I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

it is the rare 'crazy' movie that actually has something to say.

The biggest problem with this movie is it’s a little better than you think it might be, which somehow makes it worse. As in, it takes itself a bit too seriously, which makes most of the movie feel kind of dull.

This film is low-tech and low-budget and that means that few modern viewers will sit through it, which is too bad. Although modest, this movie is earnest and interesting, and is reflects some of the darker realities of its time.The opening sequence shows a military officer getting caught within the radius of a nuclear explosion and taking a full hit of radioactivity. Fans of classic comic books will note that virtuoso cartoonist Jack Kirby borrowed heavily from this sequence in 1962, to create the 1st and best origin story for The Incredible Hulk, but there is a greater significance.The history of the Cold War is quickly being forgotten and re-written, but it is a fact that in the first decade of that period there were numerous documented experiments where U.S. troops were routinely used as guinea pigs in atomic tests and other experiments.In at least one spectacular incident, hundreds of troops were stationed at the border of a blast area, and then ordered to march directly toward the billowing mushroom cloud so as to gage the capacities of soldiers in an atomic war; we know of this incident because, among other documentation, it was filmed by the military.U.S. troops were also given LSD, unbeknownst to them, and there were many personnel who were either injured or killed testing the multitude of new vehicles and equipment introduced in this period.Our tragic hero, the unfortunate Col. Glen Manning is a kind of surrogate for these men.In addition, there is an interesting little scene early in the film, when Col. Manning is unconscious after getting irradiated. In a delirium, he recalls an incident in the Korean War, when he faced a surprise attack by an enemy troop, and had to resort to hand-to-hand conflict. Baby-faced actor Glen Lanaghan shows a genuine horror, as he must personally impale another man or meet this fate himself.We know now that such experiences often induce PTSD. It is my opinion that later on in the picture, when Col. Manning is running amok in Vegas, he is, partly, experiencing the symptoms of PTSD.While this film was obviously a schlock horror film of the typical variety, it also reflects the concerns of its society and creators, perhaps in ways they did not even consciously intend.Just as King Kong represents the crucifixion of the American Male Libido, the Amazing Colossal Man represents the blood sacrifice of the American Male Conscience.

I've seen my share of '50's B-movies, with Martians, insects, crab monsters and giant leeches attacking but let me tell you, this movie really isn't among the worst, even though it basically follows the same formula as any other '50's B-movie. As you would expect the movie follows a very simple story about an army colonel who slowly transforms into an amazing colossal man, after an atomic explosion of course. Still the story works out since it picks a more emotional approach rather than a spectacular one with the amazing colossal man smashing buildings and throwing cars (it happens, though not until the very end of the movie.). Instead the movie remains more humble and humane, filled with emotions involving around the main character, who is broken inside by the man who he has become. This might seem boring to some but it in fact is its original approach of the story which makes this such a fine movie to watch.The movie uses some really great non-static camera-work, which was quite surprising, especially considering the time period the movie got made in. Of course the special effects are nothing too special but it simply serves its purpose, which makes it fine and effective. Oh and yes of course the movie is also using a lot of archive footage.The acting is also better than you would normally expect from a movie such as this. It's easily B-leading man Glenn Langan's most memorable role.Much better than its title, or current rating on here would suggest it is.6/10http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

During a plutonium bomb test, Lt. Col. Glenn Manning (Glenn Langan) finds himself in the open and absorbs much of the force of the blast. Even though 95% of the skin on his body is burnt away, the bomb doesn't kill him. Doctors work tirelessly to keep him alive. Miraculously and in no time at all, not only is Manning out of danger, his body seems completely healed – no burns and no scars. Surely the plutonium had something to do with Manning's recovery. But what other side effects does Manning face form his plutonium exposure? As Manning begins a slow but steady growth to gargantuan proportions, the side effects become quite obvious.Bert I. Gordon made a lot of movies that can best be described as trash. I might have a good time with them, but I realize there not very good. That's not the case with The Amazing Colossal Man. I honestly think it's a decent enough movie. I realize that my judgment may be clouded by the fact that this is one of the very first movies I remember seeing. There's no accounting for nostalgia. And, I realize that today some of my enjoyment comes from scenes that fit the "so bad it's good" definition (Manning's trip to Las Vegas and the giant hypodermic needle obviously come to mind), but there are other moments that work for me as intended. For example, I think Manning's descent in to madness is well done. Whatever the reason, I find more good, enjoyable moments in The Amazing Colossal Man than I do bad, dull moments and have no trouble rating the movie a 6/10.But please, don't take my rating as some sort of recommendation. There are too many problems that even I can see for me to tout The Amazing Colossal Man as a "must see". If you decide to give it chance, don't blame me if you don't immediately move it into your top ten. To begin with, the special effects are weak – not only by today's standards, but by the standards of 1957. The rear projection scenes are quite badly done. In addition, some of the acting is just as bad as the special effects. Other than Langan, no one in the cast comes out looking very good. Finally, the movie is full of padding. The Amazing Colossal Man may only be 80 minutes in length, but a good part of the runtime is taken by Dr. Linstrom (William Hudson) spouting scientific theories at any given opportunity. My favorite is the "single cell" heart theory. And to make the padding even more obvious, he repeats the same scientific mumbo-jumbo on more than one occasion.

If you ask me, I think the effects in this movie are far more convincing than the special effects in Attack of the 50 Foot Woman! All thought in some of the effects scenes the giant did looked a little transparent but not badly! Glenn Manning growing kinda reminded me about the Harryhausen hit, "20 Million Miles to Earth" Which the Ymir grows at an alarming rate from earth's air. After seeing The Amazing Colossal Man and it's sequel War of the Colossal Beast, I'm always wondering what would happen if Glenn Manning had come face to face with Gaira from "War of the Gargantuas"? Would it be a fair fight? They appear to be both the same size! I just can't decide who would probably win! I think The Amazing Colossal Man is a must have for all old sci-fi fans. I just enjoy it for what it is.