After writing scripts for “Tromeo and Juliet, “The Specials,” the live-action “Scooby-Doo” movie, its sequel and Zack Snyder’s “Dawn of the Dead” remake, James “JG” Gunn worked on his directorial debut known as, “Slither.” A throwback to ’80s body horror films starring Nathan Fillion as a small-town sheriff who must find a way to put an end to space parasite infecting residents.
Released in 2006, (same year Monster House came out) it received good reviews and failed to recoup expenses at the box office. Slither later gained a cult following thanks to James Gunn’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” boosting his notoriety of his work. Slither will be my last Horror themed movie review for Halloween Month 2024. That doesn’t mean I’ll postpone Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated “Nosferatu.”
Anyway, other reason why I wanna share my thoughts on Slither is in fact, Mr. Gunn’s shepherding the DC Universe. Mark your calendars on upcoming movies and shows. As a fan of JG’s work, I’m open to see new interpretations of DC characters. Some I never heard and some I’m familiar with since Bruce Timm’s cartoons.
- Creature Commandos – Streaming in December 2024 exclusively on Max
- Superman – July 11, 2025 (12 days before my birthday)
- Peacemaker’s second season – Sometime around 2025.
- Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow – June 26, 2026
This review contains no SPOILERS. Feel free to check out my non-spoiler article.
Healthy & Sick Aspects
Healthy: Nathan Fillion, Elizabeth Banks & Michael Rooker all did a fantastic job for their respective performances.
James “JG” Gunn did a superb job making his first film. He also wrote the script and makes a cameo as Starla’s co-worker.
Jenna Fischer (Pam Beesley from The Office) appears as a secretary.
Humor has elements of black comedy.
Tyler Bates (Watchmen, Atomic Blonde, John Wick series) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Practical Effects and Prosthetic Makeup transformed mutated Mr. Rooker and extras into a mutated Grant and zombified creatures.
Cinematography was shot normal without any technical issues throughout
The film’s influenced by the works of David Cronenberg & John Carpenter. Most notably, “Shivers” & “The Thing.”
Speaking of Mr. Carpenter, Mayor Jack MacReady is named after Kurt Russell’s two characters R.J. MacReady & Jack Burton from “Big Trouble in Little China.” JG’s a fan of John Carpenter.
Characters were interesting and memorable. They didn’t bore me.
Pacing didn’t feel like a drab. I was invested since the beginning.
We learn about the space parasite’s background. Unlike Alfred Hitchcock’s underwhelming “masterpiece” The Birds,” the creature was more intimating than a swarm of birds. Sorry fellas, I didn’t like it.
Troma Films co-founder, Lloyd Kaufman makes a cameo appearance.
Sick: Visual Effects look fake.
A Post-Credits Scene was supposed to set up a sequel. Too bad it didn’t happen due to being a financial flop. Slither has joined movies that never got a sequel listed below. This is why we can’t have nice things.
- Mac and Me
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie (1993)
- Battlefield Earth
- Hulk (2003)
- Eragon
- Land of the Lost
Dragon Ball Evolution - The Last Airbender
- Jupiter Ascending
- Jem and the Holograms
- Assassin’s Creed (2016)
- Power Rangers (2017)
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIGGER AND BETTER!
I have to disagree with Roger Ebert, Slither’s not horrendously bad like “Little Man” or “BloodRayne.” Slither’s a legit body horror comedy filled with laughs. If you’re a fan of James Gunn like me, give this one a shot. It’s definitely worth your spare time. Who’s ready for the upcoming DC Universe movies and TV shows? I know I am!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 