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Prophecy

1979, Movie, PG, 102 mins

Prophecy: Review

PROPHECY is reminiscent of 1950s monster films in which such creatures as Godzilla were a warning of the possible effects of radiation. This time out the focus is on industrial pollution in the backwoods of Maine. Rob (Robert Foxworth) is hired by the EPA to investigate the wildlife of Maine in order to settle a dispute between local Indians and a paper mill. He is accompanied by his pregnant wife, Maggie (Talia Shire). It isn't long before they are encountering all manner of bizarre beasts. Director John Frankenheimer has made some intelligent non-horror films in the past (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE and THE TRAIN, as well as 1986's not-so-good 52 PICK-UP); here he tries to apply the conventions of the horror genre to an environmental issue and a government cover-up. Instead of thrilling his audience, he concentrates on the effects of various horrors on his main characters. Credit must be given to Frankenheimer for trying something different, but overall the film is a disappointment and a failure. Worst of all is the downright embarrassing "monster," which is an insult to horror fans. No matter how bad this gets, however, don't shut off the VCR until the end--one of the funniest, most cliched final shots you'll ever see. leave a comment