Slither (Gunn, 2006) – Movie Review

By
Darren J Tyson
-

Taking inspiration from Tremors, Evil Dead, Dawn of the Dead, and The Fly, Slither is James Gunn’s tribute to 70’s/80s horror films. With just enough comedy thrown in to keep you chuckling throughout and more than one twist that will keep you unsure of how it will end.

Details of Slither

Slither (2006) | 31 Days of Horror: Oct 9 | RetroZap
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Distributor: Universal Pictures, TVA Films, & Mandate Pictures
Production Companies: Brightlight Pictures, Gold Circle Films, & Strike Entertainment
Director: James Gunn

Producers: Paul Brooks & Eric Newman

Scriptwriters: James Gunn

Main Cast: Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks, Gregg Henry, & Michael Rooker
Released: 31st March 2006

Running Time:  95 Minutes

Story of Slither

Slither reviewed.
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It all starts when we see a meteorite, or some other strange object, comes torpedoing into the ground. Upon crashing the camera reveals the UFO was actually a strange egg of some sorts. And we watch it glow and almost pulsate as if it’s alive and has a beating heart. Later on in the film when Grant, Michael Rooker, and a woman sneak of to the woods to fool around. Despite Grant being married. They encounter the strange egg. With a leech like creature leaving one and attacking Grant. Stabbing him in the chest before burying into his skin. Making it’s way into his brain, controlling his actions.

What ensues is utter chaos. As Grant continues to infect other townsfolk. Slowly turning the whole town into one gigantic Slither blob that has a shared consciousness and a grossly ugly aesthetic. But remarkably good work by the props and practical effects departments.

Analysis of Slither

Practical effects

Blu-Ray Review | Slither: Collector's Edition (Blu-ray) | Blu-ray Authority
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Slither takes a page out of Cronenberg’s book. With practical effects that mirror his iconic work on The Fly starring Jeff Goldblum. Michael Rooker gives a brilliant performance in a man that is slowly driven more and more insane by the parasite lodged in his brain. James Gunn shows his early brilliance throughout this film. With him writing and directing Slither. Showing his skill before ever taking on an MCU project.

Slither’s Creature Design

Slither - Movie Review - The Austin Chronicle
Image Source: The Austin Chronicle

The creature design is brilliantly terrifying. Taking heavy inspiration from the late great- Cronenberg and his work on iconic features such as The Fly and more. With a little bit of Tremors maybe thrown in for good measure. With the creatures “feeding” tentacle like tongue parts looking a lot like Tremors snake tongues. That provided some of the most shock inducing moments. As you were helpless to watch so many victims spasm as they are drained of whatever by the leech like space creatures.

Summary

SLiTHER wallpaper | Wallpaper download for the movie SLiTHER… | Flickr
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Despite having a few moments that cross the line even for James Gunn, or where characters drop the ball on simple solutions. Slither is a masterpiece of a horror-comedy. Kitted out with a all-star cast including Nathan Fillion, Pam from the Office, and more! Including Cocaine Bear’s director Elizabeth Banks of Pitch Perfect fame. Slither is a fun, action-packed ride that you really need to watch!

Overall Rating: 8 – Very Good!

If you liked Slither be sure to check out Tremors, Deep Blue Sea, Bait, Lake Placid, & Anaconda.

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