Carnosaur (1993): A Gory and Underrated Dinosaur Horror Film

In the early ’90s, dinosaur films were all the rage thanks to the success of “Jurassic Park“. However, while Spielberg’s blockbuster dominated the box office, a lesser-known film called “Carnosaur” slipped under the radar. Despite its low budget and lack of big-name stars, “Carnosaur” still managed to leave a lasting impression on horror fans.

The plot of “Carnosaur” centers around a mad scientist who is attempting to create a new breed of dinosaur that can reproduce quickly and wipe out the human race. Of course, things go wrong and the dinosaurs begin to attack and kill anyone in their path. The only hope for survival lies with a small group of scientists and government officials who must find a way to stop the dinosaurs before it’s too late.

While the plot may seem familiar, “Carnosaur” manages to distinguish itself with its gory and practical effects. The filmmakers made the wise decision to use mostly practical effects, which makes the dinosaur attacks feel more visceral and realistic. The dinosaurs themselves are impressive creations, even if they do look a bit dated by today’s standards.

One of the strengths of “Carnosaur” is its surprisingly well-developed characters. While they may not be household names, the actors do a great job of bringing their characters to life and making the audience care about their fates. Diane Ladd, who plays the mad scientist, is particularly memorable as a villain who is both menacing and sympathetic.

Of course, “Carnosaur” is not a perfect movie. There are some pacing issues, and some of the dialogue can be a bit cheesy. However, these flaws only add to the film’s charm and make it a fun and enjoyable viewing experience.

Overall, “Carnosaur” may not have the big budget or A-list cast of “Jurassic Park”, but it more than makes up for it with its gory thrills and underrated charm. It’s a must-see for horror fans who enjoy a good creature feature, and a testament to the power of low-budget filmmaking.

The cast of the 1993 sci-fi horror film “Carnosaur” includes the following actors:

1. Diane Ladd as Dr. Jane Tiptree
2. Raphael Sbarge as Doc Smith
3. Jennifer Runyon as Ann Thrush
4. Harrison Page as Sheriff Fowler
5. Clint Howard as “Slim” Friar
6. Frank Novak as Fallon
7. Ed Williams as Dr. Sterling Raven
8. J.A. Preston as Major Tom McQuade

This low-budget film was known for its special effects and practical dinosaur models, which gained it a cult following, despite its mixed reception. Diane Ladd’s role as a mad scientist and the film’s environmental themes make it a unique entry in the B-movie genre.