Story
I think, while growing up, everyone wants an exotic animal for a pet; and like me, everyone’s parents probably told them there is no way in Hell that is going to happen!
Alligator starts out with that argument after a little girl brings a baby alligator home which she names Ramon. The little girl’s father is repulsed by the little reptile and after fighting with her mother he scoops up poor little Ramon and flushes him down the toilet. Living under the town, Ramon comes across the dumping grounds of a company that performs lethal, hormonal experiments on animals.
Fast forward 10 years and Ramon has grown humungous, along with his appetite which is no longer being satiated with the small meals the missing pets in town once provided. People begin turning up almost unrecognizably mangled and the town believes a homicidal maniac is on the loose, until evidence proves the wounds to be bite marks from an alligator that is too big to be real.
Characters
David, a detective on the case, is scrutinized by his collegues and city residents with accusations dating back to when his last partner was killed while on assignment. The media tries to exploit David as a suspect in the missing persons case. David’s name is soon cleared by Marisa, the little girl from the beginning who is now all grown up and an expert on the subject. The two flirtatiously team up to stop the Alligator before it digests the whole town.
Special Effects / Gore
The Alligator looks great throughout the movie. All effects are accomplished using puppetry, blue screens, and with a large focus on animatronics. Ramon enjoys chowing down in front of the camera and when it’s off screen we still get to see his leftovers, he may also be the greatest wedding crasher in history.
Final Score
Alligator falls under many categories which make it lovable. If you like 80’s movies, gory movies, horror movies, sci-fi movies, action movies, cheesie movies, or B- movies of any kind you will love Alligator! I had the privilege of seeing it at a grindhouse double feature last month and the crowd, present company included, loved every minute of it!
