Attack of the Giant Leeches

I can't believe my aunt actually bought this movie, let alone felt it was just what I needed for Christmas one year but she did. Of course it wasn't until early March that I was bored enough to actually watch it. I have to say for a B-movie blast from the past, it really wasn't bad at all. The plot was coherent, the acting wasn't bad but typical for the era, and the leech costume actually had some value to it. There were some good, slightly extended underwater shots that made me feel bad for the guy in the leech costume. (The thing had to weigh a ton!) So for a few good laughs gather your pimpled-faced friends and rent this movie!

Regardless of the rabid fans of MST3K (myself included), attack of The Giant Leeches isn't the horrid film they make it out to be. Certainly it is low budget, but trying to shine through the lackluster production is a film that has some good writing, few plot holes, and exhibits an actual knowledge of the subject (swamps, critters, rednecks who are a danger to themselves and others...).

As far as Corman flicks go, this one has a good feel to it. Some drama, tragedy, comedy (well, some that was intentional), and an attempt at a real story. The screenwriter, Leo Gordon, has created a good feel for the south, and is an accomplished (although not great) practitioner of his trade. So, laughs aside, watch this movie again and focus on the plot when you can. There is no hocus pocus, minimal pseudo-science, and some likable characters.

Oh yeah, and please don't be a danger to yourself or others...

Them folks down on the swamp there darn gone and got themselves killed or worsen. Yes giant inflatable swamp critters attack and suck the blood out of their victims. Just joking around there folks. Honestly this was much better than I was expecting although it really doesn't hold any surprises(but may cause you to laugh a time or two). Still for a low budget film, I felt it was well-done and benefits from being only 62 minutes in length. I really enjoyed this one.

I have yet to see the MST3K version, and I'm sure it will be hilarious, but frankly, this sticks out as a movie that is not quite bad enough for their taste, and as much is admitted in their book. Yes, the Leech is obviously two guys in painted raincoats, yes some of the acting is wooden and the southern characters stereotyped and hilarious, but the plot moves along fairly well, and for a Corman production, the screenplay is pretty tight. I enjoyed this. Worth a serious watch. One of the few pieces of MST fodder that it is possible to watch by itself. Oh, and that Liz character is hottest women I've seen in a black and white movie EVER. Until the end of course: she looks pretty rough at that point.

The local hillbilly population is being sorely depleted, due to the huge invertebrates of the title (aka: grown men in black, plastic trash bags). Due to this onslaught, the swamps just aren't what they used to be. Game Warden, Steve Benton (Ken Clark) tries to get to the bottom of the mysterious deaths.

Meanwhile, rotund retailer, Dave Walker (Bruno VeSota- WAR OF THE SATELLITES) watches as his manhood is incinerated by his wild wife, Liz (Yvette Vickers- ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN). Liz just won't stay home with her hulking husband in his tiny grocery store, choosing the allure of the swamps instead.

In all honesty, the real reason to watch this movie is Ms. Vickers. She's hot enough to start a forest fire with her big toe!

WATCH! As she applies her leg lotion like nobody's business!

SEE! Her make brushing her teeth into a sensual experience!

Oh my!

Liz is far too much for either Dave, or her man-on-the-side, Cal (Michael Emmet- NIGHT OF THE BLOOD BEAST) to handle. It's just a good thing that she's in this movie. Without her, we're left with Benton's yeti chest hair, Cal's overblown ego, Dave's blubber, and / or the sheriff's (Gene Roth- SHE DEMONS, THE SPIDER) gargantuan bowl of baked beans to draw our attention! Oh, and those bulbous bloodsuckers!

ATTACK OF THE GIANT LEECHES is among the upper levels of the schlock pantheon.

EXTRA POINTS: For Cal's quick change from macho lover-man to quivering coward! A singular sight to behold!...