Wordiezett So much average

Teringer An Exercise In Nonsense

Bergorks If you like to be scared, if you like to laugh, and if you like to learn a thing or two at the movies, this absolutely cannot be missed.

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

gavin6942 The monster, which looks like a nastier version of "The Creature from the Black Lagoon," invades a sleepy lighthouse town. The superstitious lighthouse keeper is worried for the safety of his beautiful teenage daughter, so he leaves food for the monster, who dwells in a nearby cave.As stated, this was clearly inspired at least in part by the Creature. And, as I understand it, there was some overlap in the makeup and costume department, so that is not altogether shocking. But the interesting part is that this "knock off" is at least as good.In fact, the entire film is just as good. Though not a celebrated classic, it is no worse than any other film of its era that is now considered a cult film. This really needs a new audience. Olive Films has released it, but only in a bare bones fashion... where is the love?

Woodyanders A vicious reptilian humanoid monster (Peter Dunn in a gnarly rubber suit) terrorizes a sleepy coastal community. Director Irv Berwick, working from a compact script by H. Haile Chace, keeps the enjoyable story moving along at a steady pace, makes nice use of the seaside locations, creates some pleasing spooky atmosphere, maintains a winning sincere tone throughout, and pulls out the exciting stops for the lively and thrilling climax. Moreover, Berwick deserves extra praise for his take-no-prisoners attitude: There's one remarkably gruesome moment involving a decapitated head and a few startling outbursts of brutal violence (this movie even goes as far as to kill both a little girl and a cute dog!). The solid cast do a good job of portraying the entertaining array of quirky and colorful characters: Les Tremayne as the pragmatic Dr. Sam Jorgenson, Forrest Lewis as the baffled Constable George Matson, John Harmon as cranky lighthouse keeper Sturges, Jeanne Harmon as the spunky and liberated Lucille, Don Sullivan as the amiable Fred, and Frank Arvidson as talkative and excitable storekeeper Kochek. The robust shuddery score hits the stirring spot. Philip H. Lathrop's sharp black and white cinematography provides an impressive crisp look. A really fun fright flick.

michaelasiclari 1959's "Monster of Piedras Blancas" remains one of my favorite horror/sci-fi films from my childhood. I remember watching this film for the first time after school on N.Y's channel 9 during the early 1970's. It had such an impact on me. Loved the creature costume. (very convincing till this day!) I was quite surprised by the level of gore for a film of that period. The setting of a sleepy California coastal town and the impressive score, added to the films appeal. Some of the acting was fairly decent and the plot simple and straight forward. I understand the film is unavailable on DVD at the moment, but hope to find it soon. It is a must for mine as well as anyone else's collection.

Sean Jump A generally underrated monster flick from 1959, The Monster of Piedras Blancas is often compared to the undeniably similar Creature From the Black Lagoon, with this film invariably coming out second best. Certainly, Creature From the Black Lagoon is a true classic and The Monster of Piedras Blancas rarely equals its more famous cousin, but nonetheless this is a very good little film with a lot going for it on its own terms. The Monster, of course, is the star of the show, and the suit designed for him is impressive and scary, and must have seemed even more so in the 50s. As is typical of this sort of film, screen shots of the Monster are limited up until the climax, when he runs wild in all his visceral glory. The Monster's killings are quite brutal and rather bloody for the conservative 50s, and there are several decapitations in his wake. The coastal setting, where folk tales of the alleged Monster are whispered in the shadows, is evocative and the director uses the location to maximum effect. Acting is for the most part competent if unexceptional, highlighted by the dazzling Jeanne Carmen as the lovely Lucy, upon whom the Monster inevitably turns a ravenous gaze. Ms. Carmen is a luscious damsel in distress, and it's a shame she didn't do more sci-fi. Don Sullivan plays Lucy's boyfriend, Fred, and veteran b-movie actor Les Tremayne is a local doctor. John Harmon turns in a surprisingly effective performance as Lucy's father Sturges, the local lighthouse keeper, a man with many secrets and who knows more about the Monster than anyone suspects. The townsfolk of Piedras Blancas are developed with some attention to detail, and it means something when one of them dies. The only real weaknesses of the film are its obvious low budget and a somewhat lagging pace that does make the movie feel a bit longer than its short run time of 71 minutes. But overall, this is a pretty good monster movie that meets most of the genre requirements. Unfortunately, this is a difficult movie to find, but if you can track it down, the Monster From Piedras Blancas is a surprisingly effective chiller.