Review of The Blob (1958) by Sebastian P — 29 Feb 2012

Mention the words "The Blob" to most people in their 40s and 50s and you'll get a knowing grin in return. Treated by the critics at the time of its release as just another teen monster movie (which it pretty much is), this film struck a chord among teens of the time that most other films of its kind didn't. It's difficult to say exactly why. While Steve McQueen's good lucks and charm are much in evidence, his performance isn't much different from those in other films of its type. The effects are good, but not great. The plot is pretty much your standard alien-life-form-endangers-Earth story. So what is it about "The Blob" that makes people remember it so fondly?

For one thing, it's in color, where most films of its type were in black and white. For another thing, it had some great old hot rods in it, something a lot of teenage boys (and boys whose teenage years were far behind them) could identify with. Also, the teenagers in the movie didn't act like teenagers at the time were so often portrayed: wise-ass, smart-mouthed punks. There were no false heroics, either; the kids--and the sheriff and the other authorities--got together once the danger was recognized and banded together to fight it.

Probably the main reason people like it, though, is that it's just so damn much fun to watch.