_**Live-action version of the DC character is too, um, comic booky**_

RELEASED IN 1982 and directed/written by Wes Craven, “Swamp Thing” is a live action movie version of the DC Comics’ character. The plot revolves around a scientist (Ray Wise) working on a top-secret bioengineering project deep in the swamps of the American South who falls prey to his own formula and becomes a bog monster. Adrienne Barbeau plays a government worker at the lab while Louis Jourdan plays an evil genius who wants the formula for his own designs.

I own the original Swamp Thing comics by Len Wein & Bernie Wrightson from the early 70s and this movie doesn’t capture their mature, moody essence. It’s just too comic booky, too kiddie-oriented despite a couple surprising risqué scenes involving female nudity. Adrienne Barbeau was 36 during shooting and has a nice, fit body, but her permed hairdo is pretty hideous. I suppose if you’re not familiar with the original comic, you might be more receptive of this cinematic rendition. Siskel & Ebert, amazingly, gave it a hearty thumbs-up. Go figure.

THE FILM RUNS 1 hour, 33 minutes, and was shot at Cypress Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, and nearby Johns Island, but some scenes look like that were shot in Southern Cal.

GRADE: C