FROGS
(1972)Director: George McGowan
MGM
FROGS
(1972)Originally released by AIP as part of a double-bill with GODZILLA VS. THE SMOG MONSTER, this fun "nature strikes back" effort has been given a surprisingly adequate DVD treatment from a major studio.
Set amongst the Florida swamplands, a photographer (a very young Sam Elliott) ends up at the estate of the Crocketts, fronted by hotheaded patriarch Jason (Ray Milland), during his annual July 4th birthday bash. Milland parades around in a wheelchair and irritates his family, including future nighttime soap star Joan Van Ark and biker film favorite Adam Roarke.
Before long, the Crockett grounds become continuously overpopulated by frogs and other assorted critters (various lizards, spiders, and alligators) and family members turn up dead all over in some very gruesome-lensed scenes. Director McGowan is always able to make them look menacing, and the makeup on the victims is very effective.
Although its premise appears somewhat ridiculous, FROGS is played completely straight and is enjoyable and disturbing at the same time. Maybe borrowing a bit from NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD, the cast members spend a lot of time bickering and getting on each other's nerves, while the slimy creatures become more and more overwhelming. During the climax, we get a hint that a reptile retaliation is happening all around, and that this isn't just an isolated instance.
Filled with great hammy performances, Milland sticks out as the loudmouth, stubborn and bigoted Jason Crockett (watch him effortlessly shoot a snake hanging from the chandelier, then demanding everyone to sit for dinner). His character in AIP's THE THING WITH TWO HEADS is very similar (hell, they both used a wheelchair). Ad an offbeat soundtrack from Les Baxter that completely summarizes the swamp critters' ghastly doings, and you've got the makings of a great drive-in flick.
FROGS is given a new anamorphic 1.85:1 transfer and is 16x9 enhanced. Aside from an occasional hint of grain, and the color tinting towards green from time to time, the transfer is very good and well composed. The film is also available full frame on the flip side; the picture doesn't look as sharp, but there is extra information (dead space) on the top and bottom. Also included is the original trailer ("Today the pond, tomorrow the world!") which is really squeezed-looking. (George R. Reis)