Reptilicus

Reptilicus is a classic film of the merits and failings of science. The creature is discovered as miners dig up tissue of an ancient "fossil", later that tissue is essentially grown in a nutrient-rich vat by scientists. Big surprise, the creature regenerates and goes amok. This is classic Hollywood, yet it is filmed, acted, directed and produced by the good people of Denmark.

The scenery is beautiful, the actors play the perfect American stereotypes of the era. Sure the monster is cheesy but, given the time and technology available, this film was pretty entertaining.

There are a legion of American-made monster movies that pale in comparison with Reptilicus. What most viewers tend to forget is that the modern concept of the monster movie was still new in 1961. Cheesy monster-effects are what really sold me on this movie.

Carl Ottesen playing General Mark Grayson was the key character of the movie. He could easily be moved to a multitude of roles in US films playing the hardened American officer sick of dealing with bureaucrats and been the guy to "push the button". Kudos to Carl for being ahead of of his time.

This movie is a much a classic to cinema as "King Kong" and "Godzilla". Take off the "critic-hat" and give it a chance.