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 | child in peril | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Aside from the basic plot and character names, the movie has very little in common with the book on which it is based. For example, Travis is an adult in the book, and Nora is his love interest. Lem Johnson and Walt Gaines are best friends, and Tracy Keeshan is a completely unrelated character.

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Quotes

Salesclerk: [Travis is at the checkout counter] That it?
Travis: Uh no-no, I need uh-- I need some shells 30-30.
Salesclerk: How old are you, son?
Travis: Let me tell you sir, I'm old enough to know these woods like the back of my hand, me and my dad were staying up at Totem Creek, he told me that this week my 16th birthday was my day, 'The Day'.
Salesclerk: Yeah, but 30-30 what are you bringing down?
Travis: A grizzly.
Salesclerk: Grizzlies is protected.
Travis: I know that.
[the clerk chuckles]

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Connections

Referenced in Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders: Episode 1 (2017)

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Soundtracks

Dream Machine
Performed by Mike Reno

User Reviews

Just watchable

I'm a great fan of Koontz, and thought this might be an adaptation worth watching. I admit that due to the complexity of most his books, with all its subtlety, it is difficult to make a perfect adaptation, but this movie just barely made as a mediocre production. In an effort to make the movie 'cute' instead of the full-fledged horror it should be, it concentrates so much on the dog and its antics, but leaves us to imagine the monster for the most part. Given that the monster is at least as smart and complex as the dog, to see it reduced to simply a killing machine was a waste. And I still prefer the book ending to the movie ending - at least it made more sense and left one feeling a bit sad at the monster's demise instead of gloating over it.

Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

2 December 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Watchers

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$260,820, 4 December 1988

Gross USA:

$940,173

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$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