User Reviews

Return of Swamp Thing (1989) is the long awaited sequel to the Wes Craven cult classic Swamp Thing. This movie was based upon the D.C. Comics classic character from their more "mature" theme line. This film has achieved a level of cult status itself amongst fans of the genre. This time around the movie is more cheesy and campy instead of being too serious. The cast seems to have a lot of fun in this flick. Heather Lockyear stars as the hot blonde who is rescued and falls for Swamp Thing and Louis Jordan returns as it's chief rival and nemesis. The legendary Jim Wynorski ( a non-R rated outing for the sleaze king this time around) who has become a huge B-movie film maker in his own right helms the picture.

A light hearted film that'll warm you over. Recommended for fans of the comic book and cheesy films.

This the sequel to "The Swamp Thing," where the evil Dr. Arcane (Louis Jourdan) returns and has a new science lab full of creatures transformed by genetic mutation. In order to gain immortality, he chooses his stepdaughter, Abby Arcane (Heather Locklear), as the key in his immortality experiment.

The movie attempted to blend in comic relief, a superhero feel, and sci-fi action. What resulted, is a very campy film with average acting, forced humor, and silly action scenes. But, if you look at the video/DVD cover graphic of the Swamp Thing carrying a smiling Heather Locklear, it tells you that this film is meant to be a fantasy campfest - not the foreboding, serious, doom and gloom story like its prequel.

I could do without the two annoying kids in the movie, but the rest of the characters were quite hilarious to watch, especially that of Heather Locklear (loved her deadpan delivery and witty humor). The monster action starts almost right away, with the Swamp Thing fighting one of Dr. Arcane's mutated creatures in the swamp. And, the action continues on with the Swamp Thing battling incompetent bad guys left and right.

Not a scary film at all, just full of creepy looking creatures. The plot was rather fast-paced, but the story was the basic mad scientist story-line. Not much suspense in the film, but full of campy fun and humor that isn't all bad.

Grade C+

The 1980s was a decade of much change and innovation for several industries. While the first Superman (1978) was not a part of that era, it did lead to the other three sequels to come after it. It also lead to the spin off Supergirl (1984) film, and even the first Swamp Thing (1982) feature. While many of those outings were moderate to unsuccessful, Swamp Thing (1982) managed to remain a mildly entertaining hit. But like other sequels to come after their predecessors, they were met with much dissatisfaction. Yet, while this sequel has its faults, it also has a bunch good signs as well. Considering it was directed by Jim Wynorski, a man who has supervised many schlock fest features like Chopping Mall (1986), Sorority House Massacre II (1990) and Busty Cops (2004), it's surprising that it was made as well it is.

Written by Neil Cuthbert and Grant Morris, the story sees the return of not only Alec Holland, Swamp Thing (Dick Durock), but also his nemesis, Dr. Arcane (Louis Jourdan) in human form. Dr. Arcane is back and looking for a way to remain youthful through a special serum. The serum is a mix between human and animal genes, but Arcane feels the best DNA would be from Swamp Thing and his step daughter Abby (Heather Locklear). When it comes to the narrative, it really is a disappointment. Several plot points feel similar to that of the original film. Instead of Dr. Arcane seeking unlimited power from Swamp Thing, he now wants unlimited youth. It just feels like a weak motivation for a villain who was able to get a second chance at exacting revenge on the person who defeated him initially. Dr. Arcane is fixated on Swamp Thing.

There's also similar supporting characters that mirror the first film. An example is a henchman named Gunn (Joey Sagal) who reports to Dr. Arcane. He is in a way a copy of Ferret (David Hess) from the original movie. Heather Locklear ends up being just another romance figure for Swamp Thing, which he already had from the first film. There's no need to repeat these tropes. What hurts the movie most though, is the level of camp that it's cranked up to. It's not super over the top, but all the characters except Swamp Thing seem to act as though they know they're in a movie. Where in the original, the story felt grounded in a way that was believable. Not even Louis Jourdan bothers to keep it restrained. Here he just blatantly comes out and proclaims how evil he is. I guess that's what you get when one of the writers would later pen The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002).

However, there is one positive. Cuthbert and Morris did manage to sneak in a reason for Dr. Arcane's return to normal. If that was left out, that would have also been to the film's discredit. And although the camp level is turned up, the actors still do a good job. Dick Durock as Swamp Thing gives the character more charm than before and smiles more too. Although it is weird that apparently the vocal dub isn't Durock's voice but some unknown actor. While Jourdan is much more openly evil, he too remains the same character. Locklear as Arcane's step daughter is okay, yet her falling for Swamp Thing because she loves plants is a bit silly. There's also appearances from Sarah Douglas as one of Dr. Arcane's scientists. Funny how she also played Ursa from Superman II (1980). And there's also Ace Mask who plays another scientist of Dr. Arcane.

For visuals, the practical effects look like they improved. Unlike the original film, the creature effects here are not as rubbery looking. This time they have moving parts and wet areas. The most impressive creature was the leech man. But that doesn't exclude Swamp Thing's design, which has gone from a few pieces of foliage to a literal walking mossy, heavily overgrown root bound mash. It looks way better than the first suit used and Dick Durock comes across more muscular as well. The cinematography shot by Zoran Hochstätter looked good. The swamp marsh is just believable as it was before. As for music, the underrated Chuck Cirino did a great job composing the score. Not only did he create a memorable theme for Swamp Thing, but his synths actually help create an authentic atmosphere for the film. Kudos!

The writing has one upside and that is, it explains Arcane's return. Everything else though is a missed opportunity with the level of camp raised, weak villain motives, similar plot and characters. Yet, even with this, the actors are okay, the practical effects look upgraded, the cinematography is nice and the music is even better than before.

I've been reading swampthing comics for a while now and although this movie looks like a pile of puke in comparison to the legendary alan moore run, it a really fun way to kill 90 minutes. honestly, what this movie lacks in respectability, it more than makes up for in charm... you can tell they had a blast making this movie. the action scenes are simple but well executed (the fight with the leech man amongst all those exploding cars... awesome!) the cutesy comic relief parts with the to kids are hilarious (especially when they're scrambling around the living room trying to hide a mountain of porn) and the special effects are more than satisfactory...i don't know what all these other reviewers who think otherwise are talking about. its not a movie that you can just expect to dazzle you without any effort on your part. you have to want to like it. c'mon participate in life a little bit..you're invited.

Return of the Swamp Thing takes the best aspect of the original Wes Craven cult classic (its camp value) and also the worst (its discontinuity with the comics) to produce an exceedingly silly and over-the-top film that ranks right up there with Attack of the Killer Tomatoes in terms of sheer comic-bookish hilarity.

The casting works surprisingly well, despite the use of B- and C-list actors. Dick Durock, once again, brings far more class to the role of the Swamp Thing than the writing would seem to allow. And Louis Jordan, while completely unlike the Arcane seen in the comics in every way, is deliciously brilliant in every villainous role he's every played (see Octopussy as an example of a brilliant Jordan performance in an otherwise uninspired movie).

Plus, what's not to love about Heather Locklear? Sure, she's missing Abby's Transylvanian accent from the comic. Sure, she portrays Abby as far more airheaded than she was in the comic. And sure, she's not wearing comic-book Abby's trademark jean cutoffs and read shirt. But this is Heather Locklear, folks, and she more than makes up for it every time she smiles. (Hey, I'm reviewing a corny movie...what better way to do so than to make corny statements?)

Rumors abound that we might someday see a new Swamp Thing film, this time built around the landmark origin story Alan Moore brought to the character. We can only hope. In the meantime, both Swamp Thing films (while hardly high cinema) are still great B-movie fun. Make yourself some popcorn, check 'em both out and be sure to leave your brain in the swamp.

Rich Handley Roots of the Swamp Thing http://www.swampthingroots.com

This is hardly gripping entertainment or anything but it is played very much tongue-in-cheek. This fact rises it slightly above mediocrity. Only slightly but I have to admit I kind of like the goofy comic book heroics put on display here. Heather Locklear tries and Sarah Douglas stands out amongst the cast..at least giving us two lovely ladies to admire. Best part of the movie though is the opening sequence followed by the ultra cool comic book covers.

Swamp Thing returns to save Arcane's daughter, Abby (Locklear), from his evil wrath, along with his new batch of vicious mutant predators. All in all, it was a good film with great special effects!

The first "Swamp Thing" was okay, but took itself too seriously. This one goes in the opposite direction and ends up being almost a parody and it is not even an okay movie. In fact, it is horrible. Well that is not fair the first few minutes were at least tolerable as Swamp Thing battles this other creature, but after that the movie is just about unwatchable. Louis Jordan is the only one back from the first one I think (not sure if it is the same guy playing Swamp Thing) and Heather Lockler plays the love interest and the lame jokes come fast and furious. Most of the time they are not very good, in fact, I do not remember laughing at any of them. I also remember this movie dragging quite a bit. You will check your watch and wonder when it is going to be over. After it all you get your lame ending and then you can let out a breath and be thankful that it is finally over.

To me this looked more like "Scary Movie" type of parody to "Swamp Thing" than its sequel. Somewhat fun, but lousy. The only pretty thing in this movie was Heather Locklear and the only quality thing was Creedence Clearwater Revival music.

4,5/10

In regard to some of the other reviews of this film posted here on IMDB, I would like to say: lighten up! Does this film capture the quaint Cravenesque sci-fi ambiance of the first movie? Of course not. Nor does it capture the dreary, macabre vision of the Alan Moore comic books. What we have here is a perfect lovely late 80's fantasy/comedy about a seven foot plant man. If you look at it objectively, perhaps your vision would not be so skewed.

Now, you may think that I (Daniel Emery Taylor, featured in the film as "Darryl") might be slightly biased. I assure you, it's a possibility. However, you must know that the movie was filmed in fun and meant in fun. From every one-line groaner to every silly sexual innuendo, it was all planned and perpetrated. To see how serious we were, take a look at the video/DVD cover art.

To give a summary of the movie: Swamp Thing returns to thwart Dr. Arcane's plot for immortality. It's a basic semi-superhero movie plot. From there, Swampy falls in love with Arcane's daughter, has some great fighting sequences, comes through a faucet, drives a jeep, takes pictures with these two ADORABLE kids (and they're really terrific actors, too ... honesty!), and blows stuff up.

If you're a fan of B-movies, as I am, you're likely to enjoy this. There are plenty of laughs, both intentional and unintentional. The acting is what you would expect, and the effects are really quite good for its day. This is not a movie you have to ponder or concentrate on. Its subtle social messages and troubled postmodern imagery will not haunt you for days. It's simple fun.

After Wes Craven churned out the DC comic "Swamp Thing" into a 1982 feature length, film-maker Jim Wynorski would couple year's later helm the low-budget sequel "The Return of Swamp Thing" and take it down a totally different path.

Wanting to solve the mystery of her mother's death, horticulturist Abigail Arcane goes to stay with her stepfather Dr. Anton Arcane. However he has plans for her, which involves stealing her DNA to achieve immortality. Finding out she escapes into the swamp where she is rescued by Dr. Alex Holland, who now finds himself half-plant, half-man known as Swamp-Thing.

For better or worse, he camped it up and played it for laughs. However that's not taking anything away from it, while it can get silly. It still was rather enjoyable and the make-up FX (involving the mutants) was very well pulled off. The opening sequences involving comic inserts and Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Born in the Bayou" used as its theme song do set the mood. I think it actually starts off rather strongly, then if anything kind of falls away when Swamp Thing and Heather Locklear's character come together (the sweet love-story) mid-way through.

The script is very tongue-in-cheek and the performances are rather self- knowing… even Dick Durock as Swamp Thing. Louis Jourdan returns as Dr. Arcane and does a wonderful job bringing this sly character to life. Locklear is looking great, but her character was somewhat an annoyance. The support fair better with the likes of Sarah Douglas and Ace Mask. Wynorski doesn't hold back as he eccentrically seems to pile on the set- pieces and effects with very little story holding it together, but he sure does make it feel like a live-action comic strip with some imaginative brushes, bang-up action and good use of the atmospheric swamp terrain. The tone did feel uneven as there are kiddy elements mixed with adult themes. Too bad I found the ending to be terribly anticlimactic.

Colourful, if ridiculous sequel.

Jim Wynorski's Return of Swamp Thing is a bad film but can still be quite enjoyable in the right mindset. The movie's plot is weird with some pretty bad acting throughout. The relationship between Swamp Thing and Abby is very rushed with zero character development towards the relationship. The two boys offer some laughs, but they are pointless to the story and add unnecessary scenes and plot points. The movie is fairly bad, but it is very self aware. It knows its bad and it doesn't take itself seriously which saves the movie to make it a fun watch. The Return of Swamp Thing is a campy, bad film, but its self aware which makes it so bad its fun.

Following up the dreadfully boring and generic original, The Return of Swamp Thing takes us back to the swamp and into a very different kind of sequel. Moving away from the poorly handled serious aspects that made the original so boring, the sequel relies more on comedy and, shockingly, they do it really well! Returning as the titular creature, Dick Durock adds a lighter tone and jovial attitude which work much better than the stoic nature of the previous installment. Heather Locklear as Abby Arcane adds a delightfully humorous love interest, equipped with quite a few memorable one-liners. Although Dr. Anton Arcane (Louis Jourdan) returns to continue his hunt for Swamp Thing, this still fails to create any original or exciting action, sticking with the lackluster strongman punches of the original. The prosthetics still look cheesy, but have been improved and look much more detailed this time around. While The Return of Swamp Thing is no masterpiece, the team saw what didn't work in the original and put time and effort into creating a truly fun time capsule of campy film.

The Alan Moore comic is a classic. The Wes Craven original "Swamp Thing" film is an enjoyable footnote in the legendary director's career. This sequel boasts a very cute 1980s Heather Locklear and that's about it. I suppose you do get James Bond villain Louis Jourdan playing a villain, but this sequel is complete schlock. There wasn't a SyFy Channel when this film came out, but if there was, this would have been a SyFy Channel movie. Co-written by the men who brought us "Mystery Men," "The Adventures of Pluto Nash," and "The Shrimp on the Barbie" and the director of "CobraGator, "The Hills Have Thighs" and "The Witches of Breastwick," you can get an idea of the film quality you're in for. Story-wise, The Swamp Thing has to do battle with new genetic mutations and makes Locklear his new Bride of Frankenstein object of his affection. One look at the VHS cover art and you know exactly the quality of film you're in for with this film, which is a completely campy cheese-fest. Overall, I suppose it's watchable, but nothing really to go out of your way to watch.

Much like its title hero, "The Return of Swamp Thing" is a hybrid creature: it tries to do many different genres - horror, comedy, action, romance - and, as it usually happens in these cases, does none of them completely satisfyingly. What keeps it watchable is its cast: Heather Locklear is a beautiful and engaging heroine (her spectacular cleavage doesn't hurt either), and nobody can play a suave, sophisticated, cultured villain quite like Louis Jourdan (it's ironic that his character in the film is trying to find a formula to reverse the aging process, because Jourdan himself seems to have already discovered that formula; he was 70 years old when this film was made but he looks about 50!). The witty and classy Sarah Douglas plays his assistant, and Dick Durock does a fine (physical as well as emotional) job as the Swamp Thing. And the final bonus: a GORGEOUS red-haired Monique Gabrielle as an armed security guard - YES!!! (**)

I've always been curious about this film thanks to the poster and mythos. Helps that I had a girl-crush on Heather Locklear later on thanks to Melrose Place.

So, since I'm doing this 100-movie marathon to "prove" 1989 was the best year in cinema, I added this to the list. And I ask again: THIS Made it to Theatres? (Ah-hem, it made $192,816 - I rest my case.)

But, I didn't hate it and did understand it...and yet, it still wasn't great. Did like seeing Locklear and the title creature a ton. But, probably the best part: those two kids.

Throughout the film, there are two besties who banter back and forth and try and get a picture of the Swamp Thing. They're actually pretty good and funny and kept this movie moving along for me.

Disclaimer: I haven't seen the original, so I really have nothing to compare this to. Would I recommend this? Eh. If you're a DC-Comic enthusiast as this belongs to the brand. Otherwise, enter the swamp at your own slapstick risk.

B-movie maven Jim Wynorski has gone on record as saying that he only liked to make sequels if he thought he could improve on the original movie. "The Return of Swamp Thing" is a case of him succeeding in this aim. It seems hard to believe, since the original "Swamp Thing" was made by horror god Wes Craven, but it really wasn't a horror movie. It was more of a lame action-sci fi cross with Craven trying to prove he could direct action scenes and only barely succeeding.

Unlike that film, "The Return of Swamp Thing" is not a case of filmmaking-by-numbers, where you can see every plot development a mile away. Surprisingly, even the action scenes are superior to the original, with a fight between Swamp Thing and a leech-man being a highlight.

There's no Adrienne Barbeau in this one, but there is the charismatic Heather Locklear, and the movie takes the beauty-and-the-beast theme of the original movie a step further, even implying some interspecies intercourse.

Unfortunately, the dull villain from the first movie is back, apparently having been "resurrected" (?). Watch out for Monique Gabrielle though, who should have been given more screen time.

The plot, and indeed the whole movie, is basically a retread of the original, only done better, with more monsters, more interesting characters, more surprises, and more reason to watch.

This reviewer says check it out.

Dr Arcane (Louis Jourdan) returns from the dead and is developing more mutants in the swamp. He has invited his daughter (Heather Locklear) over who can hold the key to him becoming younger. Swamp Thing (Dick Durock) saves her from her father and she falls for him.

Although hugely tongue-in-cheek, this sequel to the 1982 original is fun, cheesy and dreadful in equal measure. Although no other sequels were made, it was revived on a couple of occasions as a TV series.

Every once in awhile, a sequel is a million times better than the original. This is just such a sequel! If you look up my review for Swamp Thing, you'll see that I didn't care to much for it. This, on the other hand, was great! They decided to go with the over-the-top comic-book style that the original skirted, which made the movie a lot more enjoyable. The effects improved greatly, the creatures in this actually looked like some effort was put into them! I especially liked the updated Swamp Thing costume, made him look a lot better and more intimidating. Louis Joudan was thankfully back, and his character, Dr. Anton Arcane, was even better than ever! His step-daughter Abby, played by Heather Locklear, was one of many great comic relief characters, along with the bumbling head of security named Gunn, and many others. The side plot with two kids trying to get Swampy's picture was a tad annoying, but it had it's amusing moments. Overall, this was a great intentionally cheesy B-movie, that you really should check out!

8/10

The Swamp Thing returns to battle the evil Dr. Arcane, who has a new science lab full of creatures transformed by genetic mutation, and chooses Heather Locklear as his new object of affection.

How easy it would be to rag on this film for being cheesy, campy, comedic and not the serious horror-action tone of the first film. And how easy to say that Wynorski cannot match the directing abilities of Wes Craven. But let us be fair.

Taken at face value, this is a rather fun film with some awesome monster battles, in some ways not unlike a good Godzilla sequel. Serious? No. That is obvious the moment you see the cover and Locklear mugging for the camera. But some entertaining moments, such as a nod to Louis Jourdain's role in "Gigi".

Oh, and the kids with the magazines are hilarious, especially because the little one cannot act to save his life. While painful to watch if you take it seriously, every time this kid shows up it is just a riot of poor, pathetic proportions.

This movie is dopey and pointless. What particularly bothered me was that in the original SWAMP THING, Louis Jourdan was the bad guy. In the end, he was transformed into a hideous monster and ultimately was destroyed by Swamp Thing. However, in this sequel, of sorts, once again Louis Jourdan returns as the bad guy. Now, he might be a really resilient guy but this is ridiculous!! Why couldn't they have at least gotten a different actor so as to maintain some continuity? Regardless, this is just a re-hash of old stuff and offers nothing new of necessary. The original was fresh and mildly interesting--this film is just an old re-tread.

Amusing flick is decently made but badly acted and the script is kinda sloppy written but this is mildly entertaining and pretty amusing. Horrible make up effects just adds to the charm. All in all i suppose it is worth a look **1/2 out of 5