The Deadly Mantis (1957) Review in 2025
A prehistoric giant praying mantis is thawed out and wreaks havoc on modern-day New York City.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to some intense scenes.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching if you're a fan of science fiction or horror movies from the 1950s. However, it's not particularly memorable, and it's not a must-see.
Spoiler Alert!
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The movie starts with a group of scientists discovering a prehistoric giant praying mantis in the Arctic Circle. They bring it back to New York City, but it escapes and starts attacking people. The military tries to stop it, but it's too powerful. In the end, a group of scientists and soldiers team up to stop the mantis and save the city.
Review Details
story6.00/10
The story is engaging, but it's not particularly original. The idea of a prehistoric creature wreaking havoc on modern-day New York City has been done before, and it feels a bit predictable.
acting6.00/10
The acting is decent, but it's not particularly memorable. The actors all do a good job, but they're not particularly memorable.
characters5.00/10
The characters are well-developed, but they're not particularly memorable. The main characters are all scientists or soldiers, and they all feel a bit one-dimensional.
direction7.00/10
The direction is solid, but it's not particularly impressive. Nathan Juran does a good job of pacing the movie and creating tension, but it's not a particularly memorable direction.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent. The special effects are impressive, especially considering the time period. The movie looks great, and the cinematography is well-done.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has some impressive special effects, and the cinematography is excellent. The story is engaging, and the direction is solid.
Cons
The characters are not particularly memorable, and the acting is decent but not impressive. The story is a bit predictable, and the movie feels a bit dated.
Notable Quotes
"This thing is a killer!"
"We've got a monster on our hands!"
