Dick Durock and Heather Locklear in Return of Swamp Thing
© Lightyear Video
Title: Return of the Swamp Thing
Rating: PG-13
Starring: Sarah Douglas, Dick Durock, J. Don Ferguson, Monique Gabrielle, Louis Jourdan, Heather Locklear
Written By: Grant Morris and Neil Cuthbert (screenplay), Len Wein and Bernie Wrightson (comic)
Directed By: Jim Wynorski
Distributor: Lightyear Video
Original Year of Release: 1989
Extras: Commentary, Promo Reel, TV Spots, Trailer, Production Gallery
Buy it now!
RETURN OF THE SWAMP THING
By: Robert T. TrateDate: Friday, March 28, 2008
Before Tim Burton’s Batman would reign supreme over the summer of 1989 another DC Comic book hero would come to the big screen. Return of Swamp Thing was the sequel to Wes Craven’s Swamp Thing (1982). Even though the title was not very original the film brought a unique charm to the title character and helped launch an underground nineties icon.
Dr. Arcane (Louis Jourdan) survived the final battle between Swamp Thing (Dick Durock) and him. Having been fully restored to his human self, Arcane is now bent on discovering the cure to the aging process. Abby (Heather Locklear), his stepdaughter, comes looking for Arcane and for answers about how her mother died. Arcane expresses his deepest sympathy but tells Abby that she died in an experiment; one that would use her blood to restore Arcane’s youth. Arcane acquires a blood sample from Abby and learns that like her mother she has the genetic make up to restore his youth. In her quest for the truth Abby gets lost in the swamp only to be rescued by Swamp Thing.
The genetic horrors created by Arcane provide several monster battles that just are not done anymore in the age of computer generated effects. Having Swamp Thing played by a stunt man turned actor really brings all of the fights and stunts to another level. There is more to the film than action. There is also a love story and it is Durock that conveys it. Shining through all of his makeup for the tender moments Durock holds his own with Locklear. Chuck Cirino’s score helps to add to the love story but without Durock’s longing hero the film would fall into B movie cheesiness.
The Return of Swamp Thing is a departure from its dark comic book roots. This may deter fans of the comic and in most respects this is a film for children. The Laurel and Hardy type segments involving two young boys illustrate this perfectly. Without a doubt this lead to “Swamp Thing” (1991) the animated cartoon series and the half hour TV show (see my review of Season 1 and 2).
If you consider this film to be cheesy then you got it right. The cheese rises to the top in all the best action, romance and horror a comic book movie can deliver. Return of Swamp Thing delivers a good time that may not be for the whole family, but at least a father and son can sit back and watch it with chuckles and cheers.
Special Features:
There will never be a Criterion Collection DVD of Swamp Thing or the Return of Swamp Thing but this edition comes close. Numerous special features include a Public Service Announcement where Durock’s voice, for once, is not dubbed over. Trailers and promo reels are worth the one time glance however, it is Jim Wynorski’s commentary that really makes the Return of Swamp Thing worth owning. His first hand knowledge of the film made this fan appreciate it all the more.
The Return of Swamp Thing will be re-released on April 1st, 2008.
