The Blob (1988)

Remake of the 1958 sci-fi horror classic about a deadly blob from another planet which consumes everything in its path. Teenagers attempt without success to warn the townspeople, who refuse to take them seriously.

Director:

Chuck Russell

Writers:

Theodore Simonson (earlier screenplay), Kay Linaker (earlier screenplay) (as Kate Phillips)

Stars:

Shawnee Smith, Kevin Dillon, Donovan Leitch Jr.

6 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Dillon	...	Brian Flagg
Shawnee Smith	...	Meg Penny
Donovan Leitch Jr.	...	Paul Taylor (as Donovan Leitch)
Jeffrey DeMunn	...	Sheriff Herb Geller
Candy Clark	...	Fran Hewitt
Joe Seneca	...	Dr. Meddows
Del Close	...	Reverend Meeker
Paul McCrane	...	Deputy Bill Briggs
Sharon Spelman	...	Mrs. Penny
Beau Billingslea	...	Moss Woodley
Art LaFleur	...	Pharmacist / Mr. Penny
Ricky Paull Goldin	...	Scott Jeske
Robert Axelrod	...	Jennings
Bill Moseley	...	Soldier #2 (in sewer)
Frank Collison	...	Hobbe

Storyline

Meg Penny is a cheerleader out on her first date with one of the football players, Paul Taylor. It doesn't go very well. Before they get where they're going, an old vagrant runs out in front of Paul's car, screaming in terror. The old man is closely followed by Brian Flagg, the local teen rebel, complete with long hair, black leather jacket, motorcycle and tough-guy attitude. Paul blames Brian for chasing the old man, but after the threesome takes him to the doctor's office, it becomes clear the vagrant had more to worry about than some young tough. He was screaming because of the acid-like substance on his hand - a substance that spreads over his body and eventually consumes him. Soon, the growing red blob, which sprouts tentacles to attack its victims, becomes a menace to the small town of Arbeville, Colorado. The military soon arrives in Hazmat suits, led by the wide-eyed Dr. Christopher Meddows. They're from the government, they say, and they want to help; but Brian's distrust for...

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Plot Keywords:

body horror | black hair | african american | movie theatre | garbage disposal | 

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Taglines:

Terror has no shape.

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Genres:

Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Sony Movie Channel [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

5 August 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

La mancha voraz

Filming Locations:

Abbeville, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,644,000, 7 August 1988, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$8,247,943

Company Credits

Production Co:

TriStar Pictures, Palisades California Inc.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Sound Mix:

Ultra Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Of the film's US$19 million budget, US$9 million went toward visual effects.

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Goofs

After Paul's arm is torn off and hits the floor, a small rise is visible for a brief moment near the wrist where the actor's real arm goes through the floor.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Announcer: That's a first down. Ball at a thirty five-yard line.

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Crazy Credits

[unused disclaimer, written for end titles; ended up on cutting-room floor] THE BLOB contains a purely fictional account of a small group of ruthless and corrupt military agents. These characters do not represent the United States government, and it would be erroneous and unfair to suggest that they do. The vast majority of North American Armed Forces personnel have demonstrated the utmost moral sense, regard for civilian welfare, and worthiness of the public trust.

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Alternate Versions

Some prints contain an alternate version of Eddie's death; in the DVD print, he rises from the water appearing to be a mass of decayed grey flesh. In the alternate version, he rises from the water as a completely skinless, but obviously human, corpse.

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Connections

Referenced in The Ring (2002)

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Soundtracks

Prelude to Frenzy
Written by Wayne Coster

User Reviews

an acceptable remake

Usually, when they attempt a remake of a classic sci-fi/horror flick, they bungle it beyond redemption. "The Blob" is actually a pretty good remake, elaborating the original's story. In this case, the protagonist - aside from the title character - is punk Brian Flagg (Kevin Dillon). The movie's strength comes from the intrigue that it portrays.

Needless to say, now that the censorship laws had eased, they were able to add in some more things. I'll never forget the sink scene (as I call it). And, as I understand it, Donovan starred in this movie (or was it someone else with the name Donovan Leitch?). Oh well, the point is that they eked out a good movie with this remake.