This one goes out to my practical effect lovers. I FINALLY sat down and watched C.H.U.D. for the first time. Honestly, I had a blast and knew I had to review it for this week! Who doesn’t love a cheesy 80s horror film with a killer soundtrack and incredible practical effects? Sure, the characters make some laughably questionable decisions, but that’s part of the charm with films like this.
CHUD starts with a focus on George Cooper, a photographer who seems unmotivated to do his job. He is currently working on a project on New York's unhoused people and has a specific focus on a group of people who live in the New York subway system tunnels. When word spreads that these underground residents are being attacked by something monstrous, and people are starting to go missing, George finds himself pulled into the mystery.
He’s not alone, though. NYPD Captain Bosch, who has his own personal reasons for investigating, and a local shelter leader known as "The Reverend" (who has deep connections to the homeless community) join forces with George. Together, they head underground to discover what’s happening in the sewers. As the movie progresses, we’re treated to more and more encounters with the monstrous C.H.U.D.s—creatures that are snatching people off the streets, with their bodies turning up later, usually missing a few vital body parts.
One of the things I absolutely adored about this movie was the gritty 1980s New York setting. The atmosphere adds to the eerie vibe, making it feel like these creatures could really be lurking just beneath the city. The soundtrack is another standout—it keeps you engaged during the slower scenes and enhances the tension where it counts.
But for me, the real star of C.H.U.D. is the practical effects. For a film that's 40 years old, the effects hold up shockingly well. I’m a sucker for practical creature designs, and this movie delivers. From the grotesque makeup of the C.H.U.D.s to the creepy underground sets, everything feels tactile and real in a way that’s becoming more rare in modern horror.
In the end, C.H.U.D. is a must-watch for fans of practical effects and classic 80s horror. It’s not a film that takes itself too seriously, and that’s what makes it so fun. If you're in the mood for a movie that blends campy charm with genuine creature feature thrills, give C.H.U.D. a go—you won’t regret it!
9 out of 10 Screams
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