Along Came A Fly...

Rating: 9/10 (12 May 2015)

In the movie world, science always winds up running amok. Even if the scientists' intentions are good, something inevitably goes wrong. THE FLY started life as a story written George Langelaan for the June 1957 issue of Playboy. In '58, it was made into an exceptionally creepy movie starring David Hedison and Vincent Price. Then in '86, the studios decided to remake it. With David Cronenberg directing and Jeff Goldblum starring in it, you know you're in for quite a thrill ride! Jeff Goldblum plays quirky inventor Seth Brundle. At the start of the film, he's trying to woo Veronica Quaife (Geena Davis in her best role) back to his laboratory. Once there, he unveils his life's work: a teleportation device. So far, he's had success teleporting inanimate objects. But soon, he's hoping to start trying living beings. But not all is as it seems, because Veronica is a reporter. At one time, she and her editor Stathis Borans (John Getz) had a fling. Early on, it's clear he's somewhat obsessive about her. And he decides to get back at her by having her assigned to a full expose on Brundle's experiments. For Veronica and Seth, what starts as cold, detached fascination turns into a budding romance. But once a determined scientist, always a determined scientist. After a few successful tests with a baboon and a steak, Seth decides it's time to try the experiment himself. But along came a fly and... For a horror film, there are some really disturbing topics that are explored here. And not wanting to reveal too much of the story, let me just say you won't be disappointed. The special make-up and effects are incredible and notably drippy (quite deserving of the Oscar they received). Everything else about the movie is pitch-perfect, too. This is easily one of the best horror films ever made. Followed by a lamentable sequel three years later, featuring an excellent performance by Eric Stoltz.