Night of the Creeps (1986) Review:

I'm not one who's really into zombie flicks because some are just either over the top or just plain annoying. Why? Because no one can ever kill them! However, Night of the Creeps (1986) is one of those zombie movies that stand out from all the others. I went into this movie not expecting anything for a couple reasons: I didn't know any of the actors, I had no idea what the plot involved and because I was bored one night and had nothing else better to do than to watch this film. My whole perspective was changed when the film had ended. Nothing beats this film when it comes to lovable characters and very unique special effects.

Cynthia (Jill Whitlow) & Chris (Jason Lively)....Cute right?

There are four main characters to this film. Jason Lively and Steve Marshall star as two college students, Chris Romero and J.C. Hooper, who are only trying to fit in with their surroundings. Marshall's character, J.C., has polio but makes up for it by having a witty personality. Lively's character, Chris, has no disabilities but is very shy and timid when it comes to doing anything that's beyond his comfort zone. Playing Chris' love interest, Cynthia, is played by the college hot pocket, Jill Whitlow. Whitlow plays her role really well and although her character is not supposed to be seductive, if you watch her eyes they can mesmerize any male viewer in the audience (at least I think). Last but not least is Ray Cameron played by Tom Atkins for which the story line is based upon. His background will be explained in the beginning of the film and then will be brought up again later to fill in some questions the audience might have.

Tom Atkins as Detective Ray Cameron who has
a dark past....

Most zombie movies are not supposed to be funny but they can sound like they are intended to be. This film though, is supposed to be funny. Much of the dialog will make the audience giggle and chuckle. Much of the comedic parts are between different characters not just a specific one (though most come from J.C.). Now I'm not saying it's a comedy. It still has plenty of horror on screen for all you horror fans. The music for this movie was composed by Barry DeVorzon. DeVorzon does a great job in changing from scene to scene. The science-fiction part has an eerie feel to it. When the camera's focused on more of the human qualities, for example when Cynthia asks Chris to a formal (which is one of my favorite scenes), the tone of the music is sweet and innocent.

What I like the most about this film is the science-fiction/horror aspect. In the beginning of this film the audience is introduced to an alien who's trying to get rid of something that we don't know of at first. Just the aliens themselves are cool to watch. They look like the Ewoks from Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983) without the fur. Once the movie gets going, the audience gets to witness the alien "slugs" (if that's what they are). I love the way they move, and I love sounds that they make when they're scuttling on the ground; it gives them a very icky, sticky, slimy feel. I also love the part of the film that builds up to the climax. I can't say much here but I think being paired up with your girlfriend/boyfriend with a shotgun/flame-thrower, fighting off zombies together is the sexiest date! Props to Fred Dekker for this funny horror fest!

Considered to be director Fred Dekker's best work, Night of the Creeps has an attractive appeal that will not only deliver chuckles but also the "creeps" (as stated in the title). The actors work great together and the special effects are really something to admire.

Points Earned --> 10:10