Critic's Pick — Midnight Movies: 'The Blob'

Classic horror B-movies are such a specific flavor of comfort. They’re just spine-tingling enough to conjure thrills, but cheesy enough to put on anytime and enjoy the romp. The 1988 remake of The Blob scratches that itch perfectly, even if it came out after the heyday of B-movies. Directed by the late Chuck Russell and co-written by legendary screenwriter/director Frank Darabont, the film follows the havoc of the titular Blob as it causes all kinds of goopy chaos after crash-landing into the small town of Arborville. The film wryly invokes the ’50s iconography of the original with the teen protagonists slotting into high school stereotypes, but pulls enough twists and turns from this conventional formula to keep you constantly entertained. Not to mention that this was made during an incredible time for practical horror effects, with so many creative deaths and wide shots of the Blob consuming everything in its path. Seriously, this stuff rivals many of the gruesome kills from any of the big ’80s slasher franchises. The Belcourt will be showing the film as part of its Midnight Movies program on Friday, where it’ll be a perfect fit for a late-night spook.

Midnight at the Belcourt

2102 Belcourt Ave.