The Fly (1958) (1958) Review in 2024
A classic sci-fi horror film about a scientist who accidentally merges his DNA with that of a housefly, leading to a terrifying transformation.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
Not recommended for young children due to its mature themes and graphic content.
CineReview Recommendation
This film is worth watching for fans of classic sci-fi horror, but it's not essential viewing. If you enjoy the genre, you may want to check it out, but it's not a must-see.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film tells the story of Seth Brundle, a brilliant scientist who invents a machine that can teleport objects from one place to another. During a test run, Brundle accidentally merges his DNA with that of a housefly, resulting in a gradual transformation into a human-fly hybrid. As the transformation progresses, Brundle's physical and mental state deteriorate, leading to a tragic and disturbing conclusion.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, but it lacks originality and depth. The plot is predictable, and the characters are somewhat one-dimensional.
acting7.00/10
The acting is decent, but it's not particularly memorable. Al Hedison and Patricia Owens do their best with the material they're given, but they're not given much to work with.
characters6.00/10
The characters are not well-developed, and their motivations are not fully explored. Seth Brundle is the only character with any real depth, but even he is somewhat of a caricature.
direction7.00/10
The direction is competent, but it lacks vision and style. The pacing is well-handled, but the film's atmosphere is somewhat inconsistent.
cinematography8.00/10
The cinematography is excellent, with a great use of lighting and composition. The special effects are also impressive, considering the film's budget and era.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film's atmosphere and cinematography are excellent, and the special effects are impressive. The story is engaging, if somewhat predictable.
Cons
The characters are not well-developed, and the plot lacks originality and depth. The direction is competent, but it lacks vision and style.
Notable Quotes
"'I'm a scientist, not a monster!'"
"'I'm not a scientist, I'm an artist!'"
