Parasite (1982)

**BoG** Mon Jan 12, 2015 7:49 pm

What's Happening: In the wasteland future of 1992, a desert town is menaced by an evil parasite
Famous For: Attempt to make an R-rated 3D movie
During 3D's resurgence in the early 80s, cheap 3D sci-fi horror films aimed at adolescent males were the most common types. Only a few, including Friday the 13th Part III, were rated R. I was 14 when Parasite was released, and I remember just one of my friends, Ed Lawrence, getting lucky enough to see it. "How was it???" we asked him the next morning. "It was disgusting," he told us. Indeed it is disgusting, but this is part of the point. Parasite even offers gratuitous nudity to augment the gratuitous gore.

It's actually a rather bold idea to offer 3D to older teens or college kids rather than junior high schoolers. And Parasite is not a bad attempt. All my guides, and most viewers on the IMDb, give low ratings, but on its own terms Parasite is at least average in giving us the sleazy thrills that it promises. The script and rhythm bog down in the second half, stopping almost dead several times. But you never wait long for fistfights, laser pistols, or strange gore, with the escaped sluglike parasite growing larger as it moves from host to host. The body count could have been higher, and there should have been more parasites. Humor would also have helped; as it is, a sour angry mood mutes potential camp. But Parasite is better than its reputation. Demi Moore has a small early role as a kind girl who helps our gaunt soiled hero. Moore became famous after walking around naked in About Last Night (1986).

Goldweber, David Elroy (2012-06-14). Claws & Saucers: Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy Film: A Complete Guide: 1902-1982 (Kindle Locations 55405-55428). David E. Goldweber. Kindle Edition.

I found this less exciting than the above review; it ambles along more like a slice-of-life drama than a sci-fi horror thriller. The setting is this out-of-the-way town, which has become even more out-of-the-way since the suggested atomic setback. It picks up in the last third, when a government agent makes life miserable for the few town inhabitants before meeting a grisly end. The little monster isn't really a dominant threat until later either. Demi Moore's role is not small; she's 2nd-billed and is one of 2 or 3 main characters. BoG's Score: 3 out of 10

Parasitic Trivia:

Stan Winston later did special effects for Aliens, Terminator 2, and more. Charles Band also made Laserblast.
Goldweber, David Elroy (2012-06-14). Claws & Saucers: Science Fiction, Horror, and Fantasy Film: A Complete Guide: 1902-1982 (Kindle Locations 55441-55445). David E. Goldweber. Kindle Edition.