The Dismal Swamp Monster

Located on Virginia's southeastern border with North Carolina, between Norfolk, Virginia, and Elizabeth City, North Carolina, is famous for its unique wilderness. The swamp encompassed millions of acres of marshy land.  

Today, it is home to one of the largest Black Bear populations on the East Coast, subtropical birds, butterflies, bobcats, white-tailed deer, and other unknown animals. Sightings of strange creatures and mysterious sounds coming from the swamp are being reported every year to well-known and established websites. 

These sightings coexist with the other events of high strangeness that have been reported through the years. The lady of the lake, the disappearing cemetery, the rise of a thunderbird from Native American lore are but a few of the tales.

The tales of the swamp are well known, yet, this is one of the least explored areas of the United States. The Dismal Swamp has been home for mysteries for centuries and reports of strange creatures have existed for generations. 

One of the oldest reports comes from a 1902 Newspaper article from the Richmond Dispatch.

The creature was larger than a wolf, with shaggy yellow hair, long hair and sunken eyes. In 1981, Ranger Pat Higgins reported in a Washington Post article that there is a creature 7 1/2-feet tall, hairy as a shag rug and smelling like a sewer that comes out of Dismal Swamp periodically to stomp through his park at night.He called it Skunk Foot. 

In folklore, one of the most famous cases of the dogman comes from Michigan and dates  back to the 1880s. Described as a seven-foot tall bipedal canine-like animal with the torso of a man and a fearsome howl that sounds like a human scream. There are similarities to reports. Dogmen have also been reported in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. 

Also in folklore, Bigfoot is often described as a large, muscular, and bipedal human or ape-like creature covered in dark brown or black hair. Descriptions estimate a height of roughly 6–9 feet. Common descriptions include broad shoulders, no visible neck, and long arms,with some nighttime sightings mentioning yellow or red glowing eyes. There is also a putrid smell associated with sightings. While there are thousands of reports, the most famous is from the Patterson-Gimlin film in California from the late 1960s.  

Mountain Devil 2 (2022)

The cold is starting to frustrate me a little,  although it is so much warmer here in Virginia Beach than it was when I was at home in Pennsylvania last week.  While I was there I didn't time thinking about my days in the cryptid and paranormal community.  When I got back yesterday I decided to continue that with a Mountain Devil marathon. Next up is 2022s Mountain Devil 2. 

Plot: In 1976 a book was published titled "The Creature" that swept over Bigfoot enthusiasts and researchers all over the state of Pennsylvania. Since then, it has been the most quoted work on the subject of Bigfoot. But, who was the author and was there any truth in the story?

To me,  movies like this are more about the information and story than the overall quality and technical aspects. This low budget investigative docudrama has an interesting story and drives into a unique piece of Pennsylvanian lore. While less about Bigfoot itself and more of an investigation into the origin and Prentiss truths in the book The Creature, this one is a mixture of interviews and dramatizations based on excerpts from the book.  Featuring a large group out local investigators,  it movie does provide some insight into the research that has taken place. Unfortunately,  this one did drag a little and did not really drive into the Bigfoot mythos. Something that will definitely turn off some enthusiasts that are looking for a straight forward documentary.  Fortunately for me,  having grown up in the area, the focus on the local lore kept me engaged throughout. While there are side solid cinematography aspects,  some of the material feels underwhelming and that does seem to impact the pace.  In the end,  this one won't be for all cryptid enthusiasts,  but if you enjoy a piece based on a legend and the potential research of that legend,  give it a shot.  

Bigfoot Creek (2011)

I know, it's been a while since I reviewed anything.  That didn't mean,  I haven't been watching anything. In fact,  I've logged quite a few hours watching some stuff over the past few weeks.  Unfortunately,  I just haven't felt like sitting down and taking the time to jot down my thoughts.  That changed this afternoon as I wait for a Cthulhu idol to finish printing.  So,  I settled on the 2011 mockumentary Bigfoot Creek.

Plot: Since the 1970s he has roamed the countryside, watching...and waiting. This all-new docudrama chronicles these true events that occurred throughout the Midwest.

Also known as the Legacy of Boggy Creek, this movie attempted to follow the baseline established by original cryptid classic,  the Legend of Boggy Creek. Unfortunately,  this one did not quote resonate the same way and definitely did not spark the same amount of interest in the subject.  While I do applaud the independent origins and low budget nature of the film,  it was just a tough watch from start to finish.  The effects and costuming were bad, the pacing uneven,  and the overall feel lacked the rustic good natured realism of the source. As a researched myself,  it just took way too much effort to watch this one,  especially on a subject the I love.  In the end,  I understand what was trying to be accomplished with this film and appreciate it, it is just that the execution didn't allow me to enjoy a film that I could have really got behind.  Please,  do yourself a favor and just watch the Legend of Boggy Creek. It is a better flick. 

Bigfoot: The Movie (2015)

As I sit down and try to catch up on some of the flicks I missed reviewing over the past week, I would be out of my mind to forget this one. While it is far from Oscar worthy, it is what it is. This is the local (for me) 2015 creature feature Bigfoot: The Movie.

Plot/ Bigfoot has come to the town of Ellwood City, PA and is causing BIG problems. Now it's up to four town locals, Chuck, Dale, Burl, and Kate to take him down.

When I rented this one at Family Video, I expected a no-budget schlockfest that would harken back to some of the great low-budget, straight to VHS entries, and that is exactly what I got. This Kickstarter-funded entry may not be the best movie, it may be completely unbelievable, and it may lack the big budget effects that many films have, but it is funny. Being from SW PA, I could relate to the characters as I see many of those stereotypical characterizations in real life on a daily basis (believe me, these people are real and this is likely how some would act if a sasquatch was on the loose. The performances are definitely uneven and the there are some head scratching moments, but honestly, this adds to the campy fun that is contained within the storyline. Who knew that a female Bigfoot could become a potential tourist destination? In the end, if you are searching for a serious Bigfoot flick, this one is definitely not for you. However, if you are looking for a creature feature that is more camp than substance, this one is for you; especially if you are from Southwestern Pennsylvania and grew up with some typical yinzers and jagoffs.

Night of the Demon (1980)

Once I finished with some classic 1950s sci-fi/horror, it was time to find something a little different last night to finish off my holiday weekend. After some searching, I settled on the 1980 exploitation/creature feature Night of the Demon from 1980.

Plot/ Professor Nugent and his students try to track down Bigfoot, but end up uncovering something more sinister at work.

This is the epitome of the classic no-budget drive-in exploitation flicks of the 1970s and early 1980s. While it is extremely flawed on almost every level, it is full of sporadic moments that make you laugh and keep you entertained. Yes, the micro-budgeted flick has a laughable and conflicting script, flat performances, uneven editing, rough special effects, and a myriad of head scratching moments, but that seems to only push this closer to the exploitation/grindhouse cinema of the day. Fortunately, the storyline is interesting with an interesting combination of creature feature and occult driven horror that take on many of the taboo narratives of the era. There are also some remarkable cinematography elements that work well with the soundtrack and gore, making it somewhat memorable in comparison to some of the other films from that period. In the end, if you are in the mood for a mindless piece of low budget exploitation schlock find this one. Sure, it isn’t close to perfect, but for what it is, it will hit the spot.

Hunting Grounds (2015)

Now that I am settling in after my cold weekend camping trip, I have one last Cryptozoological based movie to finish before moving on to another genre. This one I actually finished last Thursday before the trip, the 2015 Bigfoot themed movie Hunting Grounds (AKA Valley of the Sasquatch).

Plot/ After losing their home following a devastating tragedy, a father and son are forced to move to an old family cabin. Neither reacts well to being thrown into this new world. The son's attempts to relate to his father are complicated when two old friends arrive for a weekend of hunting.

I am usually all for low budget B-movie creature features, especially if the creature is Bigfoot. Unfortunately, this one did not resonate with me in any way. Yes, the setting and cinematography seemed to be above average considering the genre and some of the storyline was interesting, but those elements could not overcome some of the flaws and allow this film to reach its potential. The character development was slow, the effects (especially the Bigfoot creatures) are poor and unbelievable, and while they tried to break some of the clichéd moments, it does not work in a coherent manner. In the end, while this one is not a complete waste of time, it is far from memorable. While it did not really strike a cord with me, I could see how some viewers would enjoy it as a mindless creature feature. If that is what you are looking for as a midnight movie, give it a shot. But, id you are like me and want something more believable, stay away.

Boggy Creek Monster (2016)

One of the great things about attending events such as the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Camping Adventure is the knowledge you can gain on different facets of the unexplained. At these outings, not only are there great speakers on these different subjects; there are usually some interesting documentaries that can be watched. One such documentary is the 2016 film, Boggy Creek Monster.

Plot/ The third Small Town Monsters film dives into the long history of sightings of the legendary Fouke Monster spotlighted in the classic horror film, the Legend of Boggy Creek. Boggy Creek Monster shows the decades-long search for an unknown creature said to exist in the swamps and forests around the tiny town of Fouke Arkansas.

The Legend of Boggy Creek in many ways started me down the path that I am on today. When I saw that movie as a kid, it not only spawned my love of horror films, it got me interested in the strange creatures that exist in the dark corners of out society. This documentary does a great job at taking a modern look at the incident that inspired that film and the creature that many believe still walks the back wood of Fouke. Written and directed by Seth Breedlove, this documentary offers a unique look at the area, including interviews and updates on some of the people who experienced the ordeal decades ago. While this may not be a perfect documentary, the technical aspects of the film are top-notch. Between the editing, narration, sound, and the visuals, everything is there that a person could ask for. Unfortunately, with a roughly 70-minute run time, the amount of information explored was a touch scattered within the documentary with short interview segments and the history of Fouke and the movie, there was really nothing new or groundbreaking in the film. In the end, this documentary does do a great job at revisiting the cult classic The Legend of Boggy Creek and would be a great introduction documentary into the movie and the legend. I definitely recommend it.

Pennsylvania Bigfoot Camping Adventure - 2017

Today ended my trip to the Pennsylvania Bigfoot Camping Adventure. While the weather was not the greatest, it in no way ruined the amazing conference organized by researcher Eric Altman. Overall, the weekend, despite the cold and rain, was packed full of interesting speakers and some great presentations. Most importantly, all of the proceeds benefitted three great charities: Unity A Journey of Hope, Lucky Paws Animal Rescue, and Fayette Friends of Animals. 

Here are some random shots caught during the weekend.

Mountain Devil (2017)

Although I have not been able to make it into the field in some time due to school or softball, there no better place to spend some time than on a real Bigfoot investigation. To my surprise when I went to Family Video, I found a new release that was filmed here in Pennsylvania. A movie that I had heard about for some time from researchers in the Bigfoot community in this area. In fact, here at the Ringmaster’s Realm, there are actually investigation journals from outings with some of the investigators shown in this film. While this movie is miscast as a horror movie, it is a solid docudrama: 2017s Mountain Devil.

Plot/ Based on the true events that occurred in the Appalachian Mountains, Mountain Devil recounts the frightening events of the night Frank Peterson and his friend spent the night in a secluded cabin stalked by something they could not explain. With only a few clues and journal entries, we try to piece together the shocking events, and attempt to shed insight into one of the greatest mysteries of our time

Let me start by saying that this docudrama sits somewhat close to my heart. Many of the Bigfoot investigators involved with this project are personal friends. With that being said, I can vouch for the validity of the investigation principles shown throughout the movie. Everything that was shown from the measurements techniques, to the tree bend discoveries, to the group investigation methods are practiced when out in the field. Plus, no one in the group claims to be an expert, in fact they make this statement on camera in the film. Based on a true story, the overall tale is interesting and the production elements utilizing a mixture of actual investigation footage, witness interviews, and the reenactment of the source material works well together especially considering the low budget nature of the project. Yes, the film is miscast as a horror movie, there are some choppy moments with the editing and overall video quality, but that is to be expected. In the end, even though I may be a touch biased with my review, I will say that this is an honest documentary and everything seen in the investigation practices shown are real. I have been in the field with many of these researchers and I will likely join them again soon. If you enjoy Bigfoot documentaries and want to see the process as it truly is, check out this film. It is definitely more believable than the higher budged shows that have almost ruined the field.

Bigfoot Chronicles (2013)

After a few days, I decided that I needed to be caught up with some of the films I had watched in recent weeks, but did not find time to review with everything that is going on. This past week was one of the worse for that. Next up from that list in the 2013 entry, Bigfoot Chronicles.

Plot/ A skeptical filmmaker is hired to document Bigfoot sightings. He travels to a hot spot of Bigfoot activity and pursues the wild beast. Along the way, he learns a lot about the illusive creature and in the process, he finds himself.

I am all for low budget cinema, especially when it involves a subject that sits close to my heart. In this case, though, I could have done without this one. This was one of the worst films on the subject of Bigfoot I have seen, with the famed creature standing as a mere afterthought to the dramatic elements and feelings of one of the characters. This one was nothing like I expected, and offered little to any viewer that was drawn in with title. The acting is uneven, the production values are lacking, and the make-up effects for the creature when it eventually makes it way to the screen are laughable at best. In the end, this was one that I wish I had skipped, there was nothing redeeming with it at all. Stay away; stay far away!

Love in the Time of Monsters (2014)

While I have been swamped with school and softball, I decided to jump back into the blog today after hearing the devastating news the Sir Christopher Lee passed away. Lee was a trailblazer, and for many horror fans he served to indoctrinate us into the genre, we have grown to love. He will definitely be missed. In catching up on some of the movies I have recently watched, I am going to stick with the horror/comedy theme with  

Plot/ Two sisters travel to a cheesy tourist trap where they battle toxic monsters dressed in Bigfoot costumes in order to save the ones they love.

After Zombeavers, I wanted to keep the horror comedy train rolling, and with this one, I definitely made the right choice. While in many ways this schlockfest was an amazing journey, the fact that everyone ebraced the homage to the cheesefests of the 1980s was incredible. Between the costuming, the dialog, the characters, and a perfect atmosphere everything worked to bring this film to life. What made this one special though is the way the movie was choreographed with just the right blend of horror and comedy, enough to keep you entertained through the schlockiest moments. Yes, there were some CGI issues and some of it was predictable, but those flaws are easily overlooked. In the end, this is one of the best horror comedies I have seen, and a movie that must be seen. Yes, it is not for everyone, but if you love cheesy B-movies, check this one out!

Exists (2014)

This has been a busy weekend as I try to struggle through this physics class. I now remember why I hated that subject years ago when I took it in high school; it just complicates the simplistic aspects of the natural world. Although it was frustrating, I did get to use Godzilla in my weekly project, so it is not a total loss. OK, enough of that, next up for review is the 2014 Bigfoot flick, Exists.

Plot/ A group of friends who venture into the remote Texas woods for a party weekend find themselves stalked by Bigfoot.

While I do believe that the found footage genre is saturated by material, I will say that the last two I have picked up have at least been entertaining. Between Alien Abduction and now Exists, I have found two topics that held up within this realm. This one is pretty good, and one of the better Bigfoot flicks I have seen lately. The acting is solid, this storyline interesting, and the found footage aspects work especially when showing the creature. Of course, there were some head scratching moments even for a found footage flick, as the characters seemed clueless to their surroundings and the implements that could have helped protect them, and I swear they never heard of stealth. In the end, this movie was clearly in the wheelhouse for director Eduardo Sanchez (Blair Witch Project) and it showed. Sure, it is not perfect, but it was entertaining and worth watching.

Feed the Gods (2014)

As another night ticks by, I am at least excited by the fact that I was finally able to submit my Jersey Devil short story for review for possible publication. As a writer, there is nothing worse than the wait for results. With that in my head, I decided on a crypto themed movie: 2014s Feed the Gods.

Plot/ Two brothers return to a small mountain town in search of their long lost parents only to discover that the place has a monstrous taste for tourists.

Yes, I am a sucker for any type of Cryptozoological horror flick that comes along, especially if it is not a SyFy Channel original. While this one was not one of those, it was also hard to classify as a Bigfoot movie, as squatch makes but a brief appearance. More of a straight low horror budget entry, there is not anything new in it, as it features the typical head-scratching actions in the script, uneven performances, and seriously amateur special effects. In fact, other than the last quarter of the film, there was nothing in it that kept my interest peaked. In the end, it was not a terrible low budget entry, but it is definitely not one that I would break down a door to find.

Happy Camp (2014)

Many times when I sit down to watch a movie, I allow my mind to steer me blindly into the genre. That was definitely the case with my next selection, as a creature feature seemed to just pop into my mind. Next up for review is the 2014 flick, Happy Camp.

Plot/ In the vast wilderness of the Klamath National Forest lies the small logging community of 'Happy Camp'. With a population consisting of only a few hundred souls, this mysterious mountain town has become world renowned for it is staggeringly high number of Missing Persons Cases.

As I have said many times here at The Ringmaster’s Realm, found footage flicks can definitely be all over the board, and honestly, they are starting to become even more difficult to sit through. In this case, the interesting set-up and storyline were in place to create something outstanding, unfortunately, because of the sub par ending (and some other issues) it never reaches its potential. Sure, there were some positives with a sound grasp of the concepts, decent performances, and some solid scenery, but the cliché scripting, uneven (incoherent) editing, and a total lack of scares or visual effects bring it down. In the end, this one features a short run time (75 minutes) and that may be too long. It may not be the worst movie of this type, but it is far from the best. You have been warned…

Bigfoot Wars (2014)

Over time, there becomes a time where one realizes that some movies are just for fun. This is especially true when it comes to creature features. This became evident again tonight, as I watched 2014s Bigfoot Wars.

Plot/ A small town becomes the focal point of a brutal clash between man and a legendary beast.

When I saw this one at Family Video the other day, I knew I had to see it. Unfortunately, I also knew that it was probably going to be somewhat uneven, and I was right. Honestly, everything from the overall premise, to the use of some former bigger named actors screamed SyFy Channel original. While the performances were decent and there was some blood, gore, and guts, it was the overall storyline that was the highlight. Yes, the script is somewhat heavy, the use of Boggy Creek (while understandable) is unneeded, and the portrayal of Sasquatch wanders from actual reporting or evidence, but those flaws do little to detract from the overall feel. In the end, this one is a decently entertaining but unrealistic entry into the Bigfoot genre. If you are a fan of the elusive cryptid or SyFy Channel creature features, it is for you! Give it a shot! If not, you may want to find something else.