lost-in-limbo
After three years in a coma, Amanda Hollins awakens and tells her son, John. To destroy her life experiments and any information found in her secluded old house. He heads there with his girlfriend, some work colleagues and one of his mother's admirers. They eventually discover more then what they bargain for, as some of his mother's genetic engineered creations run amok.I thought I've seen this one before, but I was wrong. This modest combination of 50's sci-fi / horror goes onto deliver a undervalued oddity, with a tip-top ensemble cast and sure-handling from dual directors Jeffrey Obrow and Stephen Carpenter. Suspense is lacking because the minimal story is just too typical and shredded with loopholes, but it's the surprisingly efficient make-up effects, which are over-the-top and horrifically creative that makes for a pleasurable treat. The excessive use of this icky business in some wicked (and at times silly) set pieces is the film's only real imaginative bone. A quick tempo, builds up after a slow opening and the shocks are well placed for maximum effect. Be it a laugh or a gasp. The material mostly plays it with a straight face, with slight slabs of humour and Rod Steiger's small meaty turn. The composed performances (with Steiger being the exception) are reasonably good from the cast. David Allen Brooks is likable in his steadfast delivery and the ravishing Amanda Pays shines in her shifty portrayal. Talia Balsam gives hearty support and Peter Frechette diverts. The classy Kim Hunter also gets some minor scenes as Amanda Hollins. Obrow and Carpenter's directorial style is systematically sturdy without an ounce of any visual flourishes. The look of the film generates a gloomy air, mainly due to Steven Carpenter's murky photography and dim lighting. David Newman's moody, understated music score is fairly unnoticeable.
jwbg20373
This movie is really cool. The monster is very slimy, the music is eerie and it is all good. My favourite part was when the monster got electrocuted. The thunderstorm was a good effect. The monster first got destroyed by a wire. Then body parts and slime flew everywhere. Then a tentacle burst open. It was hideously gooey.After a while, you see a man covered in white goo. The man also had some white liquid pouring from his mouth. It was a slimy meltdown to end all meltdowns. I find it all fascinating and good.but what was the point, because it is a slimy monster movie.It is a good creature feature for all. I wish it would come out on DVD though. Anyway, I give it an 8.
udar55
For the demographic demanding to see Rod Steiger covered in slime, this movie is for you! THE KINDRED is actually a fun little monster flick. Dr. John Hollins (David Allen Brooks) heads to the home of his scientist mother (Kim Hunter) with some friends to clean up her work after she has a heart attack. While he isn't quite sure what she was working on, she demands he destroy it all. Oh, she also reveals he has a brother named Anthony. What is Anthony? A mutant hybrid of John's genes and some aquamarine life. Of course an evil scientist (Steiger) is also out to get his hands on Anthony. The film does have a few problems (most notably the slow first half hour and low body count) but this is still an enjoyable monster mash with good acting. Titular creature Anthony is an original looking design and the rest of the effects work is very good. In addition, the film has a great score by David Newman. Co-directors Stephen Carpenter and Jeffrey Obrow are also responsible for THE DORM THAT DRIPPED BLOOD, THE POWER and SERVANTS OF TWILIGHT.
HumanoidOfFlesh
Dr.Amanda Hollins,a molecular biologist who,in distress and ill health requests her son John to destroy all the lab notes from her last genetic experiment.She also blurts out that he had a brother named Anthony.From her natural son's living tissue,Amanda has created a half-human monster that sits dormant in her basement.Unfortunately for John and his friends Anthony has come to life as an oozing,tentacled and slime-covered monster,ready to taste human blood..."The Kindred" is a seriously underrated little horror flick.The creature effects are pretty good,the acting is fine and there is a little bit of gore.The action is fast-paced and the film manages to be both entertaining and gruesome.All in all,"The Kindred" provides a few chills plus a few intense moments.Give this obscure little gem a look.7 out of 10.
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