Episode 65: Jon Hess’s Watchers (1988)

Rotten Tomato Score: 0%

What happens when a super-intelligent golden retriever teams up with a boy to escape a mutated creature? We journey through the peculiar world of John Hess's 1988 horror film "Watchers," a movie that's as quirky as its low Rotten Tomatoes rating suggests. From the moment we shared a "sinister sip" of our cocktail, "The Golden Retriever," the conversation was a mix of personal anecdotes and quirky humor. One of us even accidentally watched the movie in Italian, a mishap that added an unexpected layer of hilarity to the experience. 

Throughout the episode, we hold nothing back in our critique of "Watchers," tackling everything from its cheesy monster design to the odd choice of naming the dog "Furface." We found it difficult to move past the film's 80s charm, but couldn't help but appreciate Michael Ironside's performance and the film's entertainingly awkward moments. Our discussion took us on a rollercoaster ride through confusing plot twists and strange character arcs, with plenty of laughs along the way. We even pondered the sound design, noting the moments where the music seemed more suited for an after-school special than a horror film. 

For anyone seeking a light-hearted analysis with a healthy dose of humor, our exploration of "Watchers" offers a one-time watch experience filled with bizarre scenes and comedic twists. We touched on standout moments, like the suspenseful bike chase and a creative dryer scene, which had us both amused and bewildered. As we wrapped up the episode, we compared "Watchers" to other Corey Haim films, suggesting alternatives for those craving a different kind of horror fun. Join us for a playful discussion that highlights both the flaws and the endearing quirks of this lesser-known cinematic oddity.

Sinister Sips

Golden Retriever

From: Diffords Guide

Recipe:

  • 1 oz Golden Rum

  • 1/2 oz Licor 43

  • 1/3 oz Green Chartreuse

  • 1/3 oz Chilled Water

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice

  2. Stir 10-15 seconds

  3. Serve in a coupe glass

Plot Summary:

A boy takes in a stray dog, later discovering that it is an ultra-intelligent runaway being stalked by a dangerous creature from the same genetic research lab. (Taken from IMDb)

Watchability Scale

Sam and Chad gave the film a 2. Mike was less generous and gave the film a 1. We placed the film at 1.5 on the Watchability Scale.

Links

IMDb page

Rotten Tomatoes Page

Discussion on the Film (Reddit)

https://www.moriareviews.com/horror/watchers-1988.htm

Watchers Wiki (Movie Database)

From the Beyond Review (Daily Dead)