The Blob (1988)

A deadly entity from space crashes near a small town and starts to consume anyone in its path. Panic ensues, as shady government scientists try to contain the horrific creature.

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 | monster | african american | movie theatre | garbage disposal | 

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Taglines:

Scream now, while you can still breathe.

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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:

The Blob

Filming Locations:

Abbeville, Louisiana, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$19,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,644,920, 7 August 1988

Gross USA:

$8,247,943

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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

Russell and Darabont didn't have a lot of rules for the blob, but they agreed the general concept of the creature was it being an inside-out stomach meaning the acid is burning, melting, and devouring almost everything it touches.

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Goofs

Brian was not present when Meg discovered the blob was vulnerable to cold and did not hear her yell it out. So he would not have known to get the snow blower to use against the creature. However, this could be disputed as both were chased by the blob in the diner and the blob refused to enter the cooler. earlier in the film.

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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 Monster Math - Effects Supervisor Christopher Gilman on The Blob (2019)

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Soundtracks

Feel My Love
Written by Alien, Janet Minto and Pam Barlow
Performed by Alien
Courtesy of Virgin Scandinavia AB

User Reviews

"Better than the original?" not really relevant, its just "different!"

Given the 30 years gap between the two films....it certainly isn't "thirty years better"..... just 30 years different!

Certainly a good attempt at a remake but not within a bull's roar of John Carpenter's THE THING which blew the original out of the water! (Why, so many climed on its back I could never fathom!)

Dillon does an exemplarary job in an "I'm angry with everyone" McQueen reprise. Part LOST BOYS part EASY RIDER, Dillon handles the Blob pretty well. Lots of people die, some you might not expect but hey, like ET its the Government's fault again isn't it? Anyway, all the bad guys get their come-uppance, so no problem! Neat little ending too. Shame no movie producer has capitalised on it!