Main Cast: Steve Railsback, Gwynyth Walsh, Susan Anspach, John Vernon, Joe Flaherty
Release Year: 1987
Country: US/CA
Run Time: 97 minutes
Plot
This slick throwback to the giant-mutant-insect movies of the 1950's has built a small reputation solely on its irrelevant title -- the film contains no monkeys, blue or otherwise -- which confused both reviewers and viewers alike. (This dilemma was solved in its second video incarnation, under the more honest title Insect.) The story begins when a gardener becomes infected with a plant-borne insect larva, which he disgorges upon his arrival at the County Memorial Hospital. When the bug-baby ingests a large dose of growth hormone called NAC-5 (hospitals are always leaving that stuff around where bugs can get at it), it immediately bulks up to the size of a bulldozer. The plot quickly shifts into Alien mode, as scientists, police (namely wild-eyed cop Steve Railsback) and hospital personnel creep down the hospital's labyrinthine corridors in search of the insectoid monster, which they hope to destroy with conveniently-provided experimental laser equipment before it can test the capacity of the maternity ward with a few million larvae. Despite the lurid promotional materials (showing pretty nurses SCREAMING IN HORROR!!), the story is played quite straight -- more of an homage to films like Them! than a parody of same -- and benefits from good performances (John Vernon is great as the hospital director), a tight script and a strong emphasis on suspense and action from director William Fruet. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
Robin Duke - Sandra Baker; Don Lake - Elliot Jacobs, Entomologist; Sandy Webster - Fred Adams, Repairman; Helen Hughes - Marwella Harbison Greenhouse Owner; Joy Coghill - Dede Wilkens; Philip Akin - Anthony Rivers; Cynthia Belliveau - Alice Bradley; Michael Caruana - Technician; Jane Dingle - Desk Nurse; Bill Lake - Paramedic; Marsha Moreau - Marcy; Sarah Polley - Ellen; Michael J. Reynolds - Hooper,Albert; Allan Rosenthal - Dr. Steinberg; Ivan Roth - The Creature; Ralph Small - Security Guard; Stuart Stone - Joey; Peter Van Wart - Oscar Willets; Nathan Adamson - Tyrone; Ursula Balzer - O.R. Nurse; Joanne Bates - Lobby Nurse; Walker Bonne - Johnson; David Clement - Surgeon; Laura Dickson - Desk Nurse; Reg Dreger - Policeman; Dan Lett - Ted Andrews; Ken Quinn - Patient; Don Ritchie - Orderly; Les Rubie - Rollo Jordan; Karen Scanlan - I.S.O. Nurse; Gina Wilkinson - Michelle Williams; Robert Wilton - Orderly; Harry Booker - Bill Clemmins
Credit
Reuben Freed - Art Director, David Cohn - Casting, Anne Tait - Casting, Paul Bengston - Casting, Gina Kiellerman - Costume Designer, William Fruet - Director, Michael Freut - Editor, Tom Fox - Executive Producer, Patrick Coleman - Composer (Music Score), Paul Novotny - Composer (Music Score), Cheree van Dyk - Makeup, Reuben Freed - Production Designer, Brenton Spencer - Cinematographer, John Ryan - Production Manager, Tom Fox - Producer, Martin Walters - Producer, Brendon Smith - Set Designer, Jill Compton - Special Effects, Michael L. Roberts - Special Effects, Sirius Effects - Special Effects, Mark Williams - Special Effects, Urmas Rosin - Sound/Sound Designer, Shane Cardwell - Stunts, Shane Cardwell - Stunts Coordinator, George Goldsmith - Screenwriter
