For some reason, I don't know why, I just can't get enough of these terrible VHS bigfoot movies. I guess they just instill some form of nostalgia in me of a time that I wasn't even born in. But anyway, if you're looking for a well-made Hollywood horror film here, then look the other way because this is just straight up low budget bigfoot geek stuff right here. Granted it has some decent scenes within, the acting is the typical badness you would expect from such a film, the premise is equally as predictable, we know what is going to happen pretty much the entire time we're watching it, and yet it's still entertaining to watch.Our cast here is made up of our typical non-actors who probably had to improv half of the dialog, and that is why it is equally as terrible. All of this is what makes the movie great in the first place, I've seen bigger and better produced films than this that were god awful. ('The Final Destination', the fourth film in that series).Nothing spectacular here, and you can get the same thrills elsewhere from countless other bigfoot flicks, namely 'The Legend Of Boggy Creek' and 'The Legend Of Bigfoot' the two this film probably borrows the most heavily from. I'd say they are all probably equally worthwhile, but know what you are about to watch before you watch it.CREATURE FROM BLACK LAKE -----7/10.

in a sentence, it really is the best of all time. a chilling film that keeps the viewer in suspense as to what the creature is and what it's motives are for terrorising the small town setting. the camera-work is stunning and some of the shots achieved herein have far more scare-effect than most horror films these days. i found this film genuinely more disturbing than saw in that it leaves the antagonist up to your own imagination, rather than filling the scenes with huge amounts of gore. the soundtrack is haunting, beautiful and suspenseful all in the right places and truly complements the film. a strong ending and a chilling storyline both contribute to this being a fantastic movie altogether.

It's nice to see that "Creature from Black Lake" has quite a few loyal fans around this website. Nice because, even though it's not exactly a good film, it's undoubtedly a charming and spirited piece of 70's low budget film-making. The creators of this film UNOBTRUSIVELY cash in on the contemporary trend of Bigfoot-horror movies, and that's probably what makes it so likable. It's a sober and atmospheric film, practically shot in documentary-style, and it never wants to be overly spectacular or gross. Okay, maybe there weren't enough financial means to show a more impressive creature or to shoot virulent battle scenes, but then still you got to admire director Joy N. Houck Jr. for effectively using the impenetrably dark Louisiana swamplands and their population's restraint attitude. Two students from the university of Chicago head for a remote village in Louisiana to write their thesis about the legendary creature that supposedly dwells the swamps there. Long before they even come face to face with the monster, Pahoo & Rives have to deal with inhospitable rednecks that deny its existence. Just when they consider giving up, a giant ominous figure approaches their tent… I have a soft spot for horror stories that take place in quiet outback areas, but too often these films exaggerate in portraying the locals as perverted and totally brainless imbeciles. The people in "Creature from Black Lake" are genuine rednecks; still they don't come across like retarded stereotypes but more like members of an aloof community that wishes to protect what's theirs. The two leads are very amiable too, since they're common guys with an open spirit towards each other and towards the people they encounter, even when those aren't helpful to them. Equally praiseworthy is the feeling of constant menace lurking from behind the trees. You always expect the creature (or something else that is scary) to jump out from somewhere. This creepy effect is made even more intense with sober music and eerie natural sounds. A slightly higher number of casualties would have been welcome, but I sure ain't complaining. Recommended to fans of atmosphere-driven horror

This is one case where a low budget turns to be an advantage than a liability. The less-polished look and direction give an effective documentary feeling to what's happening. Increasing this feeling are the well-developed characters. The two friends act like real friends, and the locals are believable and not Southern stereotypes. (Even the sheriff turns out to be a decent fellow.) The scenes with the Bridges family are unbelievably good, and you really feel like you are there and enjoying their company. (And I LOVE that catchy song they sing!)The "stalking" scenes are pretty good as well. The creature is wisely kept hidden, and the emphasis is on atmosphere and potential danger. The climatic scene is the creepiest; a part of it make me wonder if the makers of RITUALS were inspired by it for their own climax. Hopefully this movie will get a DVD release eventually, and add to its cult.