are going to hate it with a passion. If you like ultra low-budget, bad movies then you might want to give it a rental.

An astronaut gets infected by space spores and turns into one of the stupidest looking creatures I have ever seen.His spaceship crashes in a Florida swamp and the monster quickly begins killing people.There are some hilarious moments in this piece of utter garbage like the attack of armadillo or a worm bursting out of some idiot's neck.There is a decent amount of gore,but the film lacks any scares and features almost no nudity.The plot is bland and the final showdown with an alien is so utterly ridiculous that it defies description.I have seen plenty of awful Z-grade horror flicks in my time and "Dark Universe" is among the worst.It truly reeks.2 out of 10.

Where to begin? The spores, to me, they never truly explain how the spores get into the shuttle. After all, a shuttle is space worthily, not allot of open vents to the outside like a car or airplane. But that's minor, you must suspend your disbelieve and go with the flow of the film. The creature is a cool alien like design with the orange spores covering it. The acting isn't exactly Oscar worthy and they do get repetitive on the accident ala INCREDIBLE MELTING MAN. But again that's minor. This movie is crawling with pretty girls who stay in and out of clothing. So, there is that. A cool monster, there is that. An interesting if improbable plot, there is that. All and all, this movie has got a lot going for it. Fun, never dull and cool. If you want a realistic movie, then you probably will want to avoid DARK UNIVERSE, but if you want a fun monster romp with semi-dressed woman, then this is the movie for you. 8 STARS.

It's hard to believe this film was made by some of the same people who would later make the underrated Jack-o, but it's true. First of all though, the movie itself isn't an Alien rip-off like it's said to be, but the alien himself sure is. Anyways, on to the review.!!!POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!A space ship carrying an alien lands in the Florida swamps. A group of archeologists and a resident of the swamps search the area...BIG mistake!Some enjoyable moments, a few likeable charecters, and nice scenery, but slow for the most part, bad dialogue, a mediocre plot, and laughable effects. ** out of *****.