Review of Revenge of the Creature (1955) by De Maio D — 18 Jul 2007

The second installment of the "Creature" series is arguably better than the original (and miles ahead of the 3rd). It's one of the first sequels where I can honestly say I prefer it to the first...very rare in any genre, but especially in horror/science-fiction.

Basically, scientists capture the creature, lock him up in a Sea World-type habitat, and make it earn his keep by being watched by spectators. Well, as you might expect, the creature escapes and goes on a rampage that set the bar for all chaos in "creature" films to come in any genre.

Example: the buoy scene in the lake when the girl is being dragged around? Yep, very close to what happens in the opening scene of "Jaws" and far pre-dates it.

There's a few others too. Interesting if nothing else.

I think it really stands up and to me is the most original of the three films. Of all of the "classic" horror series' I'd pick the "Creature" franchise without flinching. "Dracula" , "Wolfman", and "Frankenstein" are all amazing and terrifying, but this series seems to be the most FUN of the franchises while also bringing some major envirenmental and animal habitat questions. Very much ahead of its time. Absolutely classic.