Creature Freature Favorites #1: "Carnosaur" (1993)

Growing up in the the 90s, my grandpa would always take me to the video store on the weekend to pick out a movie to watch. I remember being scared out of my mind just walking through the horror movie aisle at my local video store. Seeing all those weird looking monsters and grotesque images on the box covers. Those memories are what inspired me to write up some reviews of my favorite creature flicks from my formative years. 

Check out the trailer!

Written and directed by Adam Simon and partly produced by legendary b-movie producer, Roger Corman, "Carnosaur" was actually released prior to the blockbuster smash "Jurassic Park." While it beat "JP" out of the gate, this schlocky flick wasn't really aiming for the big time. 

"Carnosaur" is about a secret organization that is attempting to breed dinosaurs by combining the DNA of chickens, vultures, iguanas, and other such reptiles. When a Deinonychus--which is really a janky-looking puppet-- is birthed as a result of the experiment, it goes on a rampage and kills the scientists and ordinary people living in the desert. 

The film follows Doc Smith (Raphael Sbarge), a drunkard security guard and Ann or "Thrush" (Jennifer Runyon), an environmental activist. Both of them uncover the strange plot of the Eunice Corporation who is trying to bring back dinosaurs, a project spearheaded by Dr. Jane Tiptree (Diane Ladd). 

Memorable scenes from "Carnosaur" include: 

Clint Howard (Ron Howard's brother) getting his head ripped off by the Deinonychus as it swings down from the rafters.

A group of unsuspecting young adults being disemboweled by the Deinonychus while frolicking in their Jeep. 

And finally, the big showdown with the T-Rex with a skid loader. 

I have to mention, that the ending of the movie is very unexpected and dark.

The effects are low-budget and cheap looking, but that's the charm of it. The acting isn't so great, but it's not cringe-worthy either. The kills are over-the-top and gruesome, and the epic final conflict with the T-Rex is the definite highlight of the film.

I would place "Carnosaur" squarely in the "It's So Bad It's Good" category of horror films.

Get your friends together, have some drinks, and enjoy the mayhem! 


Good

• Lots of brutal and gory kills 
• Practical effects--for better or worse, really
• Lots of 90s cheese!
• The climatic reveal of the T-Rex and ensuing battle

Bad

• Lousy acting all around
• Poor effects--not all practical effects are good!
• A pretty weak plot, nothing spectacular