Alligator (1980) Review ​

 

A Chicago police officer and a reptile expert track an enormous, ravenous man-eating alligator flushed down the toilet years earlier.

Alligator, the 1980 creature feature, emerges as a delightful amalgamation of suspense and wit, borrowing elements from the iconic Jaws franchise, Grizzly (1976), Orca (1977) and Piranha (1978) while carving its own niche in the realm of creature horror. Director Lewis Teague balances the film's tone with equal parts tension and humour, that echoes the best moments from "Jaws" and "Jaws 2." John Sayles script's offers smart dialogue and a sense of realism. Indeed, the film's ability to blend the dialogue with effective effects and spirited performances elevates it above mere imitation, earning it recognition as a B-level gem. Sayles' screenplay cleverly capitalises on the primal fear of nature run amok in an urban setting.

Robert Forster stars as David Madison, a detective haunted by the loss of his partner and faced with a threat doubted by others. Beyond the typical hero, Forster's personal request to address his thinning hair through running jokes in the script adds an extra layer of humanity to the character. Forster's portrayal anchors the film with a compelling performance, injecting a sense of gravitas and charisma into the narrative supported by a large capable cast including Robin Riker as Marisa Kendall, Michael Gazzo, and Henry Silva also makes an appearance.

Despite its categorisation as a 'rip-off' film in the wake of Jaws' success, Alligator stands tall as an intelligent and stylish entry in the creature horror genre. Overall, With its balance of genuine scares and tongue-in-cheek humour, Alligator proves to be a memorable and entertaining ride, deserving of its cult status among fans of creature cinema.