Watchers (1988)

A boy takes in a stray dog, later discovering that it is an ultra-intelligent runaway being stalked by a dangerous creature from the same genetic research lab.

Director:

Jon Hess

Writers:

Dean R. Koontz (based on the novel by), Bill Freed (screenplay)

Stars:

Corey Haim, Michael Ironside, Christopher Cary

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Ironside	...	Lem
Christopher Cary	...	TV Newscaster (as Christopher Carey)
Graeme Campbell	...	Man on Boat
Dan O'Dowd	...	First TV Reporter
Lala Sloatman	...	Tracey (as Lala)
Corey Haim	...	Travis
Dale Wilson	...	Bill Keeshan
Blu Mankuma	...	Cliff
Colleen Winton	...	Deputy Porter
Duncan Fraser	...	Sheriff Gaines
Barbara Williams	...	Nora
Lou Bollo	...	Man by Stream
Jason Priestley	...	Boy on Bike
Matt Hill	...	Boy on Bike
Andrew Markey	...	Boy on Bike

Storyline

Based on a novel by Dean Koontz. A boy takes in a stray dog, later finding out that its an ultra-intelligent runaway from a genetic research lab. Unknow to him, the dog is being stalked by another escaped creature thats not quite so friendly.

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Plot Keywords:

mother son relationship | genetic mutation | based on novel | child protagonist | dog | 

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Taglines:

It started as a secret experiment... It ended up as a new breed of terror.

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Genres:

Action | Horror | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Al borde del terror

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Gross USA:

$940,173

Company Credits

Production Co:

Concorde Pictures, Centaur Films, Rose & Ruby Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 87 min (DVD)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Travis's and his mom's truck is a 1952 GMC New Design 100 [101-22].

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Quotes

Travis: There's a pack of hot dogs in the refrigerator, if you go get them you can have one.

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Connections

Followed by Watchers III (1994)

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Soundtracks

Dream Machine
Performed by Mike Reno

User Reviews

Silly and over the top, but also fun and entertaining

I would consider myself a fan of Dean Koontz; having read a number of his novels and liked them all, but unfortunately I never got around to reading Watchers so I'm left with no choice but to rate this film on it's own merits rather than comparing it to the book that I haven't read. I went into this expecting something awful, and while I didn't exactly get a brilliant horror film; I am lead to believe that it's fans of the book that are rating it down because as a film in it's own right, Watchers is an entertaining and somewhat original little horror movie. The plot obviously takes some influence from Predator and begins with an explosion at a research lab. It's not long before a rancher is killed by some strange beast and the boyfriend of the dead man's daughter has picked up an ultra-intelligent runaway dog. A secret Government agency is soon on the case, as the murders continue. The boy continues to be fascinated by the dog's intelligence, but it somehow ties in with the murders and the agency is soon on his tail too.

The script for this film was originally written by Paul Haggis, who later disowned it. I don't know why – the writing here is nowhere near as ridiculous as his 2004 hit Crash! Anyway, the main reason this film works is undoubtedly the dog, who aside from being rather cute, is also the best actor in the film. Corey Haim, hot off the success of The Lost Boys is the human lead and actually has a rather good chemistry with the dog, although it is a little bit ridiculous seeing him talk to it most of the way through the film. The plot is rather convoluted and as such the film is more than a little bit messy; but the ridiculousness of it all pulls it through during the more awkward moments. Michael Ironside also appears in the film and does well as the 'bad cop' side of the Government agents. The monster is, of course, one of the most interesting things about the film and the way it goes around killing people is always entertaining and gory; although unfortunately we don't get to see a lot of it and when we finally do it's rather disappointing - obviously the filmmakers had seen Bigfoot and the Hendersons! Still, this is the sort of film that can be easily enjoyed despite the numerous problems and I'd recommend to any undiscerning viewer of eighties horror.