The Hidden
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Here's a concept, an evil alien comes down to earth and this alien has the ability to jump from body to body. But no worries, there is also an alien cop, who is also able to take over bodies. This alien cop takes over the body of a recently deceased FBI officer and continues his pursuit of the villian here on earth.
The Hidden is one of those classic b-movies that is also a rarity, as the story is a decent blend of action and science. The notion of a creature leaping from body to body and wrecking havoc galore may seem old hat in 2005 but in 1987 this particular take on the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” concept was novel enough. One super-delicious aspect of the film is the young Claudia Christian, who would go on to Babylon 5 fame. She plays a stripper and while that certainly objectifies women, it was still burned into my mind forever.
What Was Cool:
-The Hidden has a story that is more original, more innovative than the normal science-fiction/action b-movie. While not earth shattering The Hidden does deal with some cool concepts and exploits those ideas to the fullest.
-Kyle MacLaclan and Michael Nouri are both very good in the film and add a level of respectability to the script.
-Claudia Christian. Why, oh why, did she not become a big, big star? I never understood this.
What Was Stupid:
-There is a general lacking of a strong female character or characters. Having a stripper become a killing machine isn't the same as creating a strong female role, especially if she is possessed by a alien lifeform. Unless perhaps she was killing sexists pigs I suppose.
-The special and visual effects are a bit weak, but the film is also twenty years old.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
Let's face it the genius here is whomever hired Claudia Christian, and I suppose MacLaclan as well for his Dune role added credibility to the film.
Overlooked Performance/Accomplishment:
-Overlooked Performance? Why Claudia Christian of course.
Story B-
Use of Science B+ (The use of real science in The Hidden is pretty weak, however, The Hidden does play with some big concepts, which are at the center of the film.)
Acting B
Portrayal of Women D
Visuals-VFX and SFX C
Visuals-Set Design/Props C
Wardrobe/Costumes C-
Style/Sex Appeal A
Enjoyability Grade B
Home Theater/HD Factor B-
Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) C
Overall Innovation C+ (The Hidden puts a twist on the genre.)
Overall Grade B- (The Hidden is loaded with action and maximizes its body jumping concept. Not wildly original, but The Hidden does play nicely off the whole, “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” concept.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
I was left with a crush on Claudia, these things happen.
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