The Fly (1986) - 7 stars out of 10

The Fly (1986) - 7 stars out of 10

"Be afraid.  Be very afraid."  "The Fly" is one of the most shocking things that I have ever seen.  It puts some of today's CGI effects to shame through it's elaborate and vomit-worthy make-up.  David Cronenberg has created unforgettable imagery that makes the original 1958 "The Fly" look laughable.  This film is so gross that it is impressive.  It's very title gives the impression that it is going to be a campy monster movie with a fake-looking mask, but this film reaches so much sophistication through its make-up effects and character development.  I am going to do something that I make a point never to do, but I am going to compliment Jeff Goldblum.  This is the only thing that he needs to list on his resume.  He is absolutely fabulous in this role.  Although the physical transformation is obvious, he acheives the internal conflict that David Hedison tried to in the original (but couldn't since his character didn't speak) as the fly slowly takes over his personality and logic.  He becomes physically unrecognizable but sustains his character's mannerisms to create empathy for his plight.  At first, I did not see the potential for memorable acting (or even good acting) in this film, but about 20 minutes in you realize that there is more to the film than creature effects.  Geena Davis is incredible, not only because she is always adorable but also because she gives this character a lot of unexpected depth.  When she is faced with her two moral dilemmas (baby and mercy kill), there is so much emotion.  The film is filled with images that you will not forget.  I can honestly say that I will never arm-wrestle again after this movie!!!  That was one of the most unexpected things that I have ever seen in a movie!  Even without the infamous Monkey-Cat Fusion scene that was cut before "The Fly"s initial release, this film will shock you over and over again (like the first baboon teleportation and the birth scene).  Add in his ear falling off and the acid-vomit-scene that left my jaw on the floor for a solid 3 minutes, and you will have to admit that the special effects are incredible (even if they are miserable).  The 1986 label of this film is misleading - "The Fly" is much more than another "Friday the 13th" scary movie and it can easily keep up with our modern chillers.