The Boogens (1982)

17% of critics liked it
(6 reviews)
33% of users liked it
(420 ratings)

This seldom-seen, well-crafted monster movie involves the reopening of a Utah silver mine which had been closed for nearly 70 years after a catastrophic cave-in, the circumstances of which remain one of the nearby town's most legendary mysteries. When attempts are made to explore the mine shaft, the… More This seldom-seen, well-crafted monster movie involves the reopening of a Utah silver mine which had been closed for nearly 70 years after a catastrophic cave-in, the circumstances of which remain one of the nearby town's most legendary mysteries. When attempts are made to explore the mine shaft, the investigating party never returns. It seems the mine's collapse had served to seal in a nest of weird, multi-tentacled, bloodsucking creatures -- which are now free to seek new prey on the outskirts of town. This simple but intense horror film benefits from good performances and genuine suspense -- providing only quick, spooky glimpses of the title beasts -- building to a thrilling showdown in the treacherous mine shafts. ~ Cavett Binion, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: James L. Conway
Genres: Horror

On DVD: Sep 9, 1997

Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
At best, it's a so-so horror pic.
Staci Layne Wilson, About.com
Click to read the review.
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
Obscure and unknown. Deservedly so.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Luke B

The Boogens isn't completely devoid of charm. At least it has some strong characters going for it. Even the sex mad ladies man character, is portrayed with a lot of heart and little annoyance. The build is far too slow. I enjoy a bit of tension, but if your monsters look like… More
The Boogens isn't completely devoid of charm. At least it has some strong characters going for it. Even the sex mad ladies man character, is portrayed with a lot of heart and little annoyance. The build is far too slow. I enjoy a bit of tension, but if your monsters look like ridiculous puppets in the final reel, at least showcase them early. Only so many tentacle attacks I can stomach. It's also quite repeptitive with just two locations, and the dog sniffing out danger gets about 4 separate scenes. Could do worse, but the slowness is a test of patience.
Dr Blood

This is supposed to be one of Stephen King's favourite movies according to the sleeve but I really don't believe it. The Boogens are just some kind of turtle monsters with teeth and are about as scary as muppets. You don't get to see much of them until the end anyway.… More
This is supposed to be one of Stephen King's favourite movies according to the sleeve but I really don't believe it. The Boogens are just some kind of turtle monsters with teeth and are about as scary as muppets. You don't get to see much of them until the end anyway. There are a couple of good moments but the film takes ages to get going and there are no characters that you really care about anyway apart from Rebecca Balding. I doubt that this would even scare very small children but there is a brief gratuitous shower scene which means that they shouldn't really be watching it in the first place.
Donna D

Oh wow. Last time I saw movie was back 1982 cable. I enjoyed this crazy movie, with it's hideous monsters in an underground hiding area that attacks it's victims when they are alone! It was amusing. Wouldn't mind adding it to my horror movie collection on dvd. ;)