Blood Capsule #255

REPTILICUS (1961)

If you look on IMDb, there are two people credited with directing this film.  That's a misnomer, as there are two different versions of Reptilicus.  From what I understand, they were shot together much in the same way that the Spanish version of 1931's Dracula was shot while Bela Lugosi was off brooding in a corner somewhere.  I'm reviewing the American cut.  I have yet to watch the Danish cut, but while the actors are speaking another language, the two movies are virtually identical.  Any discrepancies are negligible, aside from the fact that the monster flies in the Danish version.  Also, the American version adds splashes of "acid vomit," and cripes, I'm tired of typing "version."  Regardless of which Reptilicus you are babysitting, it's a hoot.  Well, it's a minor hoot.  I hate to sound like a world-weary critic, but in my opinion, there are better Godzilla knockoffs out there.

I'm getting ahead of myself.  How about a synopsis?  Mining engineers drill upon well-preserved chunks of a prehistoric giant.  The fossils, varying in (de)composition, are taken to a laboratory where scientists discover that the primordial flesh can regenerate itself.  It doesn't take long for the behemoth - dubbed Reptilicus by the media - to thaw out and begin destroying urban locales in Copenhagen.  As for the special effects, this b-quickie forgoes traditional methods (stop-motion, man in a suit, etc.) in favor of a marionette.  Friends, it's simply adorable.  If Reptilicus emerged from the Atlantic Ocean and demolished skyscrapers on the east coast, my gut reaction would be to ask my mom if I could keep it.  Naturally, anything that doesn't involve Reptilicus (y'know, in Reptilicus) comes across as mundane.  Characters are interchangeable.  On the acting front, the cast isn't anchored by any one performance, unless you're spellbound by old dudes in white coats.

I hate to end things on a downer, so I'll mention that Vinegar Syndrome's 4K/Blu-ray release of Reptilicus is splendid.  I guarantee that no one else is nerdy enough to point this out, but certain scenes are eerily reminiscent of an Outer Limits episode called "Tourist Attraction."  If you know what I'm talking about, we're automatically besties.