Starring
Kyle MacLachlan, Michael Nouri, Claudia Christian, Ed O'Ross, Richard
Brooks, William Boyett, Clarence Felder, Chris Mulkey, Clu Gulager,
Katherine Cannon. Directed by Jack Sholder. (1987, 96 min).
For
some, The Hidden needs no introduction. Overlooked during its
original theatrical release, the film found a massive audience on
home video, becoming a cult classic in the process. 30 years later,
it definitely looks - and sounds - like a product of its time, but
remains a hell of a lot of fun.
The
story itself holds up remarkably well, which should please those who
first came across it while cruising Blockbuster shelves on a Friday
night. For newcomers, one thing that makes The Hidden unique
among sci-fi/horror films - even today - is the depiction of of its
alien antagonist. Sure, it's a repulsive, sluglike, multi-tentacled
monster. Yeah, it hides inside humans, manipulating the host body
to do its bidding. And of course, it is practically unkillable, vulnerable only
when oozing from one body into the next. For decades, we've seen similar creatures
in a wide variety of slimy sci-fi stories.
 |
| Kyle MacLachlin reveals the number of active members in the Dune Appreciation Society, including himself. |
But
this alien doesn't have the usual ominous agenda of propagating its species or taking over the world. It's simply here to
rob banks, steal cars, drive fast and kill anyone who gets in the
way, arguably making this the first and only movie to depict a
visitor from outer space as a complete sociopath. It's a highly
amusing premise, which The Hidden plays to the hilt.
Hot
on the creature's tail are Detective Beck (Michael Nouri) and FBI Agent
Gallagher (Kyle MacLachlin). Besides the chase, much of the fun is seeing
Beck forced to deal with his Gallagher's off-putting behavior while questioning
how his new partner seems to know why formerly law abiding citizens are going on homicidal rampages. It turns out Gallagher is an alien as well,
here to avenge the deaths of his former partner and family.
 |
| When garden pests go unchecked. |
The
film is loaded with brutal, kinetic action, slowing down just long
enough for brief exposition before revving back up again. But The
Hidden manages to rise above this often-disreputable genre
because director Jack Sholder, who'd later direct one of the most underappreciated cold
war thrillers of all time (By Dawn's Early
Light), infuses the mayhem with witty dialogue, humorous moments
and genuinely interesting characters (something of a rarity in this
genre during the 80s). It's also a highly amusing take on the old buddy-cop
formula (which was at the height of its popularity back then). As
Beck and Gallagher, both lead actors fill the roles nicely
(MacLachlin, in particular, who's childlike demeanor provides some of
the movie's funniest moments).
The
Hidden remains one of the better examples of 80's era
exploitation, slickly made, fast-moving and consistently entertaining. For
those who fondly remember the film, it's a kick-ass nostalgia trip. For newcomers, you're in for a good time (but don't bother with
the horrid sequel produced a few years later).
EXTRA
KIBBLES
FEATURETTE:
SFX Production Footage (narrated by director Jack Sholder)
AUDIO
COMMENTARY (by Jack Sholder & Tim Hunter)
TRAILER
KITTY CONSENSUS:
PURR-R-R...LIKE A GOOD SCRATCH BEHIND THE EARS
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