Review of Watchers (1988) by Tim B — 27 Jan 2011

I've never read the novel on which this is based so I didn't come with any expectations of the film living up to the book. Save one or two books, Koontz has never really cranked my dial with his writing.

But having watched the film I can see why a lot of people were more less pissed. It seems more like an epsiode of Lassie than a horror flick. We see a lot of Haim interactng with the dog, with the odd monster attack here and there.

Speaking of which, when the monster was shown in full form, it was so obvious that it was some guy in a suit. Save one graphic scene, it didn't even give us much blood, either. It doesn't even serve in the horror department as I felt no suspense.

I guess after all the "cutesy" business with the dog, I somewhat predicted that there wasn't going to be much conventions pushed further. Jon Hess didn't do much with styling. It felt like he was more into giving one an acid trip than a horror movie as the camera shaking was non-stop.

Corey Haim did a good job, he just needed more to his character than a being a smart-aleck with a fondness for dogs. Barbara Williams is good with what she has. Her and Haim have good chemistry. Michael Ironside played a badass and did so without any effort.

Yes, he's THAT good! Lala Sloatman was cute and worked in the role. Any postive aspects? The dog was impressive in its antics. Made me smirk a few times. The score (by King John Williams) was really good and actually helped on some of the scenes that would have been otherwise yawn.

Lastly, Michael Ironside definitely upped my enjoyment any time he popped up. But this was far from the greatest. There are better movies with Michael Ironside, Corey Haim and dogs that I would put up there long before this one.

See it if you must, but don't strain yourself.