Review of The Amazing Colossal Man (1957) by James T — 06 Feb 2010

"Why don't you ask me what it feels like to be a freak!?".

After being exposed to a blast of radiation Lt. Col. Glenn Manning is hospitalized with 90% of his body burnt. However he miraculously recovers from his injures and now the new (and bald) Glenn cant stop growing. As he grows he becomes more aggressive and instable. His wife refuses to leave his side and he is quickly becoming difficult for the military to keep a secret.

The film that was one of the inspirations for The Incredible Hulk and reminded me more than a little of the film Honey I Blew Up The Kid. I think its safe to assume Honey I Blew Up The Kid took more than a little inspiration from this film.

Another 50s 'atomic bomb turns creature into a large monster' flick. But this time instead of a praying mantis or lizard it's a man. It's black and white, it's cheesy, over the top and a good bit of B film fun.

I actually thought the effects were good and stylish for a film of its time. Better than in The Deadly Mantis or The Black Scorpion. For the most part the film is about Glenn sitting in the care of the military and growing while his wife visits him. The climax of the film is when Glenn goes on a rampage to Las Vegas.

If you're into 50s sci-fi B films defiantly give this one a go.