I'll say this, 'Stanley' makes no bones about the clear influence it takes from 1971's 'Willard' - different animal, much the same premise. Though decidedly heavy-handed, I appreciate how this lays out all the iniquities for which human protagonist Tim and reptilian protagonist Stanley will seek vengeance. "Themes" isn't quite the right word, but in addition to environmentalism and the destruction of and broad disregard for wildlife, the feature speaks more indirectly to racism, sexism, exploitation, and the various other evils that humans visit upon one another, including old-fashioned capitalist greed. On the other hand, while the dialogue, scene writing, and acting lay it on rather thick, the plot is rather lackadaisical about going anywhere. I suppose that's nothing unusual or unexpected when it comes to second- or third-rate genre flicks, but still this somewhat confounds for how meagerly it proceeds. Whether one wishes to call this a "horror flick" or a "thriller," neither label meaningfully applies in reality. Given the most cheeky and over the top bits one could also just say it's a "comedy" and be done with it, but that label never particularly bears fruit, either.
Don't get me wrong, the picture can boast some splendid, delightful ideas one way or another. Writer Gary Crutcher gives us a complete narrative, and at least in concept the rest of the screenplay is fine. Though unquestionably overwrought, star Chris Robinson gives a modestly appreciable performance. Despite the very low-budget, low-grade nature of the production, I recognize the work that everyone involved turned in, including great filming locations and swell sets. A low budget doesn't excuse such weak-kneed direction, however, nor noncommittal writing, nor acting that's consistently either overcooked or underwhelming, but scarcely ever earnest. With more care this could have actually been a thriller, a horror flick, or a thriller-comedy or a horror-comedy. Instead 'Stanley just kind of "is" in the most rudimentary sense. The promise of the premise has been fulfilled, but in the least interesting way it could have been. Furthermore - especially given the credits for the movie, or the lack thereof, I don't think there were any specific special effects created, which can only mean that there was some abject animal cruelty employed to capture a few select shots. And there's no excuse for that, either.
I don't think this is altogether rotten. All the potential is right there for the taking, and the last twenty minutes are probably the strongest part of all. Yet as both director and producer William Grefé goes about the project in pretty much all the wrong ways, and this is not nearly the film that it might have been. Whether it was for lack of skill or lack of will, no lack of bills can account for the deficiencies to present. I had high hopes when I sat to watch, but let's be honest, I should have known better. Leave this for those who are very curious or very bored on a lazy day; otherwise, there's no real need to check out 'Stanley.'
