The Deadly Spawn (1983)

D-Man · September 24, 2008, 09:34:50 PM

I just recently discovered this film on Netflix, and I was surprised to see that it has a bit of cult following, even its own website.

For me, the charm of this film is seeing just how much these guys were able to get out of a shoestring budget. Especially when you consider the design of the monsters. Very nice work. Plus, I'm a gore hound, so I loved how they went the extra mile with the blood and guts, despite the obvious limitations of the budget. It's the kind of stuff that would have made Peter Jackson in the "Bad Taste" era proud.

Has anybody else seen this film? Do you share my sentiments?

RCMerchant · September 24, 2008, 09:52:59 PM

I absolutly LOVE this movie! When I saw it,though,it went under it's original title-RETURN of the ALIENS DEADLY SPAWN. The monster-fan kid...the rolling head....the baby critters, and the amazing giant monster ending! Make it a must see for me!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agtrqXBfiE4

lester1/2jr · September 25, 2008, 10:08:05 AM

I used to rent this all this time.

Andrew · September 25, 2008, 10:44:05 AM

I like it. The monster design is great - it was nice to see something other than an obvious "man in a suit" biped - and the monster's maws are nicely detailed. Whoever made that creature had some talent.

The storyline is fair, but I think what stands out the most is the unexpected death. While I was never worried that the spunky kid hero (and he is not nearly as annoying as many) would get eaten, the death of the one character caught me off guard.

The ill-fated tea party cracks me up.

Dr. Freex reviewed this one, way back in 2000. He also liked it:

http://www.stomptokyo.com/badmoviereport/reviews/D/deadly_spawn.html

Ash · September 25, 2008, 11:28:16 AM

I've always wanted to see this one but none of my friends have a copy I could borrow and none of the local movie rental places carry it.

In order to to see it, I'd probably have to buy it. Is it available on DVD?
I've heard all kinds of cool things about it.

D-Man · September 25, 2008, 11:30:00 AM

Yeah, you can get it on Netflix, Ash.

Ash · September 25, 2008, 11:30:44 AM

I watch quite a few movies, but not enough to warrant a subscription to Netflix.
I'd probably have to get it from ebay.

inframan · September 26, 2008, 08:25:43 AM

Anyone see Slither? Kind of a Deadly Spawn tribute, I thought it really good.

lester1/2jr · September 26, 2008, 09:19:02 AM

ash- that's what I thought. now netflix is like my life

Rev. Powell · September 26, 2008, 02:20:51 PM

Quote from: Ash on September 25, 2008, 11:30:44 AM
I watch quite a few movies, but not enough to warrant a subscription to Netflix.
I'd probably have to get it from ebay.

Ash - it's only $5 and change per month for the minimum plan (2 per month). If you want, PM me and I'll send you a code for a free trial month. (Full disclosure: I'll get a free rental if you redeem it! I'm sure others on here have similar codes).

As for Deadly Spawn, I saw it years ago and don't remember it that well. It made enough of an impression on me to remember the name and a few details, but it wasn't anything that blew me away.

Jack · September 27, 2008, 08:07:38 AM

Looks like a ton of fun from the trailer - I'm going to have to check this one out.

kakihara · September 27, 2008, 07:06:39 PM

ive been temped to buy this movie. i think it just got released on dvd. wasnt there a sequel? ive never seen it, but ive wanted to every since a was a little kid. i can remember looking at the oversized vhs display at the video store, it always got my attention and i couldnt help but pick it up every time i was in the store. my mom wouldnt let me rent it though, i guess it way to sick and gory, i some how managed to talk her into letting me rent just about everything else though.

Raffine · October 10, 2008, 09:54:26 PM

I recently treated myself to a double-feature of two classic 80's B horror films I'd somehow managed to never see: C.H.U.D. and this one.

C.H.U.D. was a great and unusual film, but I think I enjoyed DEADLY SPAWN more. I agree the whole scene with the little old ladies' vegatarian tea party was hilarious and most unexpected.

Both DVDs have terrific commentaries by the original cast and crew. It was pretty funny watching the monster kid in DEADLY SPAWN age two or three years between shots. The actor playing the kid says on the commentary the movie started shooting when he was ten and ended when he was thirteen!

Rumblestealskins · November 13, 2008, 10:39:24 AM

This movie is a superstar amongst mutant creature horror films. Love it to death.

WilliamWeird1313 · November 13, 2008, 11:13:48 AM

I love it! I love the ending, and, of course, the creature designs. All gnashing teeth and whipping tendrils. Great detail and sculpting. It might also help that I'm a sucker for movies that are a bit gruesome or dark but have a young kid as the hero (like in this, Friday The 13th 4: The Final Chapter, or The Gate), and I always enjoy it when the kid is a monster movie nut (like in this, or The Funhouse).

The whole movie has a certain, old school, 50's/early-60's, b-horror creature feature vibe, like It Conquered The World or Attack Of The Giant Leeches, but modernized. It's got that classic feel, but with a decidedly gleeful graveyard sense of humor, and plenty of nasty, cheap-o splatter to boot! Very cool. Very fun.