Endangered Species

Respectable early-1980s thriller, “Endangered Species” puts a sci-fi spin on real-life events (“Since the 1969 Congressional ban on chemical and germ warfare testing, there have been an estimated 10.000 recorded cattle mutilations”). The result is a diligent film that, despite not being a shining example of originality or brilliance, will still be appreciated, especially by nostalgic fans of the genre.

Indeed, Rudolph puts a modern face on the typical Cold War paranoia of 1950s sci-fi by emphasizing more current themes (toxic waste from the disastrous Vietnam War, the terror of biological weapons, etc.), while keeping the action focused – like in Jack Arnold’s best-known works – on a sleepy, isolated western town.

The cast turns in decent performances: JoBeth Williams is a straight-arrow law enforcement officer full of common sense. Robert Urich is a disillusioned, street-hardened police officer. Between street justice (stuff like “A little paranoia never hurt anybody, a piece of lead on the other hand could be a real pain in the ass“) and one bottle too many, he comes across as a proud man who believes in justice.

Top scene: Ben Morgan’s terrifying death.