"Alligator"
A Review by Ryan Kohler
Movies, for the most part, should be entertaining. Sometimes it doesn't matter what the subject matter or how well made it is technically. "Brain Donors" is comedy that makes me laugh hard everytime I see it, though I wouldn't put it on any top-ten list. "Alligator" is film that should be seen and enjoyed; it is a none-too-gory horror film about a mutant alligator (see, Mom, was right: alligators do live in the sewers.)
At the center of the story is David Madison (Robert Forster), a cop with a guilty conscience. When sewer workers start turning up in pieces in the Chicago sewer system, Madison is called in to investigate. It soon becomes obvious that a huge-ass alligator is loose in the sewer. With the help of a doctor named Marisa (Robin Riker), Madison tracks down the alligator (whose name turns out to be Ramon) and comes face to face with him a rather tension filled finale.
The script, by John Sayles (!), is humorous and is above the grain for a horror film (but considering that Sayles wrote it, the quality is not all that surprising.) Lewis Teague (who went to "Cujo) creates a number of interesting visuals, most effective in the final showdown as the sewer becomes enshrouded in haze and smoke.
The odd thing about "Alligator" was that it was not very scary. It creates tension, sure, but there aren't any jump-out-of-your-seat shocks. The alligator itself is humorous in appearance; it is a big, lumbering, obviously fake thing that helps to ease fear. To be honest, I don't think that is a bad thing; perhaps the lack of shocks or scares may upset other people looking for that, but I was more interested, and enjoyed more, the performances and the witty script.
The cast is led by Robert Forster (known now for "Jackie Brown). He brings a unshaven, rugged quality to the role of David the cop. David is a lot like a usual film cop: his apartment is small, cluttered, with some art posters on the walls, he lives alone, has a cute little puppy to keep him company. Forster fits the role very well and, the most important thing, he looks like he is having fun. Essentially, I feel that "Alligator" is kind of a joke; Forster gives the impression that he is in on the joke and creates a likable screen presence.
The others in the cast do a good job with the material, including Robin Riker as the doctor who, naturally, takes a liking to David. Michael Gazzo is also on hand as The Chief, who is skeptical at first but eventually believes David.
The only real distraction in the film is Colonel Brock, a big-game hunter, played by Henry Silva. Brock is a required character because his presence forces David to get fired and hunt the alligator on his own, which is what HAS to happen. Silva is such a bad actor, however, that his character is an annoyance in his few scenes before he becomes gator food.
If you're looking for a good time, go and pick up "Alligator" from the video store. Some films are meant to be entertaining and enjoyed. This was one of them; "Alligator" does not disappoint.
Rating (out of 4.0): 3.0
"Alligator" (1980). Written by John Sayles. Directed by Lewis Teague. With Robert Forster, Robin Riker, Michael Gazzo, Dean Jagger, and Henry Silva. Running time: 94 minutes. Available on home video. Rated: R.
---- 24 May 1998
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