Grabbers and Irish Charm: A Movie Review

Director: Jon Wright.

Writer: Kevin Lehane.

Cast: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley, Russell Tovey, Lalor Roddy, David Pearse, Bronagh Gallagher, Pascal Scott, Clelia Murphy, Louis Dempsey and Micheál O'Gruagain.

Grabbers is a creature feature from Ireland. But, the film is more than that. Grabbers blends genres, while creating one of the better love stories onscreen. This title, from Belfast born director Jon Wright, utilizes some great creature effects. And, the film has a subtle charm, which comes through strongest in Trevor Forest's cinematography. Grabbers is a memorable film.

The film borrows its story from classic b-movies of the '50s. An alien creature has washed up on the Irish shores of Donegal. This monster is hungry. it sets its sights on the local Irish populace. Those under attack quickly learn that the creature is allergic to alcohol. Then, the defenders begin to drink copious amounts of liquor, to the monster's detriment and to the viewer's enjoyment.

Characters Lisa and O'Shea

A romantic sub-plot develops early in this feature between Lisa (Ruth Bradley) and O'Shea (Richard Coyle). These two are both part of the Garda, the Irish constabulary. Their close proximity and character flaws draw them together. Although, other events threaten to drive them apart. They eventually find a spark in Ireland's beautiful countryside.

Less beautiful and more monstrous, the creature effects are well done. The creature is kept out of frame early in the film. Yet, the monster makes its presence known leading up to the finale in Grabbers. Earlier, a specimen is shown in a lab, until later when monstrous babies take over the local bar. The finale and climax are the best as the beast shows its true height and girth. Its size creates for an effective final battle.

Grabbers is a charming film. From the cinematography to the humour, Grabbers is consistently a good time. The characterizations are performed well and the love story between Lisa and O'Shea appears believable. The backdrops of Donegal simply emphasize the many light moments in the film.

This title will release in North America soon, hopefully. Grabbers will also launch in the United Kingdom later this month. This film is worth seeing. Blending horror with comedy and romance, this title takes on a lot in its relatively short runtime of ninety minutes. Each minute is beautifully shot and the film's tension will keep movie watchers interested as this creature feature tries to make a snack of the local and very drunk characters.

Overall: 7.75 out of 10 (good story, quaint, some tension, well written).

The film's trailer can be seen here:

The Grabbers' Official Website

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