Wednesday, April 7, 2010

It's Alive (1974)


For years, I have seen the image of a scary mutant baby in horror film books.  That baby is from "It's Alive" and I had hoped the film would live up to a wonderful special effects make-up by Rick Baker.

"It's Alive" is a simple movie.  A baby is born, but it's a monster.  The Monster Baby kills everyone that it comes in contact with.  

It was very interesting to see how the couple that had the baby dealt with this situation.  Not only do they have to deal with this murdering baby, but they have to worry about paparazzi, co-workers, and neighbors.  Will these parents see their baby as a monster like the rest of the world or will they love their child unconditionally?

The reason "It's Alive" is so good is because we never get a good look at the baby.  A clear shot of him would most likely be comical.  But strange disoriented close-ups and uses of shadows, keep the monster mysterious.

"It's Alive" is a unique monster movie that one will never forget.  The acting was very good, especially from the baby's father played by John Ryan.  It is scary, entertaining, and it has a bit of social commentary.  What exactly made this family have a mutant baby?  Could it have been these new birth control drugs prescribed by modern day physicians?  That's yet to be determined...

B+  I recommend it.

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