axe_maker This is a great documentary. Like most documentaries I see, I knew little-to-nothing about the subject matter, but I was fascinated and captivated by the Gill-Man's story from beginning to end.The classic film footage cut with the old NBC "Abbott & Costello" commercials and publicity stills are all priceless. The interviews with today's collectors and super-fans are beyond interesting...to call them 'Trekkie-like' would almost be fair if it wasn't also almost insulting.I would have liked to have seen more footage with the surviving actors, writers and producers (a la "Rico almost drowned on the first day")- and maybe even more of the latter day reunion in Florida- but what was there was obviously carefully crafted and very well put together.I'd see it again and I'd definitely add it to my collection. I hope to see this documentary as part of any DVD anniversary and/or remake add-on, at the very least.

juliaandtommy Saw this recently and was very impressed, especially with the written narrative that seemed to move the story along nicely. Not to mention the fact that the narrative was delivered by none other than Keith "THEY LIVE" David, who is just as impressive a narrator as he is an actor.As a fan of horror/sci-fi, I certainly knew some of the backstory of the Creature From the Black Lagoon, but I learned a whole lot more in this very informative documentary that had a really fast pace, and interesting subject material.There were also nice turns by Academy-Award winner Benicio Del Toro and Arthur Ross, the original writer of the first and third films in the Creature trilogy. Don't want to give too much away, but I will say that this film will capture your interest, even if only a casual movie buff, while also serving as informative for the movie fanatics. And, that's well worth the price of admission!

Scott Essman In modern Hollywood, it's too often that the major media pays WAY too much attention to the newest film releases and contemporary celebrities without regard to how or why films have gotten to where they are at this point in time. As a result, documentaries which provide a point of reference and framework for the genesis of classic Hollywood characters are essential viewing for anyone who stops to think about the evolution of films in the 100+ years of cinema. All of which brings us to CREATURE FEATURE: 50 YEARS OF THE GILL-MAN. In this absorbing and entertaining documentary, Sam Borowski's deftly crafted script offers a historical context for the beloved Gill-Man from the original 1954 Universal classic, THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON, explaining how the character came into being, why he has persevere, and lays the groundwork for explaining both why and how the character has influenced so many screen monsters who have come after him.Notably, films in the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror genre were profoundly affected by CREATURE and its two sequels, and the impact of these 1950s landmarks is still felt today. Borowski and Matt Crick's film provides the viewer with accurate anecdotes about the making of the films, their impact upon audiences (including a bevy of celebrities - some unexpected), and the extended fan base which has succeeded the films, now 50 years following them. Their documentary is vital for all fans of classic films, sci-fi or otherwise, and anyone curious as to the nature of staying power for legendary screen characters.Expertly narrated by Keith David, featuring interviews with many of the participants, filled behind-the-scenes and archival photos, audiences are sure to get the full scope of the Gill-Man's proper place in history - both cinematic and American pop cultural to boot. A footnote to the CREATURE's legacy is that Universal curiously quoted from the documentary on the back cover of the new CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON DVD Legacy Collection box set that was released in October, 2004.

DKraai I had the fortunate opportunity of seeing a screening of Creature Feature in NYC about a week ago. I have to say, this is good stuff. I am a movie fan, but not necessarily a "monster movie" fan. Well, this documentary has me thinking I might become one. I learned more than I ever thought I would about The Creature, the history of Universal monsters, really what an impact it all had on the state of modern cinema. It makes me want to go back and watch all of these historical films again (and I do believe I will). This film was executed perfectly - tactful, tasteful, funny when it needed to be. It had all the right stars (past and present). I dare not say I was the only one who enjoyed it either. I guess my last word would be, "Check it out for yourself." It's ninety minutes of cinema history (both literally and figuratively).