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Tentacles(1977); Discuss the film here.
Topic Started: May 25 2006, 05:00 PM (1,591 Views)
packmule
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There have been, within the last year, many films that I have finally watched from beginning to end, after years of seeing bits and pieces of these movies on TV, and usually because I tuned into them after they had already started thumbs down . One of these movies is part of an MGM Midnite Movies double feature, Tentacles, released in 1977 by American International Pictures. The story: the deaths and disappearances of several people in a California coastal community prompt a venerable old reporter(played by John Huston) and the local sheriff(Claude Akins) to investigate these incidents further, eventually getting the attention of a marine biologist(Bo Hopkins). The deaths are the work of a giant octopus, a normally non-aggressive creature that has been "set off" by the marine tunnel excavation being done by Trojan, Inc., owned by the abrasive, no-nonsense Mr. Whitehead(Henry Fonda) and his right hand man, played by Cesar Danova. The story eventually comes down to the biologist, his colleague, and two killer whales vs the giant octopus. (no spoilers). A quirky, but entertaining film. I say quirky because of the score, which is, at times IMO weird and at others really good. Also, there are many scenes that get your attention quickly, after being preempted by talking scenes and such that almost entice boredom. The special effects are average, at best, although the octopus footage at the end of the movie is decent, as it battles the two orcas. The closing credit music is, IMO, arguably the worst for the end credits of a movie I have ever heard... crazy This film is paired with Empire Of The Ants(1977) on the MGM disc, and includes the original theatrical trailer. For anyone who hasn't seen this film I recommend it as a buy or rental. Post your takes of this movie. All replies welcome. :)
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I hate to say it, but I have never been able to sit through this entire film! It's a shame, as it does have a pretty decent cast on hand, but it's far too talky and not nearly enough beastie action for my liking. Thankfully, I picked up, Empire of the Ants as a stand-alone DVD and didn't have to pay good money for, Tentacles. thumbs down
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KaijuFanatic
May 27 2006, 02:33 AM
I hate to say it, but I have never been able to sit through this entire film!  It's a shame, as it does have a pretty decent cast on hand, but it's far too talky and not nearly enough beastie action for my liking.  Thankfully, I picked up, Empire of the Ants as a stand-alone DVD and didn't have to pay good money for, Tentacles.

In a film like this I would expect to see journeyman actors like Claude Akins, Bo Hopkins, and Cesar Danova. I was somewhat surprised to see Shelley Winters in this movie, and absolutely surprised by the participation of screen giant Henry Fonda. Perhaps they just were in it for the work, and the paycheck. confused

Speaking of money, I only paid about $20 for the double feature. I have seen Empire Of The Ants, which I like more, so I would also have preferred to buy it as a "stand-alone". The truth is, I have seen very few MGM Midnite Movies DVDs on the racks at Best Buy the last few weeks, so when I saw this one I snapped it up. I get the impression Tentacles was a foreign film, judging by the horrendous overall score and names in the production credits.

Though hardly what I would call a good film the straight-to-video Octopus(2000), a Boaz Davidson produced movie, might give you a little more tentacled thrills. The story in this film is full of holes, the acting is mediocre at best, atrocious at it's worst, but the CGI "octopus" effects are somewhat decent-perhaps this one might make it's way into your DVD rental queue. :)
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Thanks, I may have to give, Octopus a try. :)
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KaijuFanatic
May 28 2006, 11:56 PM
Thanks, I may have to give, Octopus a try. :)

I think you would like Octopus(2000). On the other hand, I do not think you would like Octopus 2. The sequel, set in NY, features another giant octopus lurking in the Hudson River. I did not like the sequel very much at all. thumbs down
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I'm assuming these are direct-to-DVD/video releases? I know quite often such a film can be a bit of a surprise at how enjoyable they can be, sadly, sequels of many excellent films never measure up and it's definitely the case of most direct-to-DVD/video releases. I am keeping an eye out for, Octopus, though! Mr Green
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KaijuFanatic
May 29 2006, 08:29 PM
I'm assuming these are direct-to-DVD/video releases?

They are. Most of them are Boaz Davidson produced movies, which frequent the Sci-Fi Channel quite often. Among these: Spiders, Spiders 2-Breeding Ground, Octopus, Octopus 2, Crocodile, and Crocodile 2-Death Roll. These straight-to-video movies are often blasted by fans of sci-fi/horror-I can understand the criticism up to a point. The CGI in these films is usually serviceable at best, the acting is usually average, there is often gratuitous gore, and of course many plot holes.

Some of the worst straight-to-video/DVD movies I have seen:
1. Boa
2. Python 2
3. Sabretooth
4. Komodo

Some of the better ones:

1. Octopus
2. Frankenfish
3. Boa Vs Python
4. Spiders
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Quote:
 
Some of the worst straight-to-video/DVD movies I have seen:
1. Boa
2. Python 2
3. Sabretooth
4. Komodo

Some of the better ones:

1. Octopus
2. Frankenfish
3. Boa Vs Python
4. Spiders


I must admit to seeing all on that list, with the possible exception of, Python 2 and of course, Octopus. I thought, Frankenfish was decent enough to warrant a purchase at Wal*Mart when it was offered for $4.88. Mr Green I received, Spiders for a birthday gift some years back, because it's well known how terrified I am of the beasties, but can't help watching any spider-themed film out there. Another recent NetFlix disc my roomie rented was, Pterodactyl, just for me and I must say, it had highly irritating characters and some far-fetched ideas, but I kind of liked it! B)
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Other straight-to-video movies I liked okay:

1. Arachnid
2. Chupacabra Terror
3. Megalodon

One that I did not like at all:

1. Epoch


One film you might try to track down for purchase or as a rental, KF:
Project Metalbeast-DNA Overload(1994). I'm not sure if this movie ever had a theatrical run. It stars Barry Bostwick, Kim Delaney(before she became a star on the TV series "NYPD Blue"), and Kane Hodder(as the bad guy/lycanthrope). Hodder is the guy behind the hockey mask, Jason Voorhees, in most of the Friday The 13th films. The film is a werewolf caper. No spoilers. It's okay. The final werewolf incarnation is pretty good-not as good as,say, in The Howling, but good enough. thumbs up
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I believe I have seen Megalodon and Arachnid and they were decent enough. Thanks for the tip on the other film, I'll see if I can locate a copy to view.
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KaijuFanatic
Jun 1 2006, 02:37 PM
I believe I have seen Megalodon and Arachnid and they were decent enough. Thanks for the tip on the other film, I'll see if I can locate a copy to view.

I have seen Project Metalbeast-DNA Overload for sale at Amazon.com(not sure but I think it was only VHS)

Re: Tentacles(1977): wasn't John Huston, who played the old reporter in this film, the father of actress Anjelica Huston? eyebrow
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