Monday, October 27, 2008

Shivers


--Reviewed by Lindy Loo


Plotline: A scientist working at an isolated luxury apartment complex has developed some sort of parasite that reduces human hosts to a primal, orgiastic state of being. When he realizes the horror he has created, he attempts to kill the hosts it has taken root in, but he is just a little bit too late, as the parasite is spreading from person to person like an STD, inducing sex-crazed mania in them all.

Scariness factor: It's not really anything white-knuckle inducing. No sneaky scares.



Gross-Out Factor: It has its moments, but they're very 1970s.

Complaints: The movie was a bit slow. But I mostly think my major complaint was my own fault--I've been wanting to see this since forever, and I only this past week realized it was at a nearby videostore. I'd overhyped it for so long in my head that there's no way it could've ever lived up to the hype.

High Points: Cronenberg's early horror flicks are great fun to watch, and this one--with its overwhelmingly 1970s feel--fits the bill as well. It's creepy at times. Gross at times. Has a parasite that looks disgustingly phallic. And is--like all Cronenberg's horror--infused with a bit of social commentary. The acting is both good and terrible. And the special fx are fun.



Overall: If you like Cronenberg, it's a definite must-see. And if you like 1970s movies, again: a must-see.

Grade: B+

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2 Comments:

At 2:03 PM, Blogger Joanne said...

I watched this movie in my Canadian Film and Cinema class and we discussed and analyzed it to bits!! It is definitely a social commentary and has many sexual overtones to it. It's a very good example of Cronenberg's early material which he was totally trashed for by the critics. I think it's definitely acquired a cult following. Good stuff!! Freakishly hilarious! Glad you reviewed it and that you picked up on the social commentary bit.

 
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