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Michael Moriarty, Andrea Marcovicci, Paul Sorvino, Scott Bloom, Garrett Morris ... see more see more... , Danny Aiello , Alexander Scourby , Russell Nype , Brooke Adams , Rutanya Alda , Harry Bellaver , Colette Blonigan , Brian Bloom , James Dukas , Tammy Grimes , Laurene Landon , Heidi Miller , John Newton , Patrick O'Neal , Clara Peller , Edward Power , Adrianne Sachs , Abe Vigoda , James Dixon , Jery Hewitt , Peter Hock , Gene O'Neill , David Snell , Ann Dane , Cathy Schultz , Marilyn Staley , Beth Teagarden , Robert Frank Telfer , Nick Taylor , Bobbi Burns

When a group of miners discovers a mysterious but delicious white substance bubbling up from the earth, a conglomerate markets the gooey, addictive fluff as a dessert in this tongue-in-cheek horror sp... read more read more...oof from former NBC scriptwriter Larry Cohen. When a new product called "The Stuff" begins eating into the market share of traditional frozen desserts, the dairy industry hires former FBI agent Moe Rutherford (Michael Moriarty) to investigate the competition. With the assistance of deposed ice-cream magnate Chocolate Chip Charlie (Garrett Morris), Rutherford discovers that the substance is actually a sentient entity that takes over its victims' minds while eating away at their bodies from the inside. Meanwhile, young Jason (Scott Bloom) realizes that his family's strange behavior has something to do with the dessert product in their refrigerator that refuses to stay in its carton, and he launches a campaign to destroy the threatening confection. Soon Rutherford and Jason must team up with Nicole Kendall (Andrea Marcovicci), The Stuff's unwitting advertising mastermind, and Vietnam vet-turned-militia leader Colonel Spears (Paul Sorvino) to save America from its own sweet tooth. Sorvino and Moriarty would go on to co-star in NBC's hit police procedural, Law & Order. Icy-eyed As the World Turns hunk Brian Bloom appears alongside his brother, Scott Bloom. The Stuff's television connections also extend to cameos from Clara Peller, pitchwoman for the Wendy's "Where's the beef?" campaign, and Abe Vigoda of Barney Miller fame. Actresses Brooke Adams, Tammy Grimes, and Laurene Landon also appear in parodic commercials for the titular dessert. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

Flixster Users

46% liked it

6,157 ratings

Critics

67% liked it

9 critics

R, 1 hr. 33 min.

Directed by: Larry Cohen

Release Date: June 14, 1985

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DVD Release Date: October 24, 2000

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Flixster Reviews (463)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    March 24, 2012
    TheDudeLebowski65
    Very good B movie horror. The Stuff directed by Larry Cohen is an entertaining comedy horror film that has enough good elements to make this an entertaining ride. The plot is great, and there's plenty to enjoy about this film. Though flawed, this is a terrific forgotten gem from ... read morethe 80's that is worth your time if you're looking for a horror flick that is bizarre but fun, then this is a must see. The premise for this film is pretty neat, a gooey substance grows from the Earth and is discovered that is delicious, and addictive. Unfortunately The Stuff controls the mind and eats the victims insides. Complimented with good, gory effects, The Stuff is a memorable B movie that will thrill horror fans looking for terrific forgotten gems like this one. I personally felt that The Stuff is one of the best unheard horror films of the 80's, cheesy premise for sure, but this is terrific entertainment. If you want an interesting and quite unique horror film with a social commentary; then look no further than The Stuff. Larry Cohen crafts a good film that despite its flaws is lots of fun to watch. Like I've stated earlier, this is one of the best unheard of horror comedies of the 80's. Definitely an underrated film that deserves to be seen by horror film fans. What makes this film appealing is the interesting premise and if you love B movie films from the 80's, and haven't seen this film, do so when you get the chance. The Stuff is a cheesy classic of 80's horror cinema, and it delivers .
  • kenstachnik
    June 30, 2011
    kenstachnik
    A very fun B-Horror Noir, and one of Larry Cohen's best. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's very watchable.
  • creepfreak
    October 23, 2008
    creepfreak
    The Stuff is a fantastic B horror movie. Yes it's sort of cheesy, but this movie is fun as hell. This is the kind of movie I can see Elvira hosting on a late night Creature Feature. It almost plays off like a cheap 50's B sci-fi/horror film that would see at a drive thru. The Stu... read moreff isn't scary, it's not intense, and it's not that gory. The Stuff is just an entertaining, wacky, and wild romp! You can't take this movie seriously or you'll be hugely disappointed. Larry Cohen's intentions wasn't about making a serious movie. The Stuff is strictly tongue in cheek. Everything in this movie was done for a purpose. From it's bad acting, to the playful script and many cuckoo characters...all of this works to the film's advantage. The Stuff is another great movie for the Halloween season.

    Another thing...The Stuff looks so damn deliciously good and creamy. I would eat it in a heartbeat. F**k being invaded by it's evilness! It looks so damn tasty!


    "An Entertaining Slice of B-Movie Schlock"
    - eFilmCritic

    "I wasn't sure what to expect from this movie. I knew it would be cheesy, because of the title and plot, but I didn't expect to find it so fun to watch."
    - Upcoming Horror Movies

    "This movie is hilarious! Doesn't really show much script wise, but it's so funny. Anyone who likes some of the lesser-known films of the 80's might appreciate this little gem."
    - Bloody Disgusting.com

    "The Stuff isn't the deepest or most thought-provoking production of all time, but it does make a valid point and does so in an intelligent and amusing way. It's a great way to spend an afternoon and has a genuine charm that one can enjoy."
    - Scared Stiff Reviews

    "For fans of sly horror movies with something to say, this is The Stuff you're looking for."
    - Apollo Movie Guide

    "More or less forgotten in today's day and age, The Stuff is an enjoyable, cheesy 1980s horror film from director Larry Cohen. Though it's classified as horror, it isn't scary at all. It's really more of a campy film with a neat premise, and with social commentary to lend it more credibility."
    - Silver Screen Reviews

    "***1/2 Larry Cohen's The Stuff is perhaps best described as Don Siegel's Invasion of the Body Snatchers meets Irvin Yeaworth's The Blob, replete with a black humor, Z-movie premise, presented via Swiftian satire, as the director highlights the absurdity of mass consumerism in a manner akin to George Romero's Dawn of the Dead."
    - The Horror Review

    "The Stuff is as entertaining as a movie about Killer Yogurt can get. All the stock characters are in place, the cliché playbook is run through with a fine toothed comb and as you might expect the movie is appropriately gooey."
    - Brokedown Cinema
  • YosemiteSamFan
    August 11, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    Cheaply made, but imaginative cautionary tale about consumerism and what might happen if a dangerous mutational product got on the market. Cool concept for a movie.
  • drblood
    June 24, 2007
    drblood
    There are many funny moments among all the squelchy deaths and Michael Moriarty is perfectly cast as the industrial spy who ends up a hero.
  • ryguy4738
    March 11, 2012
    ryguy4738
    *** out of ****

    Larry Cohen's "The Stuff" concerns the discovery of a mysterious bubbling goo that some man located in the arctic or somewhere like that happens upon and samples; only to become instantaneously entrapped by how drop-dead delicious it is. From then on, we learn ... read morethat the glop has been harvested and is now being sold as a yogurt-like product called The Stuff. It's very popular amongst the people of America; and so it is frequently bought at the supermarket, and the demand is high. However, it's still a mystery to most people how it came to be in the little bubbling hole that the one man had found it within in the first place. It seems to be a very edible substance, but it's addictive in an otherworldly sense; not to mention it has some strange effects on the body, which are often lasting. Oh, and I think it's important to also mention that on occasion, the thick, liquid-like substance is allowed movement; accumulating into either a big pile or a big wave of white muck.

    Most people aren't aware of the fact that what they're eating can move on its own. They never quite see it, although there are two people who know of the sticky substance's true nature. One is a saboteur named David (Michael Moriarty); although he likes to be called "Mo" (because every time he's given something, he wants "more", so he says). The other is a young boy named Jason (Scott Bloom), who does everything in his power to stop the consumption of this new-found gooey good, even if that includes an attempt to destroy every last bucket of the substance in the local grocery store. His parents are oblivious and don't take his claims into serious consideration; instead getting addicted on the titular "stuff"; thus meaning that Jason is pretty much on his own, until he crosses paths with David.

    When the two do meet and greet; things get genuinely exciting. David was already investigating the strange appearance of this food product, although it wasn't until he came across Jason that his findings began to pile up. Together, they try to warn the world of the power that the stuff has on those who obsessively partake in devouring it; as it turns out, if you eat too much, it becomes a part of you, and has the ability to control the brain. So yes, that means that there will be evil "stuff" zombies walking the streets; and if the making of the stuff isn't stopped, the apocalypse might just be inevitable. But you probably know what's going to really happen in the end anyways. Let's just say that it's crazy, insane, silly, and at one point, the army comes in to lend a helping hand. It also helps that a retired soldier is played by Paul Sorvino, an experienced bad-ass.

    There is a lot of fun to be derived from a viewing of "The Stuff". It's a true B-movie, and while it may not be one of the absolute greats, it packs a lot of punch for a film of such low standard. It has a really interesting concept, and I was glad that Cohen made use of it by taking dead aim at satire and social commentary. Whether he is successful at hitting his target is up to the viewer to decide, although I personally think it's a funny and relevant critique of American consumerism. Just think of it: if this were to really happen - in real life - then we'd all be screwed. There's no doubt about that. As humans - American or not - we love to spend money and buy stuff that's new and hip, and in this case, hazardous.

    I've always appreciated Cohen's frequently cheesy scripts and the hammy performances that occupy them. There is some ridiculously, almost intentionally bad acting here; although I cannot say the same for the effects that do good to outweigh those absurd performances. The gore effects are silly and over-the-top, but as far as the actual "stuff" goes, hey; it could look worse. This is a simple film of simple pleasures; surely a good time for those who know what they like going in. I don't imagine it's a huge cult hit - or that it's got the biggest audience - but I enjoyed the thematic elements, the satire, and the gags of both the visual and contextual variety. Perhaps one of the funniest elements of the film is an African American character named Chocolate Chip Charlie. Just goes to show that B-movie/exploitation filmmakers are gleefully ignorant, racist bastards when all is said and done; but who said I can't love 'em anyways? Horror and B-movie fans rejoice; for "The Stuff" is certain to eat you right up, and vice versa.
  • MightySparks
    September 4, 2009
    MightySparks
    I liked the idea, but some of it dragged on a bit. But I thought it was pretty cool, and any kind of 'zombie' movies are awesome.
  • evilralphwiggum
    May 30, 2012
    evilralphwiggum
    "Are you eating it, or is it eating you?" This movie brings up some interesting concerns about products, consumers, and corporations. Execution wise it gets kind of silly from bad editing and script. The underlying message is what sticks. Even if it kind of crumbles to a conclusi... read moreon. This movie is made of the stuff of B horror movies.
  • danielsloyan1
    May 29, 2012
    danielsloyan1
    schlocky horror film, but its fully aware of how absurd and bad it is, garrett morris is pretty entertaining, its kinda amusing, its on netflix streaming, not a horrible way to kill 85 mins
  • vadermccandless
    May 22, 2012
    vadermccandless
    80s fun (gore, camp, horror) mixed with a surprisingly adept satire on consumerism. Moriarty's wig and accent rock.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz
April 14, 2011
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

Totally resistible horror comedy by the playful B film filmmaker Larry Cohen. Full Review

Pablo Villaca
March 23, 2008
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena

Até razoavelmente divertido em sua época, tornou-se (ainda) pior com o passar do tempo, sobrevivendo apenas como mais um dos inúmeros momentos embaraçosos da cinematografia norte-americana dos anos 80.

Nick Schager
February 12, 2006
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

Its execution never lives up to its scrumptious satiric premise. Full Review

Aaron Hillis
September 10, 2003
Aaron Hillis, Premiere Magazine

Playful comic-horror is a fine diversion. Consumers, beware!

Ken Hanke
August 24, 2003
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Likably goofy Larry Cohen horror satire.

Scott Weinberg
May 12, 2001
Scott Weinberg, Apollo Guide

'Are you eating it? Or is it eating you?' I love it! Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Richard F. Shepard
August 30, 2004
Richard F. Shepard, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Roger Ebert
January 1, 2000
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
August 21, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Facts

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    • Col. Spears: Pay the drivers, issue a ten-percent tip, get a cash receipt.
    • State Trooper: Yes, sir!
    • Col. Spears: Proceed to the main lobby, we will reassemble! HUP!
    • Col. Spears: I will permit this colored man to speak. But speak one word of the Commie party, or one word in code, and I will blow his head off.
    • Chocolate Chip Charlie: Don't you know who I am? I am Chocolate-Chip Charlie! My hands are registered with the mid-New Jersey police as lethal weapons, and I eat them guns for breakfast!
    • David "Moe" Rutherford: There nobody here but you?
    • Gas Station Attendant: Well, don't you wanna wash your hands or something? I put in a new towel!
    • Chocolate Chip Charlie: The only thing Chocolate Chip Charlie knows better than fighting is running.
    • David "Moe" Rutherford: Pick a direction!
    • Girl in Stuff Commercial: When I was a little girl I didn't think there was anything I like better than ice-cream. Now I'm a big girl. And I decided there's something I like better, much better. It's called The Stuff. And believe me, now is never enough.
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The Stuff Trivia

  • When Sam Spade says, "The stuff that dreams are made of." To what is he referring?  Answer »
  • Top 100 Movie Quotes Which 1941 movie has the quote "The stuff that dreams are made of."?   Answer »
  • In the movie "Grandma's Boy", what did Alex's grandma do with the stuff she found in the tin?  Answer »
  • What is the name of the school Derek opens up in the movie Zoolander?  Answer »
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