Horror of Fang Rock

The first three seasons of Tom Baker’s run as the Fourth Doctor, produced by Philip Hinchcliffe with Robert Holmes as the script editor, are considered by some to be the “golden age” of classic Doctor Who. And it’s not hard to see why. Ratings were at an all-time high and the show’s mix of gothic horror and imaginative science fiction appealed to a wide demographic. But, just like the Doctor’s appearance, things change. After Tom Baker’s third season, Phillip Hinchcliffe moved on and Graham Williams was brought on as the show’s producer. Additionally, Williams had been given instructions by the BBC to tone down the horror and violence after complaints from some moral watchdog groups. Some of these changes are evident in Horror of Fang Rock, the first story produced by Williams, most notably in the weak cliffhanger endings of each episode. Under Hinchcliffe, most episodes would ramp up to a fever pitch before coming to a climactic and enticing ending. Each episode of Horror of Fang Rock just kind of peters out at the end. It doesn’t help that the script is a little stale. Written by Terrance Dicks, a former script editor on the show and one of the major creative voices during the Third Doctor era, Horror of Fang Rock finds Leela and the Doctor facing off against a shape-shifting alien in a remote island lighthouse. Most of the action takes place in a few small rooms with a limited cast. It’s not bad, it’s just a little flat when compared to some of the previous serials.

Rating: I always find trouble%

Grizzly

An 18-foot grizzly bear stalks a National Forest, killing and eating anything and anyone it comes upon. Only Chief Ranger Michael Kelly stands a chance against the monstrous killing machine. Grizzly, possibly one of the earliest Jaws rip-offs, plays like a slasher. The bear is mostly “seen” through POV shots and there are some kills that would be replicated, years later, in various Friday the 13th films. Though far from a critical darling in its time, Grizzly held the box office record for top grossing independent film until Halloween’s release in 1978. The independent nature of the production means that some of the film plays out like an extended episode of The Six Million Dollar Man but it also allows for some surprisingly violent sequences, including a scene where a young boy is brutally maimed by the grizzly.

Rating: 70%

(Image from Wikipedia)

Innerspace

After losing everything, disgraced aviator Tuck Pendleton joins up with some scientists for a top secret miniaturization project. Everything goes well until a group of rival scientists steal the miniaturization technology. In order to keep him from falling into the wrong hands, Tuck gets injected into the body of Jack Putter, a neurotic hypochondriac. With the threat of a dwindling air supply hanging over their heads, Tuck and Jack have to team up with Jack's ex Lydia to recover the stolen microchips so that they can get Tuck out of Jack and back to his normal size. Though far from perfect, Innerspace is a real gem. The special effects hold up incredibly well and the performances are excellent. Martin Short is in top form here, his timing is incredible and his physical comedy is amazing. There are even a few stunts in the film that are reminiscent of Jackie Chan's work. The movie might have benefitted from some tighter editing and the score is pretty weak overall. Even still, Innerspace is definitely worth a watch.

Rating: 71%

(Image from Wikipedia)