If you are a fan of the Creature from the Black Lagoon trilogy or classic movie monsters in general, than this is the film for you. It delves deep into the history and the fandom of the trilogy in great way, I learned a ton of things I didn't know about these wonderful classics my brother and I love so much! Awesome and informative interviews with Ben Chapman, Julie Adams and the rest of the legends behind the movies. I also love seeing and learning about all the great conventions and gatherings for Creature fans. Also awesome to see how large some fans collections of Gillman products are (how can you not love things like the Creature From the Black Lagoon pinball machine? I would LOVE to have that!) All of this ties together to make one great review over the fandom of this fantastic trilogy. Its truly not to be missed.
6 Reviews
Fantastic, enjoyable, informative
KaiLawson11 November 2015
It was great to see the cultural aspect in regards to this piece with Florida After 60 years where the scenes were actually shot for the film. I was amazed how much of a fan Del Toro is, and it makes sense that these were the things that served for his own inspiration and influences. I don't particularly like to write lengthy reviews, so I shall keep it at a very short length. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is great to know some of the history behind the things that were groundbreaking of yesterday that helped influence and create and inspire films of today. I think this is a valuable piece for any modern filmmaker to reflect upon when moving forward with their own work.
Not only for Creature Fans, but fans of the Universal Monsters AND Classic Hollywood History
vze29r3v5 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I remember seeing the original incarnation of this film at the FANEX maybe eight years back? After getting my DVD in the mail, I was pleasantly surprised at the similarities to the original version I viewed - a work in progress, it seems - but also how they stepped up their game.
The interviews have been covered with so many new photos - some that I hadn't seen before. And, there are plenty of clips from all three Creature films, as well as other Universal Monster films and monster films in general.
The project also seems to be brighter and more vivid in color.
Still, I really enjoyed the narration by Keith David (who we all remember from "They Live,") that was written by Sam Borowski. Borowski's script not only weaves the story, but moves it along nicely. As does the direction and apparent camera work of Matt Crick.
The interviews really tell this story, as if it was dialogue from characters in a feature film. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Oscar-Winner Benicio Del Toro and Arthur Ross, one of the original screenwriters from Creature From the Black Lagoon. And, it's always great seeing - and hearing - Ben Chapman. Hard to believe it's been 7 years since he passed. Ben loved meeting his fans at conventions, and I think this project is a great tribute to him.
So, if you're a fan of the Gill-Man, give this a watch! You can see the original appearance of the green guy on the NBC Colgate Comedy Hour with Abbott and Costello(and more of this episode is contained as an extra on the wonderful DVD)or the clip of Marilyn Monroe going to see CFTBL with Tom Ewell in "The Seven Year Itch!" So much Gill-Man memorabilia AND memories! And, again, plenty of Special Features!
Thank You Sam Borowski and Matt Crick for bringing this wonderful project to light. It may have took 10 years to complete and get out there to the world, BUT it was definitely worth the wait!
The interviews have been covered with so many new photos - some that I hadn't seen before. And, there are plenty of clips from all three Creature films, as well as other Universal Monster films and monster films in general.
The project also seems to be brighter and more vivid in color.
Still, I really enjoyed the narration by Keith David (who we all remember from "They Live,") that was written by Sam Borowski. Borowski's script not only weaves the story, but moves it along nicely. As does the direction and apparent camera work of Matt Crick.
The interviews really tell this story, as if it was dialogue from characters in a feature film. I particularly enjoyed the interviews with Oscar-Winner Benicio Del Toro and Arthur Ross, one of the original screenwriters from Creature From the Black Lagoon. And, it's always great seeing - and hearing - Ben Chapman. Hard to believe it's been 7 years since he passed. Ben loved meeting his fans at conventions, and I think this project is a great tribute to him.
So, if you're a fan of the Gill-Man, give this a watch! You can see the original appearance of the green guy on the NBC Colgate Comedy Hour with Abbott and Costello(and more of this episode is contained as an extra on the wonderful DVD)or the clip of Marilyn Monroe going to see CFTBL with Tom Ewell in "The Seven Year Itch!" So much Gill-Man memorabilia AND memories! And, again, plenty of Special Features!
Thank You Sam Borowski and Matt Crick for bringing this wonderful project to light. It may have took 10 years to complete and get out there to the world, BUT it was definitely worth the wait!
The definitive Creature from the Black Lagoon documentary
joshuatrunyon17 November 2015
This documentary delves not only into the making of the original film "Creature from the Black Lagoon", but its legacy- sequels, merchandise, die-hard fans, and its influence on other films.
It is narrated by one of the all-time greats in his profession, Keith David. As usual, he knocks it out of the park. Among those interviewed for the documentary are stars land gill-man Ben Chapman & Julia Adams, and well-known fans of the film such as Daniel Roebuck ("Matlock") and Academy Award winning Benecio Del Toro ("Traffic"). You can tell the passion that the stars & fans of the film still have, 60+ years after its release.
I watched this documentary on the recently released Blu-ray edition, and it was cool to see some extra features that tie into the documentary itself, such as an Abbott & Costello skit from the Colgate Comedy Hour.
I'd highly recommend this film to any fan of the Universal monsters, monsters in general, or science fiction classics.
It is narrated by one of the all-time greats in his profession, Keith David. As usual, he knocks it out of the park. Among those interviewed for the documentary are stars land gill-man Ben Chapman & Julia Adams, and well-known fans of the film such as Daniel Roebuck ("Matlock") and Academy Award winning Benecio Del Toro ("Traffic"). You can tell the passion that the stars & fans of the film still have, 60+ years after its release.
I watched this documentary on the recently released Blu-ray edition, and it was cool to see some extra features that tie into the documentary itself, such as an Abbott & Costello skit from the Colgate Comedy Hour.
I'd highly recommend this film to any fan of the Universal monsters, monsters in general, or science fiction classics.
The Gill-Man Returns!
prprincess9016 November 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Having been to more than a few festivals to see some of Sam Borowski's wonderful features - and shorts - I was present when this played at the Northeast Film Festival last year. I enjoyed it then, and even more so, when my copy arrived in the mail!
Here writer-producer Borowski combines forces with director Matt Crick to make the definitive documentary about "The Creature From the Black Lagoon!" This character is treated with such love and respect you can tell that the makers are real fans. You can see the love that was put into this piece.
And, it makes such a difference.
The narration, which was written by Borowski, tells a real story of how this character was created, dating back to a party at the house of the great Orson Welles, where producer William Alland overheard a story about a creature that was "reportedly half-man, half-fish." The fact that the narration is said by popular actor/narrator Keith David only adds to the words.
And, to see that Oscar-Winning actor Benicio Del Toro is a fan of the Creature! Makes sense since he starred in a Universal Monster movie of his own (2010's "The Wolfman.")
The Creature has a lot of connections with other movies and characters and has been one of the most imitated movie characters of all-time! The documentary sheds light on the large industry that Creature From the Black Lagoon has become. And, you can see the love that Ben Chapman, who played the original topside Gill-Man (Ricou Browning was the swimming double) has for the character.
Much like Borowski and Crick.
If you love this character or the Universal Monster movies, then this feature-length documentary is for you.
Here writer-producer Borowski combines forces with director Matt Crick to make the definitive documentary about "The Creature From the Black Lagoon!" This character is treated with such love and respect you can tell that the makers are real fans. You can see the love that was put into this piece.
And, it makes such a difference.
The narration, which was written by Borowski, tells a real story of how this character was created, dating back to a party at the house of the great Orson Welles, where producer William Alland overheard a story about a creature that was "reportedly half-man, half-fish." The fact that the narration is said by popular actor/narrator Keith David only adds to the words.
And, to see that Oscar-Winning actor Benicio Del Toro is a fan of the Creature! Makes sense since he starred in a Universal Monster movie of his own (2010's "The Wolfman.")
The Creature has a lot of connections with other movies and characters and has been one of the most imitated movie characters of all-time! The documentary sheds light on the large industry that Creature From the Black Lagoon has become. And, you can see the love that Ben Chapman, who played the original topside Gill-Man (Ricou Browning was the swimming double) has for the character.
Much like Borowski and Crick.
If you love this character or the Universal Monster movies, then this feature-length documentary is for you.
A Film That Needs To Be Seen!
kalenemusic17 December 2015
I saw this documentary with a buddy of mine; we each only had a small-working knowledge of the "Creature from the Black Lagoon". After seeing this film, not only did my friend and I feel more knowledgeable of the "Creature" films, but we also gained a lot of love for The Creature, himself.
I was truly moved by how the Creature has changed many people's lives since its release. I now fully understand this character's importance and place in the film industry. Because of this documentary, I feel extremely inspired to watch each of the Creature films!
See this documentary whether you are a fan of The Creature or just a fan of film in general. "Creature Feature: 60 Years of the Gill-Man" is for ANYONE and EVERYONE!
I was truly moved by how the Creature has changed many people's lives since its release. I now fully understand this character's importance and place in the film industry. Because of this documentary, I feel extremely inspired to watch each of the Creature films!
See this documentary whether you are a fan of The Creature or just a fan of film in general. "Creature Feature: 60 Years of the Gill-Man" is for ANYONE and EVERYONE!
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