The Nest (1988)

The basic “Jaws” plot, but with a different threat

Some kind of carnivorous creature is preying on people & animals on an island off the coast of Southern Cal. The Sheriff (Franc Luz) becomes increasingly troubled as he investigates the curious deaths while the mayor seems to be hiding something (Robert Lansing). Lisa Langlois plays the latter’s daughter visiting from the mainland.

“The Nest” (1987) takes the “Jaws” plot and simply inserts another creature. "Dead & Buried" (1981) did the same thing, but added something original. This one is routine yet still entertaining if you like these kinds of creature features. At least the filmmakers throw in something inventive in the last act in an attempt to lift the flick out of mediocrity; unfortunately it’s more cartoonish than scary and I lost interest.

Langlois is winsome on the feminine front while the striking Terri Treas is effective as the possibly deranged scientist. Nancy Morgan plays a good-looking aging waitress whereas Heidi Helmer is on hand as a resident who doesn’t mind serving her mother pancakes that were dropped on the carpet.

The movie runs 1 hour, 27 minutes, and was shot in the general coastal areas of Los Angeles, e.g. Santa Catalina Island (beach), Malibu (beach), Venice, Coldwater Canyon (Mayor’s mansion), Studio City (town streets) and Bronson Canyon (caves), with the lighthouse scenes done at Cape Disappointment, Washington.

GRADE: C