Swamp Thing

Horror vet Wes Craven wrote and directed this campy swamp romp adapted from the DC Comic of the same name. Adrienne Barbeau stars as cleavangelically blessed government agent Alice Cable, sent to the bayou to guard the brilliant Dr. Alec Holland. Holland is using recombinant DNA to create "a plant with an animal's aggressive power for survival." Let's hope none of that volatile secret formula gets spilled! Swamp Thing is an unusual mix of monster movie and superhero flick, but definitely an enjoyable ride. Craven deliberately uses comic-book-style wipes and transitions to keep us from taking anything too seriously, and Louis Jourdan keeps up the tone with his camp performance as the evil Arcane. Also keep an eye out for young Reggie Batts in a terrific deadpan performance as Jude, the helpful gas station attendant. --Ali Davis