Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

Some movies just should not be made. Let me start out by saying that I loved the original Swamp Thing movie. It was an offbeat low budget B-movie classic that chronicled the transformation of scientist Alec Holland into a hulking green monster that was half plant and half human. Holland is working on a plant growth serum to enhance the world’s food supplies deep in the Louisiana swamps when his laboratory is raided by the agents of the evil Dr. Arcane. In the process, Holland is immersed in his formula and set afire; he seeks to extinguish the flames by jumping into the cool dark waters of the swamp. Holland is not seen again until he emerges transformed as the swamp thing.

Based on a popular DC comic book of the same title, the original film did not receive critical acclaim to be sure but was well-received by science fiction and comic book fans alike. It became a cult classic that spawned this sequel and a TV series as well. Sadly, the sequel Return of the Swamp Thing is nowhere near being the film the original was. Basically, the weak plot revolves around the return of Dr. Arcane, who was thought to be dead after the first film but in sparkling comic-book fashion refused to stay that way.

Arcane and his gang of thugs are busy causing havoc on the bayou while the Swamp Thing wanders aimlessly around, occasionally running into several of the aforementioned thugs and opening a can of whoop-butt on them. Now and again there’s an evil monster created by Arcane tossed into a fight with Our Hero, but when they appear they’re ridiculous looking and the fight scenes campy.

As the story goes on we find out that Arcane is trying to become immortal by sucking the life force from his stepdaughter, who just happens to fall in love with the Swamp Thing (ewwww. I guess she’s a vegetarian). Expectedly, Swampy charges in to rescue her from her deranged stepfather.

The film just doesn’t work and for so many reasons. The effects are pretty hokey, and though that was the case in the first film, this time around there is no interesting plot or decent acting to balance it out. The main character, Swamp Thing, is played by Dick Durock. Ever heard of Dick Durock? ‘Nuff said. His nemesis, Arcane, is played by French actor Louis Jourdan, who promptly disappeared after making this film. What were you thinking Louis? In any event, he overacts and tries too hard to make Arcane evil.

Heather Locklear is equally bad as Arcane’s stepdaughter, and her romance with Swamp Thing has to be one of the most ridiculous love scenes ever. If you thought Beauty and the Beast was implausible, wait until you see Beauty and the Broccoli in action. The only redeeming performance is by Sarah Douglas as Arcane’s assistant (remember her from Superman II?) who does what she does best: looks evil.

This is one of those really bad movies that you’re lucky if you missed. I hadn’t seen it in years, and fortunately I didn’t buy it but caught it on the Sci-Fi channel a few days ago. If you’ve never seen a Swamp Thing movie, do yourself a favor and catch the first one. Then pretend they never made a sequel.


Recommended: No

Video Occasion: None of the Above
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12
Special Effects: Well at least you can't see the strings