2005's "Clawed" (aka "The Unknown") is not nearly as bad as some of these negative reviews here claim. No, it's not "Apocalypse Now" but it never pretends to be anything more than what it is -- a Grade-B made-for-TV Bigfoot flick.
THE STORY: In Washington state three poachers get killed on a mountain by what is thought to be a killer grizzly. The sole survivor returns with three more rednecks to get revenge; meanwhile a group of high school teens also go up to the mountain for a senior project. Add to the mix a couple of rangers and a Sasquatch creature.
WHAT WORKS:
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
Some complain that they can't figure out certain plot points; read Willaim R. Hancock's Amazon review for an excellent explanation (from October 16, 2006).
BOTTOM LINE: This is a decent modern Bigfoot flick that should please fans of the Sasquatch mythos. Although the set-up is great, it's hampered by a weak last act. It's better than "Sasquatch" (2002) but it's no where near as good as "Sasquatch Mountain" (2005). I like the fact that the legend is respected and the creature isn't made out to be a bloodthirsty ee-vil monster. Although there's a little gore, gorehounds who drooled over "Abominable" will not be appeased by "Clawed;" in other words, stay away if you're solely interested in a bloodstained slasher/monster flick.
GRADE: C+
THE STORY: In Washington state three poachers get killed on a mountain by what is thought to be a killer grizzly. The sole survivor returns with three more rednecks to get revenge; meanwhile a group of high school teens also go up to the mountain for a senior project. Add to the mix a couple of rangers and a Sasquatch creature.
WHAT WORKS:
- The Washington locations are great, filmed in Buckley and North Bend. - The villains here are the loathsome poachers; the rest of the cast are likable with the exception of the arrogant jock, who sort of redeems himself by the end. The lead redneck, by the way, is none other than Miles O'Keeffe who played the title role in 1981's infamous "Tarzan, the Ape Man" (beefcake hero to villainous hick, how about that?). - The two girls are quite fetching, especially the brunette (Chelsea Hobbs). One reviewer implies it's unlikely that the brunette would be attracted to Richard, the intelligent/woodsman type, but I didn't find it unlikely at all. Since when do pretty girls only find arrogant, obnoxious jocks attractive? (Arrogance shouldn't be confused with confidence). Richard is quiet, humble and skillful in his areas of expertise. The brunette obviously finds these traits attractive. Meekness isn't weakness, after all. - Although "Abominable" (2006) is an entertaining Bigfoot flick the creature in that film is nothing more than a monster of unadulterated horror (with a goofy face). I like the fact that "Clawed" portrays the creature in a more benevolent, almost noble fashion. Some reviewers have even gone so far as to describe him as the "brown Hulk." - Some Native American legends claim Sasquatch is a spirit-being that can come and go in the physical realm. This is touched on in the film. - Speaking of the creature, I thought they did a good job with the costume (He looks like he spends a lot of time in the gym). At least the creature doesn't have a goofy face a la "Abominable." - Speaking of goofy, there are thankfully no campy elements like "Abominable." Although there's some goofiness, this is essentially a serious Bigfoot flick accompanied by a serious dramatic soundtrack, not that everything's believable, of course. - I like the fact that the film only runs 80 minutes before credits. Films of this ilk shouldn't overstay their welcome.
WHAT DOESN'T WORK:
- Although the film's not bad, it never arises above the level of decent. (You haven't seen bad, by the way, until you've seen 2008's "Yeti: Curse of the Snow Demon"). The set-up of the story is great but the final act fumbles the ball. It's like once they (the filmmakers) get the various groups up into the forest where the creature is lurking they don't know what to do from there. - I pointed out above that not everything's believable, which includes the poachers' antics. I also didn't buy the teens camping out on the mountain with a supposed killer grizzly on the loose (Wouldn't their parents object? Would the girls likely go, especially considering no one in their group had weapons?). - Most films like this HAVE to have one or more ultra-wise Native Americans who are "at one" with nature and all-knowing concerning the mythical creature at hand (e.g. "Man-Thing," "Prophecy," "Orca," etc.). Get real.
Some complain that they can't figure out certain plot points; read Willaim R. Hancock's Amazon review for an excellent explanation (from October 16, 2006).
BOTTOM LINE: This is a decent modern Bigfoot flick that should please fans of the Sasquatch mythos. Although the set-up is great, it's hampered by a weak last act. It's better than "Sasquatch" (2002) but it's no where near as good as "Sasquatch Mountain" (2005). I like the fact that the legend is respected and the creature isn't made out to be a bloodthirsty ee-vil monster. Although there's a little gore, gorehounds who drooled over "Abominable" will not be appeased by "Clawed;" in other words, stay away if you're solely interested in a bloodstained slasher/monster flick.
GRADE: C+