They're not staying down there, anymore! - C.H.U.D. (1984)

Every once in a while, there comes along a movie that you feel like you shouldn't love, or even like, because it is so cheesy. But, there is just something about it that appeals to you and it becomes a lifelong favorite. C.H.U.D. is one of those for me. I had the good fortune to see this little B-movie masterpiece in the theater back in 1984, and it has remained one of my favorites for 35 years now.

According to the movie poster, C.H.U.D. stands for Cannibalistic Humanoid Underground Dwellers (It doesn't, but NO SPOILERS! LOL), so you know what you are getting into before the movie starts. Yep. People are getting killed and eaten by monsters who dwell under the streets of New York City. Most of the victims are homeless people who also live in the underground tunnels, so there isn't a ton of concern by the authorities. An unlikely group of monster hunters forms consisting of a cop (Christopher Curry), a photographer (John Heard), the slightly crazy preacher/proprietor of a homeless shelter (Daniel Stern), and the photographer's model girlfriend (Kim Greist). They push forward intrepidly against the monsters below them, while also having to combat a government cover-up and a sleazy reporter. Attacks ensue, people are killed, and the monsters are revealed. All in all, pretty standard fare, with most of the cliches run out for consumption. Pun intended. Honestly, this is a B-movie that shouldn't work, but it does. 

while not having a blockbuster budget, the money they did have was used well. For one thing, the monster effects look fantastic. The glowing eyed creatures are genuinely creepy and a cut above some I have seen in films that had more money behind them. The film also has a great musical score that was actually rated by Rolling Stone as #33 in their 35 Greatest Horror Soundtracks list.

The acting is actually very good. John Heard and Daniel Stern are always dependable for good performances. But, Christopher Curry stands out in his debut performance as Bosch. when it is discovered that his wife is one of the victims of a C.H.U.D. attack, his gruff cop becomes a very sympathetic and nuanced character. I have always felt that this cast kind of rose above the material and that enhanced the film. Sharp-eyed viewers will also see early appearances by John Goodman, Jay Thomas, and Jon Polito.

Overall, C.H.U.D. is a very underrated film. Made on an estimated budget of just $1.2 million, it ended up grossing a little over $4.6 million. So, it was a minor hit. However; when it got released on home video, that is where C.H.U.D. found its cult following that have cemented it in film history. In the 21st century, C.H.U.D. has really become part of popular culture. A sequel was released in 1989, C.H.U.D. II:Bud the C.H.U.D., which was a lot more comical than the original. The original reviews for the film were on the negative side, and they are still middling at best. But, there is a ton of love out there for this flick.

Over the years, references to the original film have made their way into other movies and TV shows such as The Simpsons, The Flash, Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D., Clerks II, Archer, and Castle. Back in 2007 and 2008, there were rumors of a remake, including one by Rob Zombie. In a true test of a a film's following, there has also been merchandise released from collectible movie posters to bobbleheads.

Basically, while this may be a film that isn't going to blow you away, it IS a fun popcorn flick. Order a pizza, pop the cork on a bottle of wine, and microwave some Orville Redenbacher. Grab your sweetie and cuddle up for some chills and giggles on  a rainy night. Go ahead and include the sequels for a double feature viewing. It doesn't have the same vibe as the original, but it is a hoot in its own way.