Brooke Adams ("Invasion of the Body Snatchers" '78) and Jeff Hayenga ("The Prince of Pennsylvania") play Virginia and Brad Marshall, a children's book author and lawyer unable to have a child. On the recommendation of a friend, they visit the fertility clinic of a Dr. Meyerling (the late, great character actor James Karen, "The Return of the Living Dead"). He claims a 100% success rate, and later Virginia *does* become pregnant. But, as it turns out, the shady Dr. Meyerling is in the business of genetic alteration, and the fetus inside Virginia is turning into something fairly monstrous...
This 1990s update of Larry Cohens' "It's Alive" will certainly hit home for some viewers, if they're expecting a child or want to start a family. The film is disturbing to an extent, elevating it above being merely a "cheap gore film". And make no mistake, it IS gory at times, but the premise, story, and characters still carry enough weight on their own. The "monster baby" effect isn't bad considering that this wasn't a big-budgeted affair. Adding atmosphere is a soundtrack co-composed by Gary Numan, the pop star who'd had a hit with the song "Cars". What will be particularly disconcerting for many viewers is the fact that Virginia visits an abortionist at one point, desperate to remove this unholy presence from her body.
The performances range from acceptable to good to genuinely impressive. Karen is a delight as the mad scientist who hides dubious intent behind a genial, seemingly kind exterior. Familiar faces among the supporting cast include K. Callan ('Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman') as Virginia's mother, veteran B movie bad guy Rick Dean ("Cheyenne Warrior") as the scruffy abortionist, and future stars Lisa Kudrow and Kathy Griffin in early film roles. Adams is sympathetic in a tour-de-force performance, especially in her big meltdown scene.
Entertaining material, given effectively straight-faced treatment from producer / director Rodman Flender ("Conan O'Brien Can't Stop", "Idle Hands"), with not much in the way of humour.
Followed by a sequel three years later.
Seven out of 10.
This 1990s update of Larry Cohens' "It's Alive" will certainly hit home for some viewers, if they're expecting a child or want to start a family. The film is disturbing to an extent, elevating it above being merely a "cheap gore film". And make no mistake, it IS gory at times, but the premise, story, and characters still carry enough weight on their own. The "monster baby" effect isn't bad considering that this wasn't a big-budgeted affair. Adding atmosphere is a soundtrack co-composed by Gary Numan, the pop star who'd had a hit with the song "Cars". What will be particularly disconcerting for many viewers is the fact that Virginia visits an abortionist at one point, desperate to remove this unholy presence from her body.
The performances range from acceptable to good to genuinely impressive. Karen is a delight as the mad scientist who hides dubious intent behind a genial, seemingly kind exterior. Familiar faces among the supporting cast include K. Callan ('Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman') as Virginia's mother, veteran B movie bad guy Rick Dean ("Cheyenne Warrior") as the scruffy abortionist, and future stars Lisa Kudrow and Kathy Griffin in early film roles. Adams is sympathetic in a tour-de-force performance, especially in her big meltdown scene.
Entertaining material, given effectively straight-faced treatment from producer / director Rodman Flender ("Conan O'Brien Can't Stop", "Idle Hands"), with not much in the way of humour.
Followed by a sequel three years later.
Seven out of 10.