Watch Endangered Species

Endangered Species is a thriller from 1982 starring Robert Urich, JoBeth Williams, and Paul Dooley. It follows the story of a small-town sheriff who investigates a series of mysterious deaths occurring in a wildlife refuge. These deaths appear to be the result of animal attacks, but the sheriff soon uncovers evidence that suggests something more sinister is at play.

Robert Urich plays the role of Ben Johnson, the sheriff who has recently moved to the sleepy town from the big city. He is a man of principle, determined to do what is right, even in the face of opposition from his fellow residents. JoBeth Williams plays the part of Harriet Purdue, a scientist studying the wildlife in the refuge. She is a dedicated researcher but finds her work constantly hindered by the bureaucracy of the local government. Paul Dooley plays the town's mayor, Delbert Fornier, a corrupt politician who has a vested interest in keeping the refuge open despite the mounting evidence of danger.

The film begins with a scene of a deer being violently attacked by an unseen predator. This is quickly followed by a series of other animal attacks, including one which results in the death of a young woman. While the authorities initially suspect a pack of wild dogs is responsible for the attacks, Sheriff Johnson becomes suspicious when he discovers that the wildlife in the refuge is being exposed to experimental chemicals by the government.

As the plot unfolds, we discover that the government is using the wildlife refuge as a testing ground for a new form of biological warfare. The animals in the refuge have been genetically altered to become more aggressive and thus better able to serve as weapons in warfare. However, this modification has made them unpredictable and deadly, and the government has lost control over them.

The film is a tense thriller with plenty of action, suspense, and drama. It is expertly directed by Alan Rudolph, who uses a slow-burning pace to build tension and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The performances of the lead actors are excellent, with Urich, Williams, and Dooley all delivering convincing and engaging performances.

One of the standout features of the film is its use of the wildlife refuge setting. The beautiful but dangerous landscape adds a level of intensity to the action, especially during the scenes in which the characters are being chased by the rampaging animals. The film's use of practical effects is also impressive, with the animal attacks appearing realistic and convincing.

Overall, Endangered Species is an underrated gem from the 1980s. It has all the elements of a great thriller and is an excellent showcase for the talents of its cast and crew. Despite its age, the film remains relevant today, touching on important topics such as environmentalism, government corruption, and the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation. If you're a fan of suspenseful thrillers or enjoy films with a strong social message, Endangered Species is definitely worth checking out.

Endangered Species is a 1982 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.