Body Snatchers (1993) ***1/2

Abel Ferrara's Body Snatchers (1993), the third film adaptation of Jack Finney's 1955 novel, holds up quite well on rewatches. Despite some limitations, the movie is exceptionally lit and shot, has a solid cast (MVP Meg Tilly), and adds an interesting dynamic to the well-known alien invasion story with the military aspect (via Larry Cohen).

Stuart Gordon was originally slated to direct (and he's still credited for the screenplay), but the film ended up with Ferrara (his first of two Hollywood pictures made in 1993; the other being Dangerous Game [review]). The first half of the film is a slow buildup, but the second half ramps up the action and effects, which are both very well done. It's a mostly straightforward, even "classic filmmaking" affair (and clocks in at an economic 87 minutes), particularly for Abel, but there are enough juicy moments to keep it exciting.

Abel Ferrara Feature Films Ranked