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Underwater not only goes about 7 miles to the ocean floor, but where many sci-fi/horror movies have gone. Movies about an isolated group of people in peril from a monstrouos presence or presences have been done at least The Thing back in the 1950s. Alien hit it big in 1979 with the theme, jumpstarting the trend. This type of movie will be done over again indefinitely.

Underwater is the latest variation on a theme from Fox, which was recently bought out by Disney. As the movie was reportedly shot back in 2017, it's believed that Disney didn't care about it and released it when it did. At any rate, we've got a likable enough crew who have to abandon their deepsea drilling station when disaster strikes. And it strikes almost immediately, giving the film a fast start. Director Bill Eubank's camera quietly explores the interior of the station for a short time before catapulting Stewart and crew into peril. The captain is a caring and brave soul who has to decide on the best course of action for evacuating the station and trekking to safetly with whatever's left at his disposal..

As anyone who's seen the previews knows, the main obstacle confronting the humans is a school of previously-undiscovered life forms with lots of razor-sharp teeth. The movie by now has settled into the who-dies-and-who-lives formula.

Eubank milks enough mileage out of a simplistic, no-frills storyline as Underwater moves along. the pacing is well-handled, not too fast and not too slow, as the token funny guy and the rest of the crew bravely press on. The characters briefly mention a detail or two of their lives outside of work: family, lost love and little else. Characterization isn't a major thing in Underwater, but it's worth checking out at a bargain theater or a matinee.

I remember seeing this on 'Creature Features' when I was about 9 years old and living in San Jose, California. I always remember the downbeat, unfair ending. I've always thought since then that Frank would never be the same, and I always wonder if he would have loved again. He's the character you wouldn't want to be.

I just saw this again on Turner Classic Movies, and it's good to see that the movie is fondly remembered by a number of people. I can't help but think that those who dismissed it as being too slow-moving must just not be used to the slower pacing of old movies.

At any rate, 'Son Of Dracula' boasted some firsts, including being the first Universal Dracula movie set in America, and the first to use the cool effect of Dracula turning into a bat and vice versa on screen. It's a fun effect. Reportedly, this is the first movie that features the name Alucard.

Also, Louise Allbritton as Katherine and Robert Paige as Frank were reportedly cast against type. Paige was more commonly known as a musical star, and Allbritton as a blonde comedian. I'll have to track down their other movies. Both Allbritton and Paige perform more adeptly in 'Son of Dracula' than some critics give them credit for. Allbritton is believable as the dark-haired temptress and apparent Goth wannabe. I could buy that she'd have all the moves to wrap both male leads around her finger. Paige's relatable performance as a delirious, heartbroken shell of a man couldn't have been easy to pull off.

A big part of the movie is the love triangle between Alucard, Katherine, and her one-time fiancé Frank. What she does to him made me wonder whether or not he was better off without her. Later, however, comes a revelation late in the movie that sets up the downbeat ending.

Naturally, there's some controversy about whether the film is atmospheric and well-photographed. I'd say the movie has the right amount of darkness and camera moves. I still remember the traveling shot following Lon Chaney Jr. as he and the scheming Katherine meet face-to-face.

Controversy also surrounds Chaney in the role of the opportunistic Count. Many think he was too wooden, and some disagreeing reviews actually state that he was just quietly menacing and underplayed. I'd go for the latter. When he quietly warns people away from his and Katherine's Deep-South love nest, and when he tries to push people around while hardly raising his voice, he gets what he wants. I suppose it was a matter of time before Chaney got the role of Dracula anyhow.

For a romantic horror movie you can sink your teeth into, you could certainly do worse than 'Son Of Dracula.' I haven't seen Dracula's Daughter yet, but SOD is a welcome addition to Universal's classic Dracula family.