The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms (1953)

Plot Outline: A prehistoric monster is thawed out of its frozen state by atomic testing in the Arctic and then proceeds to go on a destructive rampage in New York.

The Review: This would have been just another generic 50s B-movie if it weren't for the maestro of modelling, Ray Harryhausen, to create another superb stop-motion creature. The creature once again out shines its human rivals, as in many Harryhausen films. It looks and moves like a prehistoric monster would do (well as it would theoretically do since no one has seen one in the flesh). However it does have the ability to seemingly change size, with obvious problems regarding size and scale of the miniatures raising their heads. Again as with most of these cheap 50s films, the film sags when the monster isn't on screen. In fact to be honest, the film isn't all that great in general. The acting isn't great and the dialogue is quite stilted but this is forgotten once the monster gets to do some damage. There are some great images in this such as when the creature destroys the lighthouse and it's silhouette is the only thing you can see. The finale inside the amusement park is also a great end to the film as the beast is finally killed off after a tense 10 minutes stand-off. The scene where the dinosaur attacks the rollercoaster are superb - compare this to something CGI and modern day like The Hulk. I know which I'd rather have any day.

Final Verdict: The special effects are the only reason to watch this drawn out sci-fi flick. Long live Ray Harryhausen.

Rating: