Starring: Anne Gwynne, Stuart Wade, Gloria Castillo, Chuck Courtney, Gil Perkins Directed By: Jacques R. Marquette Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD Format: Black & White, DVD, NTSC Label: Image Entertainment Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: January 02, 2001 Running Time: 65 minutes Theatrical Release Date: January 08, 1958
Description: A rare fusion of the Old West, gothic horror and science fiction. Rays from a mysterious meteor kill one man and infect his teenage son with a mutating werewolf-like malady. The "Meteor Monster" goes on a murderous killing binge and terrorizes the countryside as the sheriff and townspeople watch in horror. One of the last films of legendary special effects make-up artist, Jack Pierce, who created the original Boris Karloff make-up in "Frankenstein" and "The Mummy."
CHARLES ! This is by far ONE of the most unique & entertaining B films of the 50's sci fi era. It's unique in the way that it's the only science fiction film that blends elements of a western in with it. It's also unique in the way a "teenage monster" is presented. I give this movie 3 stars because at 10 bucks I feel it was worth every penny. I bought this about 3 months ago after reading a review for it on here and felt 10 bucks is worth a shot, and it was a shot well taken! Ive watched it about 4 times. It's quick and gets to the point. The acting in it is actually not bad and very watchable and also comes off more like a stage play rather than a film. I don't want to give away too much but if you watch it, who really is the villian? Behind every man or teenage monster lies a devious woman!
I just want to pet the cows, Mama.... This is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen but then again, I have a warped sense of humor. The monster's name is Charles and when I first watched the movie, I couldn't understand a word he said. Several viewings later (it's addictive, ok?) I begin to understand clearly what Charles was saying.
One night, after he slaughtered an entire herd of cows, his mother asked him what he had to say for himself. Charles answers, "Sorry." It was the single, funniest word that I've ever heard in a movie. Totally ridiculous.
While this movie isn't for everyone, if you have a warped sense of humor, it just may be the at-home movie ticket for you.
Faint praise. Very faint praise. Teenage Monster is not a good movie. I bought it as an Anne Gwynne fan, hoping for a few campy midnight-movie chills. However, this movie is dull, and almost sad in its ineptitude. Where other movies can triumph despite limitations, this one's script is too poor, and not ambitious enough to be entertaining.
The liner notes explain many of the movie's problems; there were reasons why some talented people cranked out a movie this cruddy. One of its few virtues is good acting by Gwynne (even though she hatedhatedhated the film) as the Monster's mother and Gloria Castillo as the manipulative vixen who brings about the Monster's ultimate demise.
The Monster is unscary, played by a 50-year old man in boots to make him seem taller. And nearly all of his dialogue was re-dubbed as grunts and hoots to make him seem more like a bestial killer than a thinking being. This would be okay, except for the fact that sometimes he CAN talk reasonably well, just because the script needs him to convey a point. I could buy the dubious idea that the women close to him understood his gibberish, but the inconsistency grated on me.
Added to these glaring inconsistencies are the movie's stagnant direction and lack of creepy atmospherics. The sum total is kind of a bore.
A side note- It is called Meteor Monster almost everywhere on the web, but goes by its alternate title of Teenage Monster on the cover. This is somehow strangely fitting, as many of the people involved with this movie probably hope it stays hidden.
The DVD transfer is excellent. Trailers include Teenagers From Space, Robot Monster, Carnival of Souls, Giant From the Unknown, and Cosmic Man. They are the best part of the disc.
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
