Unearthed Ooze Sparks Gigantic Problems

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Food of the Gods (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
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Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Adventure
Year Released: 1976, 2024 Kino Cult Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Bert I. Gordon
Writer(s): H.G. Wells, Bert I. Gordon
Cast: Marjoe Gortner, Pamela Franklin, Ralph Meeker, Ida Lupino, Jon Cypher, John McLiam, Belinda Balaski
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Step back in time with Bert I. Gordon's 1976 creation, THE FOOD OF THE GODS, a film that explores the consequences of man's interference with nature through the lens of a classic B-movie spectacle. On a secluded Canadian island, a miraculous substance causes livestock to grow to monumental sizes, turning an agricultural wonder into a nightmarish ecological disaster as other creatures soon follow suit. While the film might not achieve all its cinematic ambitions, it unmistakably carves its niche in the annals of 70s creature features with its horror and unintended comedy mix.

The heart of the chaos is Morgan, played by Marjoe Gortner, a football player who, along with his friends, stumbles upon the island's dark secret. The group, including a scientist with eyes on fame, finds themselves in a survival battle against the colossal animals and confronting the darker sides of human nature triggered by the catastrophe. Gordon, known in film circles as "Mr. BIG," brings to life these towering terrors using a blend of real animals and innovative model work, showcasing his flair for making the most out of shoestring budgets.

Despite the dated effects that might draw a laugh more than a scream today, the film’s real draw lies in its ability to weave a compelling story of survival and moral reflection. Gortner delivers a performance that brings a needed gravitas to the otherwise campy production, anchoring the narrative as it oscillates between genuine tension and the sheer audacity of its premise. While sometimes slipping into stereotypical molds, the supporting roles play Gortner well, contributing to a dynamic that keeps the viewer engaged.

THE FOOD OF THE GODS also serves as a poignant allegory for the era's growing environmental concerns, using its monstrous manifestations to comment on the potential backfires of human innovation. This thematic exploration offers a layer of sophistication to the film, suggesting that the real monsters may be our creations.

For those who relish a dive into vintage cinema, this film offers a nostalgic journey to a time when practical effects ruled the screen and filmmakers like Gordon dared to dream considerable, constraints notwithstanding. It may seem a relic to modern audiences, yet it stands as a testament to the creative spirit of 70s filmmaking, where ingenuity often filled the gaps left by limited resources.

In essence, THE FOOD OF THE GODS captures a unique slice of cinema history, marked by a blend of ambition and the unmistakable charm of the era’s B-movies. It may not be a staple in horror filmography, but it remains a cherished piece for those who appreciate the genre’s roots in raw, imaginative storytelling.

About Kino Cult:
While focusing mainly on horror and science fiction, Kino Cult will continue to embrace its trademark brand of "unapologetically weird" with diverse genres such 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 own imprint within the Kino Lorber family of labels."

Product Extras:
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historians Lee Gambin and John Harrison, Author of WILDCAT!: The Films of Marjoe Gortner
Audio Commentary by Writer/Producer/Director Bert I. Gordon
Interview with Actress Belinda Balaski
Theatrical Trailer
Optional English Subtitles

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

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