Dinosaurus! (1960)

Dinosaurus! (1960)

Synopsis – Bart Thompson and his sidekick Chuck are dredging a harbour on a Caribbean island when they find a brontosaurus and a tyrannosaurus rex at the bottom of the bay. Later, villainous `island manager’ Mike Hacker discovers a frozen Neanderthal man. Chaos ensues when the prehistoric creatures are revived by a lightning strike.

Director – Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr

Starring – Ward Ramsey, Fred Engelberg, Krista Hanson

Genre – Science Fiction | Fantasy

Released – 1960

For Fans of – One Million B.C, Caveman, The Valley of Gwangi

Dinosaurus! is a product of its time, a 1960s B-movie that gleefully embraces its low-budget charm and delivers a campy and entertaining experience for those who appreciate retro science fiction. Directed by Irvin S. Yeaworth Jr., the film combines stop-motion dinosaur effects with a simple storyline set on a remote Caribbean island, resulting in a movie that’s as cheesy as it is endearing.

One of the highlights of “Dinosaurus!” is its use of stop-motion animation to bring the dinosaurs to life. While the effects may appear primitive by today’s standards, they carry a nostalgic charm that harks back to the golden age of creature features. The battles between a resurrected T-Rex and a steam shovel turned into a makeshift dinosaur fighting machine are sure to evoke a sense of nostalgia for fans of classic monster movies.

The characters in “Dinosaurus!” are largely one-dimensional, fitting the mould of typical B-movie archetypes. You have the heroic and rugged construction worker, the intrepid scientist, and the precocious child who befriends the caveman. While the character development is minimal, it adds to the film’s retro appeal, and the performances, while not award-worthy, are adequate for the genre.

The plot, while straightforward, serves as a vehicle to showcase the clash between prehistoric creatures and modern technology. It’s a classic tale of man vs. nature, with a twist involving a caveman named “The Neanderthal Man” thrown into the mix. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, embracing the inherent silliness of its premise, which can be either endearing or frustrating depending on your expectations.

“Dinosaurus!” does suffer from pacing issues, particularly in the first half. The setup takes a bit too long, and the film takes its time introducing the titular dinosaurs. Once the action gets going, it becomes more engaging, but some viewers may find the slow start a drawback.

The dialogue and script in “Dinosaurus!” are undeniably cheesy and filled with clichés, which, again, is characteristic of B-movies from this era. While some may appreciate the campy lines and banter, others might find it grating. It’s important to approach this film with an appreciation for the retro, low-budget aesthetic to fully enjoy it.

In summary, “Dinosaurus!” is a time capsule of 1960s B-movie nostalgia, offering cheesy thrills, stop-motion dinosaurs, and a healthy dose of camp. It’s a film that’s best enjoyed with a sense of humour and a willingness to embrace its quirks. While it may not stand up to modern cinematic standards, it’s a fun trip down memory lane for fans of classic creature features and vintage science fiction. If you’re in the mood for some old-school, low-budget monster mayhem, “Dinosaurus!” might just be the one for you.