Where drive-in horror movies of the 1950s were either moderately creepy or sublimely ridiculous, this schlocker misses out by relying on cheap thrills and parodistic laughs.
Nutty crypto-zoologist Dr. Pena (Giancarlo Esposito) intends to add the legendary Chupacabra monster to his collection, even if he has to use convicts as bait. Once the beast is captured and tranquilized, Pena crates it aboard a luxury liner under the command of Captain Randolph (John Rhys-Davies). In addition to Pena, the passenger list includes the Captain’s inquisitive daughter, Jenny (Chelan Simmons), disagreeable dowager Hartman (Paula Shaw) and a gigolo/burglar Rick McGraw (David Millbern). Unfortunately for the passengers of this erstwhile Love Boat, Pena's flunkies are curious clods who set the ravenous Chupacabra loose. The eating machine hides in air ducts and treats the crew and passengers as its own personal smorgasbord. Agent Lance (Dylan Neal), on board to investigate a rash of cruise ship robberies, steps into the role of monster-catcher while Captain Randolph places the ship on emergency alert and radios for military back-up. Pena pretends to cooperate, but hopes to recapture his critter — he's so deranged that he even uses Jenny and beast-bait. As the creature continues to binge on passengers, Lance tries to force Pena’s hand. If soldiers can’t stop the feeding frenzy, how can Lance locate the Chupacabra’s Achilles Heel?
The gore may satisfy die-hard monster mashers, but the cheesy-looking creature isn’t fit to touch the gills of the Creature from the Black Lagoon. leave a comment --Robert Pardi
