SHE CREATURE is one in a handful of remakes of '50s B-movies released under the Creature Features banner. The results are a mixed bag, ranging from the execrable (TEENAGE CAVEMAN) to the merely bad (EARTH VS. THE SPIDER). SHE CREATURE falls into the latter camp, which is a shame as it has the potential to be a genuinely good modern B-movie. The problems are those that frequently occur in the low budget television movie genre: poor direction and a lack of focus in the plot; limited funds available for locations (much of the film takes place on one single set); clichés (monster-vision shown with jerky camera-work and a red filter, a last-reel critter looking much like the queen from ALIENS) and a somewhat derivative script.
There are pluses, of course, and the casting alone is a highlight of the film. Rufus Sewell is one of my favourite leading men when he has the chance to be, and he acquits himself well here. Carla Gugino brings warmth and integrity to her role, as well as a very good accent, and she's by far the best thing in the production. Reno Wilson makes for a very imposing zombie in some early moments as well. There are also lots of frustrated plot elements that COULD have been good: the heroine's psychic link with the creature; the twist ending; the character motivations. In the end, little is done with these and the film becomes a run-of-the-mill monster-on-the-loose yarn, benefiting from some Stan Winston CGI effects but lacking in any originality whatsoever. There's virtually no gore or action to enjoy and while the titular mermaid makes for quite an alluring character, SHE CREATURE is an example of wasted opportunity.
There are pluses, of course, and the casting alone is a highlight of the film. Rufus Sewell is one of my favourite leading men when he has the chance to be, and he acquits himself well here. Carla Gugino brings warmth and integrity to her role, as well as a very good accent, and she's by far the best thing in the production. Reno Wilson makes for a very imposing zombie in some early moments as well. There are also lots of frustrated plot elements that COULD have been good: the heroine's psychic link with the creature; the twist ending; the character motivations. In the end, little is done with these and the film becomes a run-of-the-mill monster-on-the-loose yarn, benefiting from some Stan Winston CGI effects but lacking in any originality whatsoever. There's virtually no gore or action to enjoy and while the titular mermaid makes for quite an alluring character, SHE CREATURE is an example of wasted opportunity.