Jeff Reardon This film is astoundingly dull and slow-paced. If you know what filler or padding is, this is what 90% of this movie is. It was obviously made by someone who wanted to make a monster movie but had to work on a tiny budget, so they barely show any scenes of an actual monster, but pad out the film with scenes of people standing around looking scared when they hear noises, or empty dialogue and conversation between characters. They should've called it The Seinfield Movie, because it feels like a movie about nothing.

Brian T. Whitlock (GOWBTW) Though I was too young to watch a horror movie in the theaters, the 1980's will always have the memories waiting. "The Boogens" will give you the meaning of being cautious. In a Colorado mining town, it's rich with silver. The miners come far and wide to get it. But that was back in the day. The Army had it closed down after a cave in. Or was it? The results, several of the miners were trapped with only one survivor. The rest have died. From the gases? Not likely. When 4 men decided to reopen the abandoned mine, they were better off leaving it sealed up. Back then, the mine contained something other than silver. Giant turtle-like creatures that have inhabited the mine years ago. These creatures are so deadly, not even the winter cold could stop them. Reptiles are normally cold-blooded, but "The Boogens" take cold-blooded to a whole new meaning! Here you have a pair of couples who are out to fix up a house a friend has bought, they didn't see or hear from her after she came by a get claimed by the horrible creatures. All I can say is, this movie wasn't bad at all. It could have had some more scenes to it. But it did have plenty of of "scare flair" though. Just between you and me, those men should have "mined their own business"! Get it? Great movie! 3 out of 5 stars

Scott LeBrun "The Boogens" is a fun fright feature, set in Colorado and filmed in Utah, about a silver mine that's being opened up after years of being closed. Unfortunately, the characters of this movie only find out, once it's too late, of course, that there's a very good reason the mine was closed. And now this unseen menace is on the loose, and very aggressive.No less an authority than Stephen King gives this movie his seal of approval, and this does have a number of assets that make it above average of its kind. First, it concentrates on characters somewhat older than the typical teens to be found in much horror fare of the time. (Granted, one of them is the sex starved type.) Another advantage is the very rural setting and the wintry atmosphere. The caves may be sets, but they work out alright, especially that underground lake. Bob Summers's music is excellent, as is the lighting by Paul Hipp. The story gets off to an intriguing start as the necessary exposition is conveyed using newspaper headlines instead of, say, a scrolling text.The cast couldn't be more likable: perky Rebecca Balding ("Silent Scream") is aspiring journalist Trish (she also shows us a little of her T & A), Fred McCarren and Dana Carvey lookalike Jeff Harlan are miners and buddies Mark and Roger, lovely Anne-Marie Martin ("Prom Night" 1980, "Halloween II" 1981) is Roger's girlfriend Jessica, John Crawford and Med Flory the two guys overseeing the mine opening, and Jon Lormer ("Creepshow") who serves as our resident "crazy old guy with the warnings", who tries to prevent the inevitable disaster from taking place. Hell, the movie also has a great acting dog playing Tiger; this canine is a shameless pest, but a very endearing one.The pacing is efficient and there is some good suspense to enjoy, as well as little doses of gore here and there. Only when the time comes for the monsters to be revealed does this descend more into "so bad it's good" type stuff; it's hard not to bust a gut when they make their appearance. (To be honest, though, we only ever see one at a time due to budget limitations.) The things are too goofy looking - in fact, they're too cute (!) to inspire any real terror.But in general this is a well done early 80's creature feature whose release on DVD and Blu-ray was much appreciated. One bit of advice is to see it with "My Bloody Valentine" and "The Strangeness" for an engaging triple feature of mine horror.Eight out of 10.

lost-in-limbo A feature that simply fell through the cracks, but maybe because it was nothing more than a fair little low-budget creepy-crawly monster shocker from the 80s. Abandoned boarded up silver mine in Colorado is opened up, but the workers in doing so unknowingly release some nasty critters. Rather standard and minor, but well-made (sweeping camera-work) and always amusing. Pacing wise it's slow (as the simple plotting in the first half really does take its time to set everything up and can be gradually repetitive), but then it goes on to offer a couple neat little shocks (after some off-screen action, a touch of gore spills out), cheesy monster creations (which look like mutated turtles), an atmospheric setting (from the wintry Colorado mountains to the under lit underground mines) and the characters are likable enough. Rebecca Balding, Fred McCarren, Anne-Marie Martin and Jeff Harlen shared a good chemistry. Also appearing were John Crawford, Med Flory and John Lormer. However the dog Tiger really is a scene stealer. Director James L. Conway's slight handling is earnestly executed, where its old-fashion build-up keeps the danger out of sight, but constantly lurking (plenty of monster cam and tentacle work) and a spooky air is cemented. Things do get a little crazier at the back end. Typical, but fun 80s horror oddity.