War of the Colossal Beast

War of the Colossal Beast is an engaging and thrilling science fiction horror movie released in 1958. Directed by the prominent filmmaker Bert I. Gordon, the film stars Sally Fraser, Roger Pace, and Duncan 'Dean' Parkin in lead roles. The movie provides a strange yet fascinating glimpse into the theme of human transformation and the ensuing catastrophe.

The film is a sequel to "The Amazing Colossal Man," where one witnesses the transformation of Army officer Lt. Col. Glenn Manning (played by Duncan 'Dean' Parkin) into a gigantic humanoid as an aftermath of nuclear radiation exposure. Although 'The Amazing Colossal Man' ends with Manning presumed dead, 'War of the Colossal Beast' provides a fresh revelation – Manning is discovered to be alive.

In 'War of the Colossal Beast', Duncan 'Dean' Parkin continues his magnetic performance as the colossal man caught in a dire state of existence. Complimenting Parkin’s captivating screen presence is Sally Fraser as Joyce Manning, Glenn's sister. Fraser brings in an emotional touch to the story, a family member tormented by the transformation of her brother and determined to find a resolution.

The film opens with shocking yet unexplained disappearances of various vehicles and their cargo around the Mexico-California border. Joyce, keeping tab of these strange events, believes her 'dead' brother could be the reason behind these strange occurrences. She persuades Army officers to organize a search mission for her giant brother.

When Joyce’s suspicion turns out to be accurate, one sees a fascinating, yet nerve-wracking encounter with the 'colossal beast'. How Joyce aims to save her brother from this monstrous existence, and how the authorities plan on dealing with this alarmingly giant human beast, forms the crux of the story of the film.

As a supporting lead, Roger Pace, portraying the character of Major Mark Baird, delivers a strong performance that enhances the overall cinematic experience. The dynamics between Pace, Fraser, and Parkin are professionally managed, enabling the audience to be completely invested in the story. The secondary cast that features the likes of Russ Bender, Rico Alaniz, and Charles Stewart, lends ample support and does justice to the narrative.

The effects and the make-up of the colossal beast are an exciting component of the film. Many scenes, including the revelation of the 'beast', are distinctly memorable for the sheer scale and imagination that's brought to the big screen. Under Gordon's direction, the element of horror and suspense is continuously maintained and intensified.

In terms of cinematography, Jack A. Marta's striking black-and-white captures significantly amplify the movie's peculiar suspense and fear. The shots are composed to magnify the gigantic size of the monstrous man, creating an appearance of threat and awe. The eerie musical score by Albert Glasser supports the escalating tension, giving stirring rhythms to the suspenseful sequences.

'War of the Colossal Beast' interestingly tackles the theme of monstrosity and the human dilemma associated with it. It offers riveting moments of horror entwined with underlying threads of human emotions. The character of Manning represents the tragedy of an ordinary man turned into a victim of extraordinary circumstances, while Joyce embodies love and desperation, intensifying the emotional undercurrent of the narrative.

The film delivers an innovative concept for its time, curious and compelling, exploring the continental fear associated with the aftermath of nuclear radiation. Despite its horror and monstrous elements, it evokes sympathy for the colossal beast, subtly questioning the circumstances that led to turning a man into a beast.

'War of the Colossal Beast' is a gem from the late 1950s, offering an enlightening blend of horror, science fiction, and human drama. If you’re a fan of classic horror and giant-human narrative cinema, this film will not disappoint with its engaging story, impressive performances, fantastic visual effects, and thoughtful direction.