A feature that simply fell through the cracks, but maybe because it was nothing more than a fair little low-budget creepy-crawly monster shocker from the 80s. Abandoned boarded up silver mine in Colorado is opened up, but the workers in doing so unknowingly release some nasty critters. Rather standard and minor, but well-made (sweeping camera-work) and always amusing. Pacing wise it's slow (as the simple plotting in the first half really does take its time to set everything up and can be gradually repetitive), but then it goes on to offer a couple neat little shocks (after some off-screen action, a touch of gore spills out), cheesy monster creations (which look like mutated turtles), an atmospheric setting (from the wintry Colorado mountains to the under lit underground mines) and the characters are likable enough. Rebecca Balding, Fred McCarren, Anne-Marie Martin and Jeff Harlen shared a good chemistry. Also appearing were John Crawford, Med Flory and John Lormer. However the dog Tiger really is a scene stealer. Director James L. Conway's slight handling is earnestly executed, where its old-fashion build-up keeps the danger out of sight, but constantly lurking (plenty of monster cam and tentacle work) and a spooky air is cemented. Things do get a little crazier at the back end. Typical, but fun 80s horror oddity.
Review of The Boogens
