Eco-Horror Unleashes Wildlife Rebellion

Read Time:4 Minute, 47 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Frogs (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller
Year Released: 1972, 2024 Kino Cult Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): George McCowan
Writer(s): Robert Hutchison, Robert Blees
Cast: Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, Joan Van Ark, Adam Roarke, Judy Pace, Lynn Borden, Mae Mercer, David Gilliam
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: FROGS emerges from the 1970s, a time ripe with genre-bending horror films, as a notable standout that merges eerie thrills with a potent environmental message. Directed by George McCowan and starring Ray Milland, Sam Elliott, and Joan Van Ark, this film takes a deep dive into the dark waters of human greed and ecological destruction, wrapped in the haunting cloak of Southern Gothic style. Although it ambitiously aims to transcend its B-movie roots, FROGS occasionally succumbs to its roots, lacking the finesse in execution that could have elevated it to classic status.

The serene setting of an isolated island serves as the chilling battleground for a dramatic showdown between human arrogance and the relentless forces of nature. Milland's portrayal of Jason Crockett, the embodiment of capitalist excess, anchors the film's central conflict. Celebrating his birthday in opulent isolation, Crockett's blatant disregard for the surrounding wildlife sets the stage for a brutal reckoning, where nature itself becomes an avenger through a motley crew of creatures, not just the titular frogs but also snakes, lizards, and birds. These animals don't merely wreak havoc—they symbolize a rising tide of ecological backlash against human misdeeds, reminiscent of the tension in Hitchcock's "The Birds" but steeped in environmental concerns.

Elliott's character, Pickett Smith, a photojournalist, enters this volatile mix by chance and quickly becomes the story’s moral compass. His environmental awareness and respect for nature starkly contrast with the Crocketts’ destructive tendencies, positioning him as a reluctant but compelling protagonist in the escalating conflict. This clash not only drives the narrative but also highlights the broader societal implications of the story.

Where FROGS falters is in its pacing and narrative structure. The film promises a tightly wound thriller but gets bogged down by repetitive sequences of animal attacks that lack the necessary buildup to maintain suspense. This deficiency is compounded by the film's choice to employ real animals over special effects, which, while lending authenticity, fails to deliver the visceral punch required for a horror film. The limitations of this approach are evident as the supposed terror often falls flat, exacerbated by budget constraints that are all too apparent across the production.

Despite these setbacks, the performances shine at times. Milland, as Crockett, captures the chilling disconnect between his character’s luxurious lifestyle and the ecological havoc he wreaks. Elliott, as Smith, brings a gritty realism to his role, offering audiences a down-to-earth and relatable hero.

Ultimately, FROGS is as much a piece of satirical horror as it is an ecological warning. The Crockett family, ensconced in their bubble of affluence and control, symbolizes broader societal neglect for the natural world—a theme that resonates deeply as their comeuppance unfolds. The film’s stark and bleak conclusion is a poignant reminder of nature’s enduring power when pushed to the brink.

Reflecting on its legacy, FROGS, despite its imperfections, merits acknowledgment for its daring fusion of environmental themes with the horror genre. While it may not achieve the polish of more celebrated horror films, it offers a distinct and compelling perspective on the dangers of humanity’s ecological overreach. For connoisseurs of 70s horror looking beyond its surface flaws, FROGS presents a unique exploration of the fragile balance between human activity and the natural world.

About Kino Cult:
While focusing mainly on horror and science fiction, Kino Cult will continue to embrace its trademark brand of "unapologetically weird" with such diverse genres as European erotica, grindhouse classics, and cinematic rediscoveries that defy categorization.

"Some of the most exciting rediscoveries are happening in the realm of cult cinema," said Kino Cult curators Frank Tarzi and Bret Wood, "These strange and twisted movies are so unique that we feel they deserve their imprint within the Kino Lorber family of labels."

Product Extras:
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle and Film Historian/Producer Dan Marino (son of NFL legend)
Interview with Actress Joan Van Ark
4 TV Spots and 3 Radio Spots
Theatrical Trailer
Dual-Layered BD50 Disc
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

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