The Stuff

The Stuff is a unique blend of satire, horror and comedy, released in 1985. Directed by Larry Cohen, the movie features performances from Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, and Garrett Morris. The film's plot and characters are oddly charming, falling beautifully into the category of "so bad it's good" cinema – a delight for fans who appreciate offbeat cinematography.

The story centers around an enigmatic, gooey substance that bubbles out from the earth. Unlike most things one might stumble upon oozing from the ground, this particular ooze is found to be delicious by a chance passerby, setting in motion a sequence of peculiar events. Soon enough, this mysterious substance is commercialized and sold as a frozen low-calorie dessert to the unsuspecting masses, under the title "The Stuff".

Taking center stage is industrial saboteur David "Mo" Rutherford, portrayed by Michael Moriarty. Commissioned by competing companies and feeling uneasy about The Stuff's overnight success and secretive production process, Mo embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind this tantalizing treat. Moriarty's performance gives Mo a quirky charm, making him an eccentric but appealing protagonist.

Andrea Marcovicci plays Nicole, an ingenious advertising executive who creates the breakthrough marketing campaign for The Stuff. She becomes Mo's ally and love interest, helping him expose the truth. Marcovicci's impeccable performance adds authenticity to the story and lends depth to her character.

Also within the cast is Saturday Night Live alumni Garrett Morris, who stars as "Chocolate Chip Charlie" W. Hobbs, a famous cookie mogul who allies with Mo after his company suffered from The Stuff's sweeping success. The performances of Morris and Moriarty deliver some of the most humorous and entertaining dialogue, providing comic relief in otherwise dreadful circumstances.

The film includes an intricate conspiracy theory and offers sharp social commentary regarding harmful corporate malfeasance and consumer naivety. It exposes many real-life concerns about blind consumerism and unhealthy food obsession, all while maintaining its outlandish, almost absurd, narrative.

The Stuff is as much about the horror of bodily invasion as it is a satirical attack on the advertising and junk food industries. The film's strength lies not in the terror it inflicts, but in the absurdity of its premise and the skill with which it critiques consumer culture. Fans of B-horror flicks and eighties cinema will enjoy its fun, campy thrills, combined with smart social commentary.

Visual effects play a substantial role in creating the horror-comedy ambiance. The special effects, particularly those related to The Stuff itself, are genuinely creative and admirable for their era. There's also an amusing repertoire of catchy jingles and advertisements throughout the film, echoing the exaggerated marketing campaigns of the time and serving as a major plot device.

Director Larry Cohen, known for his offbeat style and unconventional narratives, creates a movie that exhibits horror, comedy, and satirical aspects. His knack for taking unconventional storytelling approaches is evident in The Stuff, where he successfully blends themes of horror and comedy with thoughtful social commentary.

Overall, The Stuff stays true to its promise of satisfaction, offering viewers much more than a simple horror flick. A combination of bizarre incidents, impressive performances by the film's leads, and cleverly embedded social commentary, add dimensions to this film that make it a cult classic. This movie is a must-watch for viewers who have a taste for the uncanny and the courage to question the norms of consumer culture.