Q: The Winged Serpent

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A surge of human sacrifices — in the form of gruesome skinnings — resurrects Quetzacoatl, the Aztecan winged serpent god, and brings him to New York city, where he finds plenty to feed on in high-rise construction workers and rooftop sunbathers. Cult-favorite monster movie from writer-director Larry Cohen (imagine John Carpenter, with touches of Robert Altman) finds most of its strength in its great cast — Michael Moriarty, David Carradine, and Richard Roundtree — but is also full of strange and amusing details (like the cop undercover as a mime) to help compensate for some flat scenes, dull periods, and awkward moments. The comical special effects could be an affectionate nod to stop-motion maverick Ray Harryhausen, or maybe just a low-budget necessity. Fun at times, but nothing to watch sober. Presented in 1.85 widescreen, although the sound is flat and muddled. No extras.
—Gregory P. Dorr

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