Creature

Creature is a 1985 horror and science fiction film directed by William Malone, featuring an ensemble cast led by Stan Ivar, Wendy Schaal, Lyman Ward along with others. The movie displays a chilling atmosphere created in the depths of outer space. Being heavily inspired by Ridley Scott's iconic film Alien (1979), Creature tempts to recreate a similar level of suspense and intrigue in the viewers.

The narrative is set in the not-so-far future where interplanetary space travel and exploration have become quite advanced. The plot kicks off when a couple of multi-national corporations discover a remote planet known for its rich deposits of a valuable mineral. Stan Ivar, who plays the role of Captain Mike Davison, leads an American geological expedition from the NTI Corporation to the obscure planet named Titan. Perceived as a seemingly routine mission by his crew-mates, they are unaware of the nightmare awaiting them.

The crew also includes Wendy Schaal as the team's ship pilot, Beth Sladen and Lyman Ward playing David Perkins, a corporate executive overseeing the expedition. The team dynamics create an engaging storyline. Ward's portrayal of the nitty-gritty of corporate machinations, Schaal's navigation skills, and Stan Ivar's poised yet firm captainship showcase a notable performance.

A remarkable part of Creature is its competently-crafted special effects that were exceptional considering that the film was produced during the mid-'80s. The level of sophistication incorporated into the props, machinery, and the 'creature' itself was nothing less than daunting. The derelict space crafts, the uncharted planet’s surface, and creepy elements in the environment give it an eerie spin other than being merely a sci-fi narrative.

As they land on the planet and start their exploration, they stumble upon an abandoned spaceship from a rival German corporation, Rheinhardt-Rogers. This discovery takes a sinister turn when they unearth that the entire crew of the German ship seem to have been victims of a horrifying and chilling fate.

The 'creature' is a menacing, otherworldly antagonist that instills a sense of dread in every scene. Resilient, amorphous, and inexplicably intelligent, the monster is crafted as an excellent symbol of terror, giving the film a strong Horror edge. The highly suspenseful cat-and-mouse chase between the crew and the creature is a gripping element in the film.

As the plot unfolds, the crew discovers the existence of an extraterrestrial entity which seems to be the cause of all the chaos. From being a scientific expedition seeking precious mineral, the team's mission quickly transforms into a fight for survival. The horrifying creature manifests, preying on the crew members one by one, keeping the audience at the edge of their seat.

The screenplay itself is layered with intricate plot twists that complement the chilling ambiance of the movie, giving the viewers a potent dose of space horror. A unique feature is the blend of horror and political intrigue that the movie presents, weaving a tale of corporate competitiveness even in the unlikeliest of situation – and environment.

Despite its predictable plot, the adventurous journey coupled with an alien terror makes for an interesting watch. The agile and engaging performances complement the special effects, whist solid directing contributes to the overall suspense and mystery.

Overall, Creature possesses a curious mix of science fiction and horror tropes. Placed in an outer space setting, it explores the familiar territory with enough twists and turns, presenting an engaging combination of suspense, horror, and exploration. For fans of the sci-fi, as well as horror genre, this 1985 classic presents both the genres packed into a single movie experience.