In the late 1970s, Alan J. Adler, inspired by Star Wars, moved out to Hollywood to pursue a screenwriting career. He was soon introduced to writers Michael Shoob and Frank Levering, and they started working on a low-budget monster movie. Adler managed to work out a deal with Charles Band, who got funding through Embassy Pictures and producer Irwin Yablans. Having worked together on Tourist Trap, Yablans agreed to a $1 million budget for the film and Band directing. At some point, a decision was made to shoot the film in 3D, which hadn’t been done in 20 years. Special effects artist Stan Winston, who previously worked with Band on Mansion of the Doomed, designed the creature effects. Working with a small cast and crew, they made what became the first major American 3D movie in decades. Finally, in March of 1982, Parasite 3D was released to theaters.
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Synopsis
In 1992, an organization called The Merchants controls the US government following a nuclear disaster that’s wiped out almost everything. Dr. Paul Dean (Robert Glaudini) was hired by The Merchants to create a parasite to help control the overpopulation. He manages to destroy almost all the parasites once he learns what The Merchants are up to, but gets infected. Dean is now on the run, trying to find a cure for the parasite growing inside him before he dies. Meanwhile, Merchant agent Mr. Wolf (James Davidson) is hunting after Dean because he stole one of the last parasites. While on the run, Dean gets hassled by some punks, led by Ricus (Luca Bercovici), who accidentally release the parasite. Dean soon meets lemon grower Patricia Welles (Demi Moore), who helps him find the cure while the parasite runs amock. Will they succeed, or will they be the parasite’s next victims?
Review
Parasite 3D is an enjoyable bit of sci-fi shlock that doesn’t pretend to be anything more than it is. Given that this was his second directorial effort, Charles Band does a good job, photographing the parasite in excellent ways. There’s an odd amount of slow-motion that pops up every so often, but it thankfully isn’t all that distracting. Performance-wise, everyone does an admirable job, even if some of the line readings are a little stilted and lack emotion. Robert Glaudini does a convincing job looking like someone who’s infected with a parasite, always sweating and holding his stomach. This being her first film role, Demi Moore is ok, but her acting isn’t anything to write home about. Luca Bercovici (Ghoulies) makes for a solid gang leader/anti-hero, and James Davidson is effective as the Merchant agent. Also, classic actress Vivian Blaine has a memorable part as the local hotel owner.
Even with the film’s low budget, the creature and gore effects are surprisingly impressive, though that’s expected with Stan Winston. While the titular parasite is clearly a puppet, it’s a convincing-looking puppet that has a simple yet effective design. Many of the gore effects used are top-notch, and the effects used for victims of the parasite look good. Though the main story is very simplistic, there’s an interesting world surrounding it that would be worth exploring by itself. Richard Band’s score is also effective, adding a creepy sense of dread while also punching up the more action-heavy scenes. Admittedly, there are plenty of filler scenes that drag, but the scenes of the parasite attacking make up for that. Even in 2D, some of the 3D shots still add to the film’s overall charm as a low budget B-movie. Overall, Parasite 3D is a slow but enjoyable watch for B-movie fans.
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