Swamp Thing (1982)

"There's much beauty in the swamp, if you only look. - Swamp Thing

A scientist is turned into a swamp monster.
Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Louis Jourdan, Dick Durock, Ray Wise, David Hess

Link to IMDB

Alice Cable is a biologist starting her new job at a remote laboratory in the middle of the swamps. There she meets Dr. Alec Holland, who is famous for his research on a formula that will fuse plant and animal DNA. Alec and Alice begin to bond, but the whole science team is on high alert because there's rumours that a dangerous scientist named Arcane is lurking about, and he's the type of man that will do anything to get Alec's research.
Everyone's fears come true when Arcane and his heavily armed men attack the lab. They kill everyone they see, but Alice is able to escape! Dr. Alec is burned alive by his own formula, and his body sinks into the depths of the swamp.

Alice                                   Alec

Arcane

Alice is now trying to escape the swamp with the research papers that Arcane so desperately wants, but she's being hunted by gun toting goons. Just when it looks like she'll be killed too, she is saved by a half man, half plant mutant!
It's no secret that this "swamp thing" is Dr. Alec, transformed into a nearly invincible creature by his own formula.
Arcane doubles his efforts to get the research for himself, but Alice and Swamp Thing needs to make sure that the mad scientist can never have it!

This usually gets labelled as a horror film, but it really isn't. Even though it's directed by Wes Craven, it remains in the genre of fantasy. Almost like an action packed fairy tale of tragedy.

Swamp Thing is powerful and destructive when he needs to be, but he's really a gentle giant. There's sadness in him, and we sympathize with the fact that he can never be normal again. Although I was surprised by how much time is wasted having Swampy just moping around feeling sorry for himself.

Being based on a comic book series, the movie is not afraid to get a bit ridiculous, but it fits with the overall tone of a B movie adventure. It's not full blown camp or comedy, instead feeling like a modern homage to the monster movies of the 60's.

There definitely wasn't much of a budget, but Craven is able to make the most of it. Swamp Thing himself has an impressive presence, even though the costume is not much more than a rubber suit.
Louis Jourdan as the villainous Arcane is a highlight. He brings a certain sophisticated menace to the role, making him someone you just love to hate.

Overall, this is a movie that any fan of adventure should see, just don't expect it to blow your mind.

Be sure not to miss:
- Is that a snake in his pants or... Oh, yup. It's a snake.
- Alice gets help from a young boy named Jude. What an interesting kid he was! Too bad this is the only movie he was ever in.
- "Oh shit, there goes the neighbourhood."

Internet review:
"Let its swampy charms take hold of you." - Cabassa7

Should I watch it?
Recommended.

Where can I find it?
Links here, or lesser quality on YouTube.

Swamp Thing gets...