Spoiler Warning!!

The Blob is a 1958 sci-fi horror film directed by Irvin Yeaworth and Russell Doughten, and stars Steve McQueen as the main lead character, Steve Andrews. I am a big fan of both sci-fi and horror movies, and have heard about this film many times before, but had never seen it. One word I would use to describe it is “amusing.” From the theme song in the opening credits to the very last shot of the blob being taken to Antarctica, I found this to be an entertaining viewing experience.

While I was not scared in the least by the movie, I am not sure if people seeing it at the time were. The plot kept me interested and fits with typical 50s B-movie monster horror. The movie takes place in a small town and follows Steve and his girlfriend Jane after they find an old man who was attacked by this mysterious Blob that came from outer space. It rapidly grows and consumes the old man, as well as the doctor they brought him to. Steve witnesses the doctor die and for most of the movie, Steve and Jane are trying to convince the police and other adults of what is going on, before the Blob engulfs the whole town. The whole town discovers the truth within the last 20 minutes after the Blob attacks a movie theater, and a climactic finale follows. Steve and others almost die trapped inside the cellar of a diner, but he realizes the Blob’s weakness is cold, leading to a quick collection of CO2 fire extinguishers to temporarily freeze it, before it is carried to Antarctica at the very end. I was surprised how close to death the main characters actually came under the burning diner with the Blob surrounding it, and I actually thought they might die at the end. Overall, while the plot somewhat dragged on in between the action at the beginning and the action at the end, it kept me interested and made me want to see the adults finally believe the teenagers and realize the true danger of the Blob. Like many other 50s sci-fi/horror movies, it reflects the fears over the Cold War at the time, and over rapidly developing space and nuclear technologies.

The acting was decent for the most part, especially for such a low budget independent movie like this one.

The special effects, while obviously not holding up to today’s standards by any means, were unique, albeit somewhat laughable. One could easily argue that this film is in poor taste and not made well, because it’s more funny than scary and doesn’t hold up. While I definitely found this movie to be more funny and amusing than scary or thrilling, I think that is part of what gives it charm. It’s corny and cheesy for sure (like many other 50s horror movies as we see them today), and not a masterpiece of cinema that deserves academy awards, but that makes it fun in its own way. The Blob works well as a satisfying cult-classic film.