MovieChat Forums > Return of the Killer Shrews Discussion > Definitely On Board For This One!

Definitely On Board For This One!

posted 12 years ago by richard-865
11 replies | jump to latest

The 1959 original Killer Shrews has long been one of my very favorite low-budget 1950's sci-fi/horror movies, along with its companion film, The Giant Gila Monster. I had no idea they were even making this, but it now appears to be only a couple of weeks away from its premiere.

Okay, I know it looks pretty cheesy in the trailer, but so was the original. I've long thought the 1959 original was overdue for a remake (though I'm not usually very enthusiastic about remakes/reboots). But to find out now that after 53 years, this is a direct SEQUEL to the original, AND with James Best reprising his role as Captain Thorne Sherman - well, it's all more than I dared hope for. Really, really looking forward to this, even though it appears to be typical SyFy Channel quality. I don't care. I think it will be loads of fun!

Now if we could only get a sequel to The Giant Gila Monster with Don Sullivan!

[–] David_Estes 11 years ago

Now if we could only get a sequel to The Giant Gila Monster with Don Sullivan!

FYI, Gila has been rebooted (not a sequel like Shrews) and will feature a cameo by Don Sullivan. I don't know much else about it, but here is a trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vvbM6ZwxQE&feature=youtu.beand

[–] richard-865 11 years ago

Thank you go the info and the link! This is like the best news I've heard in ages! I'm a big fan of the original, and this one looks like a lot of fun. SyFy maybe? I don't know, but I'm REALLY looking forward to this. Thanks again!

[–] David_Estes 11 years ago

No problem! I know very little about the Gila film remake. I was involved in this Shrews sequel, and as the originals were a double feature I see a lot of cross-promotion for both. I would assume SyFy, though, yes. If I see anything new I'll be sure to post it!

[–] richard-865 11 years ago

David - since you're obviously someone in the know (a lot more than me, at least), do you have any idea if and when Return of the Killer Shrews might turn up on TV, or (hopefully) DVD? I haven't heard much since its premiere in Bristol a couple of months ago, and have really been hanging out to see it. Any info would be greatly appreciated. And again, thanks so much for cluing me in on Gila! I've often watched the two originals on DVD as a back-to-back double feature, and I think the two new ones would also make a GREAT double bill!

[–] David_Estes 11 years ago

David - since you're obviously someone in the know

I was involved in the Visual Effects, and have kept in contact with the director, producers, etc. :)

Actually, as of this morning, a distribution deal was finally struck and a new poster was released. You can see the poster on the Killer Shrews website:http://www.killershrewsmovie.com/
And even though this page is mostly empty, this is the distributor's page for the film: http://www.americanworldpictures.com/films/rotks.htm

As for when it will be released, that should be worked out quite soon. Now that we have a distributor, the delays should hopefully be done!

[–] richard-865 11 years ago

Thanks so much for the info, David. Sounds as though things are falling into place for a distribution deal. I will definitely be on the lookout for it, whether it's in the theaters, on TV, or on DVD! Loved the new poster, BTW.

Again, thank you. I hope a lot more work and good breaks in the business are headed your way. Take care.

[–] Akzidenz_Grotesk 11 years ago

HAS ANYONE (IN THE PUBLIC) SEEN THE FULL FILM YET?

"Nevah woulda happened in Chicago". - Sgt. Royko

[–] David_Estes 11 years ago

There have been a few public screenings, yes. I know one was in N.C. a few months back.

[–] oneofeachproductions 11 years ago

I saw it at the Action on Film Festival last year in Monrovia, CA.

Sadly, I'm afraid the rating listed on IMDb is accurate.

The special effects for the blood flying out when people were bitten was not done well at all.

There was one funny scene where James Best, John Schneider and Rick Hurst cleverly note they all starred in "The Dukes of Hazzard."

I'm not going to give away how, but it was kinda funny.

But to everyone's credit, it was obvious the film was done as fun and was treated for what it was, a sequal to a cult movie.

While watching it, I felt it had SyFy Channel written all over it. I wonder if they marketed the film to the network...

[–] ninfar 10 years ago

I agree.I loved the original.I thought it was a lot more creepy then this one,dispite the fact that the shrews lacked any imaginative creation,the only thing in the original that was comical.I did find with this movie the shrews looked ugly and terrifying,the only part of the movie I truly liked.If it wasn't for actor "Best" this movie would of been the real pits.I found it more of a comedy then creepy and horror.Something about the 50's movies,black and white,music and suspense was excellent.Back then they worked on the atmosphere for movies, since they didn't have CGI like they do now.Seems like now they just rely on the look of the monsters and creatures,and do nothing for rest of the movie.They could of done a much better job with this one.I was very disappointed and I wasted to much money on it.Seems like so many movies turn out to be comical now a days that should be horror.The blood and gore did nothing for the horror it suppose to be.When will movie directors start getting some brains like they where in the past?When I first heard about it I was so excited to see it since it is a continuation of the first one in the 50's.Boy was I sourly disappointed.Not that I am saying it wasn't in a way just fun to watch,but do not look to be scared out of your wits or even a little startled or frightened.You will not get it with this movie continuation.

[–] hocfocprod 9 years ago

I don't think watching the original for the first time as an adult anyone would be scared either. These movies that harken back to that time when horror and monster movie were more innocent are bound to seem comical to us as adults. I think that's part of the point. I don't watch Giant Gila Monster to be scared out of my wits, I do it to remind myself that at one time, I found things like that scary.