Episode 63: Chuck Russell’s The Blob (1988)
Rotten Tomato Score: 68%
What happens when a gooey alien lifeform lands in a small town, and the local football star, bad boy, and cheerleader must band together to stop it? Join us on Screams & Streams as we navigate the chaotic world of Chuck Russell's 1988 horror classic, "The Blob." We've got quirky humor, over-the-top special effects, and a whole lot of unexpected twists waiting for you. As we sip our whipped pink lemonade, we share our first impressions—some of us reliving childhood fears while others encounter the gooey entity for the first time. Whether it’s the thrill of the special effects or the charm of the 80s nostalgia, there’s something for everyone to appreciate.
Get ready to laugh with us as we recount unforgettable scenes and snappy one-liners, from the awkwardness of buying condoms to the bizarre government conspiracies swirling around. The antics of characters like Flagg and Meg lead us through moments both comedic and eerie. We promise you'll find yourself chuckling at the absurdity of it all, even as we critique the aspects of the film that haven't aged as gracefully as others. Join our Tropes Hall of Shame and revel in the quintessential tropes that define the decade's horror offerings.
Stick around as we peel back the layers of production secrets and narrative decisions that make "The Blob" a cult gem. Discover Frank Darabont's influence on the screenplay, explore budget curiosities, and learn about casting secrets that include a veteran actor's unique contribution and Chad McQueen's surprising role decision. We ponder the film's lukewarm box office performance and its surprising connection to "Ghostbusters 2." In this episode, we go beyond the ooze to reveal the magic, mishaps, and memorable moments that solidify "The Blob" as a beloved piece of horror history.
Sinister Sips
Whipped Pink Lemonade
From: Moody Mixologist
Recipe:
2 oz Vodka
1 oz Ginger Liqueur
1 oz Lemon Juice
1 oz Half and Half
1/2 oz Simple Syrup
Handful of Raspberries
1/2 cup of Crushed Ice
Combine all ingredients in a blender
Blend until smooth
Serve in a coupe glass
Plot Summary:
A deadly entity from space crash-lands near a small town and begins consuming everyone in its path. Panic ensues as shady government scientists try to contain the horrific creature. (Taken from IMDb)
Watchability Scale
Sam and Mike gave the film a 6. Chad gave it a 7. We placed it at 6.5 on the Watchability Scale.
Links
Move Trivia (TVTropes)
Creature Features Practical Effects (Nightmare Nostalgia)
Blob Trivia (Fast Rewind)https://www.fast-rewind.com/trivia_blob.htm
The Weird True-Life Incident That Inspired The Blob (Rue Morgue)
Blob POV Movie Review (Gatecrashers)