Time: 103 Minutes
Cast:
Lane Carroll as Judy
Will McMillan as David
Harold Wayne Jones as Clank
Lloyd Hollar as Colonel Peckem
Lynn Lowry as Kathy
Richard Liberty as Artie
Director: George A. Romero

The version of The Crazies I first learned about was first the 2010 film, I learned that not only was it a remake of a horror film from the 1970s, but that original was also directed by George A. Romero, sometime after making Night of the Living Dead and before making Dawn of the Dead. Having seen his version of The Crazies, I can see why this isn’t regarded as one of his most well known movies, but it is still decent.

The story isn’t anything special, it’s a little underwritten and has its pacing issues, but it held my attention enough. I wouldn’t say that it’s that scary, but it did give a sense of panic. There is some anti-war commentary, not too surprising considering it’s the 1970s and is directed by Romero (whose films have had societal commentary). It’s not only about the danger of biological weapons and its effects, but also the distrust in the government and military. The horror doesn’t come from the actual virus, but instead from the soldiers gunning down civilians, and leans into the feeling of paranoia. Even the gas masks and hazmat suits of the soldiers provide a sense of dread.

This isn’t George A. Romero’s finest work, but his direction here is pretty good. You definitely feel the low budget and roughness of the aesthetics and filmmaking, with the unsteady camerawork and uneven editing. Still, it works for this movie, and the imagery is memorable and the action sequences are good.

The Crazies (1973) is a solid, gritty, and thematic low budget horror film. Probably not one of George A. Romero’s best, but still worth a watch.