Review of Of Unknown Origin (1983) by Brett B — 04 Jul 2014

Peter Weller versus an abnormally-large, hyper-intelligent, killer rat? What's not to like? OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN is a big chunk of tasty '80s cheese, well-directed by B-movie veteran Cosmatos. The movie treats the subject matter seriously, but yet still finds a way to have fun with it, primarily through some wonderful, squirm-inducing moments and a terrific leading performance from Weller, who dives right in with his character's progression from mildly irritated, to harried, to at his wit's end; the script also gives him dialogue that's sharp, witty, and full of personality, and he brings a real undercurrent of dry humor to the story.

As for his villainous rodent nemesis, the movie employs - for the most part - some great, up-close photography of an actual rat, and as hard as it may be to believe, the movie manages to make this critter a credible threat to Weller's physical and mental well-being.

This is a film whose premise has (more or less) been done many times, and it could have easily been boring, outlandish schlock, but Cosmatos and company keep things on the track at all points. OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN does exactly what good, mid-level genre should: populate the story with intelligent characters, include a healthy sense of humor, and make a ridiculous premise compelling through inventive staging and effective suspense.

It does run on just a little bit long, but it's completely entertaining for the duration, and in a refreshingly un-ironic way.