Roses Have Thoughts

“Alligator” (1980) offers a thrilling ride through the sewers of Chicago, blending elements of horror and creature feature genres. While the film delivers on its promise of a giant alligator wreaking havoc, it falls short of achieving greatness due to predictable plot points and occasionally lacklustre special effects.

The film’s premise is simple yet effective – a baby alligator flushed down the toilet grows into a massive, aggressive predator in the city’s sewer system. The pacing keeps the audience engaged, with a steady build-up of tension leading to the inevitable clash between the monstrous alligator and the human characters.

The standout performance comes from Robert Forster as David Madison, a reptile expert. Forster brings a level of gravitas to the role, grounding the film amidst the chaos. However, the supporting cast, while competent, struggles to rise above the clichéd characters often found in creature features.

The practical effects, a mix of animatronics and puppetry, are a mixed bag. The close-up shots of the alligator are well-executed and manage to evoke genuine fear. However, during action sequences, the limitations of the technology of the time become evident, detracting from the overall impact. This visual inconsistency hampers the film’s ability to sustain a consistently menacing atmosphere.

“Alligator” injects humour into its narrative, balancing the terror with moments of levity. The satirical take on corporate greed and government cover-ups adds a layer of social commentary, elevating the film beyond a mere monster flick. The script, penned by John Sayles, is sharp and witty, providing some memorable lines that linger after the credits roll.

The film’s score, composed by Craig Huxley, complements the suspenseful moments effectively. The music contributes to the overall tension and heightens the impact of key scenes, showcasing the importance of a well-crafted soundtrack in a creature feature.

In retrospect, “Alligator” is a product of its time, both benefiting from and limited by the technology available in 1980. While it doesn’t reach the heights of cinematic classics in the genre, it remains an entertaining creature feature with moments of genuine suspense. If you can overlook the dated effects and embrace the inherent campiness, “Alligator” is a worthwhile watch for fans of monster movies and ’80s horror.

IMDB