After a lengthy sequence where a narrator extols the virtues of the underwater kingdom, a mad scientist transforms himself into a fish monster so that he can take revenge on the colleagues who ridiculed his ideas (who wouldnt?). After each killing, the rubber-suited fiend puts an X through another photo on his wall. Meanwhile, two government agents (in red jumpsuits) are in lukewarm pursuit, and foil the Docs attempt to kidnap a skinny-dipping blonde hed planned to mate with. I cannot, I will not be stopped, he thunders. I will select a mate with the utmost care. Together we will create a new aquatic race! Youd think that a movie whose antagonist looks more like ALF than The Creature From The Black Lagoon, who uses the handrail to climb stairs and is photographed from the waist up because the actor was wearing tennis shoes would have a chuckle or two, but even though it was parodied on MST3K, Zaat! isnt even good for laughs.
Ian Watson is the author of 'Midnight Movie Madness', a 600+ page guide to "bad" movies from 'Reefer Madness' to 'Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead.'
