MYSTERY ON MONSTER ISLAND (1981)
Twenty years ago (or thereabouts), I caught a sliver of this movie on a Saturday morning. Until last night, all I remembered was the fact that it contained a roving pack of fishmen. If you know me, you know that's a big deal. I've made it a mission to see every motion picture that involves a fishman in some way, shape, or form. Mystery on Monster Island does fit the criteria, but I'm sad to report that these gilled marauders only appear in one scene. They look preposterous, and I love them very much. But what about the rest of this island adventure? Peter Cushing is top-billed. Of course, he has approximately three minutes of total screen time. He sends his nephew on an ocean voyage to give him a dose of reality. Considering the ludicrous twist ending (more on that later), that's awfully ironic. Along the way, we meet cannibals, dino-goliaths, and cave-dwelling...um, caterpillars? Don't forget the fishmen.
As my rating indicates, watching Mystery on Monster Island was a pleasant experience. The pace is brisk, the special effects are charming, and the comedy relief wasn't too vexing (the foppish tutor was a bit much). There is a stipulation, though. All of the innocuous good faith that the film accumulates is nearly rendered meaningless by the ending. This is where I spoil the twist, so look away if you have a sensitive stomach. All of the monsters on Monster Island? Toys! The cannibals? Actors! Yes, Mystery resorts to using the "Scooby-Doo rule." I hate the "Scooby-Doo rule." Part of me thinks that director Juan Piquer Simon wanted a built-in excuse for shoddy puppetry and unfinished creature suits. It's supposed to look fake! That's actually clever, but I'm still peeved. Three Z'Dars because I have a soft spot for Saturday morning nonsense. Make no mistake; this is nonsense.
The French one-sheet.
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