The Stuff (1985)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  Very good B movie horror. The Stuff directed by Larry Cohen is an entertaining comedy horror film that has enough good elements to make this an entertaining ride. The plot is great, and there's plenty to enjoy about this film. Though flawed, this is a terrific forgotten gem from… More
  Very good B movie horror. The Stuff directed by Larry Cohen is an entertaining comedy horror film that has enough good elements to make this an entertaining ride. The plot is great, and there's plenty to enjoy about this film. Though flawed, this is a terrific forgotten gem from the 80's that is worth your time if you're looking for a horror flick that is bizarre but fun, then this is a must see. The premise for this film is pretty neat, a gooey substance grows from the Earth and is discovered that is delicious, and addictive. Unfortunately The Stuff controls the mind and eats the victims insides. Complimented with good, gory effects, The Stuff is a memorable B movie that will thrill horror fans looking for terrific forgotten gems like this one. I personally felt that The Stuff is one of the best unheard horror films of the 80's, cheesy premise for sure, but this is terrific entertainment. If you want an interesting and quite unique horror film with a social commentary; then look no further than The Stuff. Larry Cohen crafts a good film that despite its flaws is lots of fun to watch. Like I've stated earlier, this is one of the best unheard of horror comedies of the 80's. Definitely an underrated film that deserves to be seen by horror film fans. What makes this film appealing is the interesting premise and if you love B movie films from the 80's, and haven't seen this film, do so when you get the chance. The Stuff is a cheesy classic of 80's horror cinema, and it delivers .

• Ken S

  
  A very fun B-Horror Noir, and one of Larry Cohen's best. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's very watchable.

• jd c

  
  The Stuff is a fantastic B horror movie. Yes it's sort of cheesy, but this movie is fun as hell. This is the kind of movie I can see Elvira hosting on a late night Creature Feature. It almost plays off like a cheap 50's B sci-fi/horror film that would see at a drive thru.… More
  The Stuff is a fantastic B horror movie. Yes it's sort of cheesy, but this movie is fun as hell. This is the kind of movie I can see Elvira hosting on a late night Creature Feature. It almost plays off like a cheap 50's B sci-fi/horror film that would see at a drive thru. The Stuff isn't scary, it's not intense, and it's not that gory. The Stuff is just an entertaining, wacky, and wild romp! You can't take this movie seriously or you'll be hugely disappointed. Larry Cohen's intentions wasn't about making a serious movie. The Stuff is strictly tongue in cheek. Everything in this movie was done for a purpose. From it's bad acting, to the playful script and many cuckoo characters...all of this works to the film's advantage. The Stuff is another great movie for the Halloween season. Another thing...The Stuff looks so damn deliciously good and creamy. I would eat it in a heartbeat. F**k being invaded by it's evilness! It looks so damn tasty! <img src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm89/JDHallowEEn/TheStuff2.jpg"> "An Entertaining Slice of B-Movie Schlock" - eFilmCritic "I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie. I knew it would be cheesy, because of the title and plot, but I didn't expect to find it so fun to watch." - Upcoming Horror Movies "This movie is hilarious! Doesn't really show much script wise, but it's so funny. Anyone who likes some of the lesser-known films of the 80's might appreciate this little gem." - Bloody Disgusting.com "The Stuff isn't the deepest or most thought-provoking production of all time, but it does make a valid point and does so in an intelligent and amusing way. It's a great way to spend an afternoon and has a genuine charm that one can enjoy." - Scared Stiff Reviews "For fans of sly horror movies with something to say, this is The Stuff you're looking for." - Apollo Movie Guide "More or less forgotten in today's day and age, The Stuff is an enjoyable, cheesy 1980s horror film from director Larry Cohen. Though it's classified as horror, it isn't scary at all. It's really more of a campy film with a neat premise, and with social commentary to lend it more credibility." - Silver Screen Reviews "***1/2 Larry Cohen's The Stuff is perhaps best described as Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Irvin Yeaworth's The Blob, replete with a black humor, Z-movie premise, presented via Swiftian satire, as the director highlights the absurdity of mass consumerism in a manner akin to George Romero's Dawn of the Dead." - The Horror Review "The Stuff is as entertaining as a movie about Killer Yogurt can get. All the stock characters are in place, the cliché playbook is run through with a fine toothed comb and as you might expect the movie is appropriately gooey." - Brokedown Cinema

• Lafe F

  
  Cheaply made, but imaginative cautionary tale about consumerism and what might happen if a dangerous mutational product got on the market. Cool concept for a movie.

• Dr Blood  

  
  There are many funny moments among all the squelchy deaths and Michael Moriarty is perfectly cast as the industrial spy who ends up a hero.

• Ryan M

  
  *** out of **** Larry Cohen's "The Stuff" concerns the discovery of a mysterious bubbling goo that some man located in the arctic or somewhere like that happens upon and samples; only to become instantaneously entrapped by how drop-dead delicious it is. From then on,… More
  *** out of **** Larry Cohen's "The Stuff" concerns the discovery of a mysterious bubbling goo that some man located in the arctic or somewhere like that happens upon and samples; only to become instantaneously entrapped by how drop-dead delicious it is. From then on, we learn that the glop has been harvested and is now being sold as a yogurt-like product called The Stuff. It's very popular amongst the people of America; and so it is frequently bought at the supermarket, and the demand is high. However, it's still a mystery to most people how it came to be in the little bubbling hole that the one man had found it within in the first place. It seems to be a very edible substance, but it's addictive in an otherworldly sense; not to mention it has some strange effects on the body, which are often lasting. Oh, and I think it's important to also mention that on occasion, the thick, liquid-like substance is allowed movement; accumulating into either a big pile or a big wave of white muck. Most people aren't aware of the fact that what they're eating can move on its own. They never quite see it, although there are two people who know of the sticky substance's true nature. One is a saboteur named David (Michael Moriarty); although he likes to be called "Mo" (because every time he's given something, he wants "more", so he says). The other is a young boy named Jason (Scott Bloom), who does everything in his power to stop the consumption of this new-found gooey good, even if that includes an attempt to destroy every last bucket of the substance in the local grocery store. His parents are oblivious and don't take his claims into serious consideration; instead getting addicted on the titular "stuff"; thus meaning that Jason is pretty much on his own, until he crosses paths with David. When the two do meet and greet; things get genuinely exciting. David was already investigating the strange appearance of this food product, although it wasn't until he came across Jason that his findings began to pile up. Together, they try to warn the world of the power that the stuff has on those who obsessively partake in devouring it; as it turns out, if you eat too much, it becomes a part of you, and has the ability to control the brain. So yes, that means that there will be evil "stuff" zombies walking the streets; and if the making of the stuff isn't stopped, the apocalypse might just be inevitable. But you probably know what's going to really happen in the end anyways. Let's just say that it's crazy, insane, silly, and at one point, the army comes in to lend a helping hand. It also helps that a retired soldier is played by Paul Sorvino, an experienced bad-ass. There is a lot of fun to be derived from a viewing of "The Stuff". It's a true B-movie, and while it may not be one of the absolute greats, it packs a lot of punch for a film of such low standard. It has a really interesting concept, and I was glad that Cohen made use of it by taking dead aim at satire and social commentary. Whether he is successful at hitting his target is up to the viewer to decide, although I personally think it's a funny and relevant critique of American consumerism. Just think of it: if this were to really happen - in real life - then we'd all be screwed. There's no doubt about that. As humans - American or not - we love to spend money and buy stuff that's new and hip, and in this case, hazardous. I've always appreciated Cohen's frequently cheesy scripts and the hammy performances that occupy them. There is some ridiculously, almost intentionally bad acting here; although I cannot say the same for the effects that do good to outweigh those absurd performances. The gore effects are silly and over-the-top, but as far as the actual "stuff" goes, hey; it could look worse. This is a simple film of simple pleasures; surely a good time for those who know what they like going in. I don't imagine it's a huge cult hit - or that it's got the biggest audience - but I enjoyed the thematic elements, the satire, and the gags of both the visual and contextual variety. Perhaps one of the funniest elements of the film is an African American character named Chocolate Chip Charlie. Just goes to show that B-movie/exploitation filmmakers are gleefully ignorant, racist bastards when all is said and done; but who said I can't love 'em anyways? Horror and B-movie fans rejoice; for "The Stuff" is certain to eat you right up, and vice versa.

• Lauren D

  
  I liked the idea, but some of it dragged on a bit. But I thought it was pretty cool, and any kind of 'zombie' movies are awesome.

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