Day 30: The Intruder Within

     In 1979, Director Ridley Scott unleashed one of the most horrifying science fiction films of all time, Alien. The film spawned a popular franchise and influenced sci-fi horror titles to this day. Many films took its influence a little too far however. Several titles never sought to separate themselves from Alien but rather to imitate its formula and hope that it would lead to success. The Intruder Within is a made for TV film that does just that.

      As opposed to being set in outer space, The Intruder Within takes place on an oil rig stationed near the South Pole. While digging deep into the oceans surface for oil, the crew come across a strange creature that attacks them. They dispose of the creature, but a mysterious geologist hired by the “Zortron” organization acquires some of its eggs. He experiments with the eggs and of course one of them hatched and begins to murder the crew.

      The  Intruder Within does have a unique setting compared to most Alien ripoffs. But when the first creature turns up you’ll see that they didn’t even try differentiate it from the chest bursted in Alien. The final creature looks different, but where does it come from? Oh a crew members chest? I never saw that coming.

      But it’s similarities to Alien aren’t the problem with this film. It’s problem lies within the pacing. It’s a dreadful, drawn out snooze fest. There is hardly any actual creature action and when the final creature does show up the effects look awful. Not to mention that the awful creature is only around for the last 10 minute so of the movie. He’s not given enough time to cause nearly the amount of on screen carnage viewers will be wanting. They’ll instead be treated to about an hour and 10 minutes of boring dialogue from stale characters with little payoff. Stick with Alien.

Body Count:7