Return of Swamp Thing (1989) is the long awaited sequel to the Wes Craven cult classic Swamp Thing. This movie was based upon the D.C. Comics classic character from their more "mature" theme line. This film has achieved a level of cult status itself amongst fans of the genre. This time around the movie is more cheesy and campy instead of being too serious. The cast seems to have a lot of fun in this flick. Heather Lockyear stars as the hot blonde who is rescued and falls for Swamp Thing and Louis Jordan returns as it's chief rival and nemesis. The legendary Jim Wynorski ( a non-R rated outing for the sleaze king this time around) who has become a huge B-movie film maker in his own right helms the picture.

A light hearted film that'll warm you over. Recommended for fans of the comic book and cheesy films.

This the sequel to "The Swamp Thing," where the evil Dr. Arcane (Louis Jourdan) returns and has a new science lab full of creatures transformed by genetic mutation. In order to gain immortality, he chooses his stepdaughter, Abby Arcane (Heather Locklear), as the key in his immortality experiment.

The movie attempted to blend in comic relief, a superhero feel, and sci-fi action. What resulted, is a very campy film with average acting, forced humor, and silly action scenes. But, if you look at the video/DVD cover graphic of the Swamp Thing carrying a smiling Heather Locklear, it tells you that this film is meant to be a fantasy campfest - not the foreboding, serious, doom and gloom story like its prequel.

I could do without the two annoying kids in the movie, but the rest of the characters were quite hilarious to watch, especially that of Heather Locklear (loved her deadpan delivery and witty humor). The monster action starts almost right away, with the Swamp Thing fighting one of Dr. Arcane's mutated creatures in the swamp. And, the action continues on with the Swamp Thing battling incompetent bad guys left and right.

Not a scary film at all, just full of creepy looking creatures. The plot was rather fast-paced, but the story was the basic mad scientist story-line. Not much suspense in the film, but full of campy fun and humor that isn't all bad.

Grade C+

• The evil Dr. Arcane (Louis Jourdan), thought to be dead at the end of the original Swamp Thing, is alive and well. His life, however, will be short-lived unless he is able to reverse his cell degeneration. Up to this point, his experiments have yielded only horribly disfigured mutants. Fortunately for the Doctor, his step daughter, Abby (Heather Locklear), arrives to confront him about her mothers death. With her DNA, Arcane may be able to save himself. But, lurking nearby is Swamp Thing - Dr. Arcane's nemesis who is intent on stopping him.

• I've seen this movie at least a half a dozen times. With each viewing, I want it to be good. Although bits and pieces are enjoyable, overall it's just not a very good movie. For the most part The Return of Swamp Thing fails at being an action movie, it fails at being a sci-fi movie, and it fails at being a horror movie. Some of the acting, particular that of Monique Gabrielle, is noticeably wooden. I doubt that Gabrielle has ever delivered a line that sounded natural. Some of the special effects, particularly a few of the mutants, are anything but special. Many of the plot points can be seen from a mile away. For example, when we are introduced to Abby, we are told that she's the kind of person who prefers plants to people. Gee, I wonder who will be her love interest in the movie?

• The movie does achieve a little success, however, at being a comedy. Some of the lines are genuinely funny. For example, when Swamp Thing reminds Abby that their budding relationship will be hampered because he's a plant, her response "That's okay, I'm a vegetarian." Not great, but it does bring a smile to my face. Another scene that I'm fond of involves Jourdan poking a little fun at himself. Jourdan's pet parakeet happens to be named Gigi. Jourdan sings a little song to Gigi that's a take-off of the songs in what may be his most famous movie, Gigi.

• As I had seen this movie several times before, on this occasion I watched with the commentary on Image's DVD. Few commentaries are as informative as this one. Listening to Director Wynorski, it's amazing the detail he remembers about making The Return of Swamp Thing. It's one of the better commentaries I've heard in a while.