Hideous!

Directed by Charles Band, Hideous! is a 1997 blend of B-style drama, terror, and comedy that binds the viewer with a startling sequence and black comedy undertones. Starred by Michael Citriniti, Rhonda Griffin, and Mel Johnson Jr., this movie is an excellent choice for those who appreciate horror films with humoristic elements and bizarre creatures.

The plot presents us with a world where not all horror hides in the shadows, not all nightmares happen at night, and the ugliest of secrets and creatures can manifest in the most commonplace of environments.

The protagonist is Dr. Lorca, a white-haired, eccentric doctor who has a peculiar hobby - he collects twisted, grotesque, and disfigured specimens for his own amusement and studies. Michael Citriniti excellently delivers his role as the batty scientist, making viewers both laugh and grimace as his collector's pride slowly morphs into an obsession.

The story begins to unfurl as Dr. Lorca (Citriniti) acquires a unique piece for his collection: a monstrously deformed creature fished out from a waste treatment plant. Meanwhile, Rhonda Griffin, playing the role of a fiercely ambitious secretary along with Mel Johnson Jr., notables as detectives, find themselves embroiled in the mysteries surrounding Dr. Lorca, his acquisitions, and the unscrupulous world of grotesque specimen trade.

As tensions rise between dealers over the ownership of the most hideous creature of them all, Dr. Lorca's abode soon becomes a battleground. The proxy war that erupts between the specimen procurers and the innocent caught in the crossfire serves as both the comedic and dramatic tool in the film. Mel Johnson Jr.'s comical timing coupled with Griffin's performance as the sassy secretary adds a refreshing dimension to the storyline.

Each character is uniquely rendered, and their interactions add depth to the narrative. However, it is the creatures that steal the spotlight, introducing a new wave of horror with their mere existence. The Hideous! storyline investigates the blurred lines between human and monstrous, indicating that eeriness lies not in the grotesque physical form of the creatures but in the indifference of humans towards their pain and suffering.

In the vein of B-movies, the film is a campy blend of goofy and gory – expect over-the-top makeup and practical effects in winning ‘90s style. On top of that, the film is peppered with dark humor that makes it a fun ride for the fans of horror or anyone looking for something weird and edgy.

As for the technical elements of the movie, Hideous! boasts of a sharp script, which, combined with the brilliant cast and their performances, makes the characters come alive in the most absurd yet detailed operational world of deformity collection. It plays with the violence that aligns with an outlandishly dark comedy. The effects used for showcasing the 'hideous creatures' are competent, certainly adding an edge to the horror element.

On a deeper level, Hideous! doesn’t simply rely on scares or laughs. It prompts a dialogue regarding the objectification and exploitation of the different, underlining the theme with its narrative’s gritty core. Director Charles Band consciously seems to have encapsulated the societal tendency of visual bias and inconsideration towards the different and unseen, offering a harsh mirror to society's perception of beauty and deformity.

In conclusion, Hideous! can be seen as more than just a horror movie. It incorporates unique elements of noir, black comedy, and macabre creature-feature aesthetics that intertwine neatly within its multidimensional narrative. If you’re a fan of horror films that dare to break the traditional formula and venture into unexpected places, Hideous! is a rewarding, amusingly bizarre oddity you should definitely watch. Its weird device and wittily dark tone is what allows Hideous! to stand out from conventional horror movies, making it a notable addition to the 90's era of unforgettable and unique films.