CAPTIVE is one of a handful of cheapo sci-fi movies churned out by Californian director Robert Emenegger around 1980. So far, this is the best out of the ones I've seen, as it's the only one approaching a half decent film. That's because the story is a well written hostage/siege scenario, and it doesn't need money or lame special effects to make it work.
The movie features a nice turn from Cameron Mitchell as a violent alien who seems to enjoy killing animals. He finds himself stranded on Earth with a companion, and the two of them hole up at a rural farmhouse while trying to figure out what to do. Plot twists ensue, and it's all handled with pace and flair by Emenegger, who seems to be trying a lot harder this time around. The supporting cast includes a turn from David Ladd, son of Alan. There's some surprising violence in the production which is handled well on the zero budget, and as a whole this one keeps you watching from beginning to end.
