The Beast (1996)

SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

A Disappointing Continuation

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

This movie has all you need or want!!The story is simple, a small sea town is terrorized by a huge giant squid! After a few people get killed, the man of the town goes and hunts down the beast. Like in many other movies! But instate of another stupid shark, you have something more mystical in this movie: a giant squid! Thats a real spooky thing! In general you have a good story, that is exciting, not bad acting, a love story, action, killings and much more! The special affects aren't that bad for a TV Movie! So just lie back and enjoy 3 hours of terror!Go and what " Grizzly" too!

When i 1st saw this movie , i was amazed with the story line , and the entire plot of the movie a 60 feet giant squid (not to mention that this movie cant be considered sci-fi , as giant squid exist and they can grow to 100 feet and they will eat anything , as well as have the power to sink a small ship ) . They only made 1 mistake in the movie , when the doctors tell his assistant , that the hook is from the Archeuthis Dux , while in real life the giant squid aka Archeuthis Dux , has only ring with small teeth surrounding it , and the colossal squid has hooks . The full miniseries covers a lot of the plot without it the movie isn't as interesting . The way i see it , this movie own jaws ! Peter B. did a great job , the squid looks exactly as it looks in real life . 10/10

Yeah, it's Jaws on a budget, but just pop the corn, sit back, and have a little fun. I have sat through some atrocious horror movies (some of those in the 1950's and 60's are just awful), but this one is quite good for it's genre. Go ahead and root for the calamari, if you must! But she is protecting herself and her child as any mother would do in the same situation. The scenery is gorgeous, too--all shot in Australia, I think. I am not big on his love interest...she is a bit bland, but I do like Dana, his character's daughter. She was very believable and quite sweet. (Has she been in anything else?) Whip Dalton is my kind of guy: earthy, but charming...besides, anything with Billy Petersen in it is worth watching.

This Peter Benchley film has his previous "Jaws" beat hands down. First, it is much more realistic than "Jaws," absolutely convincing you of the existence of such giant squids. The acting is first- rate. I live in Florida and have known fishermen for almost 50 years. These guys don't even act like actors; they act like fishermen. The musical score is awesome! Intertwined with the suspense is one surprise after another until the very end. The action sequences, both underwater and on the surface, are exciting and realistic. The cinematography, especially in the underwater sequences, is beautiful. In addition, there are several very tender and honest love stories -- the young stars especially hot! Some might criticize its length, but I promise you, this is a film that will hold you all the way through. My only negative criticism is that I have been unable to find it on DVD so I can pause it for bathroom and kitchen breaks. If anyone knows where I can buy it, let me know and I'll send my dough! You will watch this many times over the years and impress your guests (the ones with taste).I agree with Joel-80 that it is due for a big-screen remake with top stars and even better special effects. In other words, let Hollywood throw the money at it that the TV folks couldn't. I just hope they don't screw it up with phony mechanical fish like they did in "Jaws." If a good remake happens, even the severest critics will be blown away.