THE TERROR WITHIN (1989) / THE TERROR WITHIN II (1991) Movie Reviews

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Belgian filmmaker Gert Verbeeck takes a quick break from the antics at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (aka “The BIFFF”) to discuss a pair of Roger Corman quickies from the late ’80s/early ’90s. These post-apocalyptic survival yarns boast the distinction of ripping off not only Alien AND its 1986 sequel, but also Corman’s own Humanoids from the Deep (1980).

The positive news is that it’s all in good fun and both efforts prove to be halfway decent time-wasters. In the first, Andrew Stevens (The Fury), George Kennedy (Death Ship), Terry Treas (The Nest), and Starr Andreeff (Ghoulies II) headline the small ensemble, most of whom end up sliced and diced by the mutant “gargoyle” that has infiltrated their desert base.

The creature design by Dean Jones – not the beloved star of myriad family-friendly Disney efforts, but rather the well-respected FX artist for which this represents one of his early efforts – is not the greatest “guy in a suit” you’ve ever seen, but it’s certainly not the worst either.

The sequel marks Andrew Stevens’ writing and directing debut, in which he also plays the lead role, surrounded by veterans like R. Lee Ermey (Full Metal Jacket) and Stella Stevens (aka “Mom”) as well as a bunch of folks you probably never heard of, which is perhaps for the best.

Monster maker Dean Jones is back with a presumably smaller budget, and he does what he can under the circumstances. It’s a case of diminishing returns, but with managed expectations, viewers will find plenty to enjoy.

Do you have a favorite low-budget creature feature or a one-two franchise you’d like to celebrate? Leave us a note in the comments below!

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