The Black Scorpion

Rating:
Summary: 3 Stars Is A Bit Generous .
Review: Wow!!The first 30 minutes of this movie really bored me.I found myself missing a lot of the dialogue but it didnt matter.Heres the story:Volcano explodes,giant prehistoric scorpions are set loose to terrorize mankind but are no match for the intellect of our scientists.
I know thats pretty harsh but there is some good in this film.Mainly,the stop-motion effects by Willis O'Brien.Im a HUGE Ray Harryhausen fan but I cant recall a scene in one of his movies where the camera actually "followed" the monster.Well,you get that here and it is piquant(translation:cool as heck!!).
The scorpions are well animated and are quick moving as opposed to the slow lumbering monsters that were the norm in the 50's.They are quite menacing.I can see how this movie might have scared people back in its day.
Other than that,everything in between the monster attacks I found dull.Richard Denning and Mara Corday are good actors but they came across as lifeless cardboard cutouts in this one.A real effort was made to develop the romance between their characters but I just found myself biding my time until the next scorpion attack.
If you love stop-motion animation you might want to try it out because THERE IS ALOT OF ACTION after the first half hour and it is very well done.Otherwise,save your money.