Demon of Paradise

11/17/2019

***Lizard-man on the loose in the Philippines, er, I mean Hawaii*** Dynamite used for illegal fishing awakens a man-like lizard creature on a Hawaiian island, which draws the attention of the local sheriff (William Steis) and a marine biologist (Kathryn Witt). A resort owner (Laura Banks) takes advantage of the region’s mythological monster to attract business, but the situation turns horrific when bodies mount up. "Demon of Paradise" (1987) is a creature feature that mixes the basic plot of “Jaws” (1975) with “The Great Alligator” (1979) and “Gargoyles” (1972). The helicopter scene from “Jaws 2” (1978) is ripped off, but is sophomoric by comparison. Some have called it an unacknowledged Filipino remake of “Up from the Depths” (1979) by the producer of that movie, Cirio H. Santiago