bayardhiler In 1996, NBC produced a mini-series based off of Peter Benchley's book "The Beast". I was in 1st grade at the time and like many other boys, was fascinated by dinosaurs, aliens, reptilians, and monsters. Needless to say, I fell in love with this show and years later, I still think it holds up rather well. For one thing, the Giant squid looks more realistic than any of the so called Syfy original movie monsters. You see, back in those days, filmmakers put effort into their monsters. Sadly, in many cases today, filmmakers have gotten lazy and have decided to do every last thing in CGI (which, don't get me wrong, looks great sometimes, but many times it does not). In addition, the production value over all is fantastic for a TV movie along with the actors. You have William Petersen before he became Gil Grissom on CSI (lets face it; he was a big cause for that show's success)playing the heroic fisherman,Larry Drake as a shady fisherman, Charles Martin Smith as the sleazy port master, and Karen Sillas as the tough but loving coast guard officer. Bottom line is they just don't make any mini-series anymore (except on HBO and others like it). So if you want to watch a very well done monster movie, I would highly recommend The Beast.PS: For those folks who were upset over the edited DVD version, a newly released two disc extended addition restores the movie to its former glory. I just ordered my copy from Amazon and they said the supplies were low. But fear not, they also said more were on the way.

Aaron1375 This movie really lets you in on a little secret...other than "Jaws", there is really nothing original about Peter Benchely's work. He basically uses the same plot elements in everything he writes the only thing he does differently is substituting sea creatures in for the shark from the hit "Jaws". This one though was somewhat fun to watch, a lot better than the horrid "Creature" that would come out a couple of years later. Why he titled this book "Beast" and not "Giant Squid" is beyond me, well maybe not. The latter just sounds stupid. Well that is what this movie is about, a super giant squid. Granted there is a bit of a twist in the middle of this one, but nothing to great of note if you have seen the movie "Jaws 3-D". The story is almost the same as "Jaws" except fishing and fisherman play a more prominent role and the beach is not used as much. Still, it has the typical mayor that will have his event or whatever no matter what evidence comes up to support closure or stopping of the event. My guess is Peter had a really bad run in with a mayor at some point in his lifetime. Still, there is enough to keep you entertained once. I would not really track down this movie to see it again.

drystyx This movie really outshone "Jaws" in every department, except for hype. In retrospect, had this film been made first, during the early or mid 1970 decade, it would have gotten the respect it deserved. It had much better action, character, plot, and twists than "Jaws," which was a splendid movie in its own right. This movie is about a giant squid. There have been numerous giant squid movies that rate as bombs, but this one was interesting. The characters are all very credible and likable with one noticeable exception, but even in this case, the actor pulls out a remarkable performance to make him more believable. There is a combination of great casting, acting, and directing that make this enjoyable. There is plenty of excitement. And a lot of twists. Believe me, until the end, you will not predict anything that happens. It has no predictability. The characters are well defined. Much like "Jaws", it comes down to a crew assorted at the end. The end may be a bit "Hollywood", and run of the mill, but the rest of the movie makes it worthwhile.

Joseph Parker This Peter Benchley film has his previous "Jaws" beat hands down. First, it is much more realistic than "Jaws," absolutely convincing you of the existence of such giant squids. The acting is first- rate. I live in Florida and have known fishermen for almost 50 years. These guys don't even act like actors; they act like fishermen. The musical score is awesome! Intertwined with the suspense is one surprise after another until the very end. The action sequences, both underwater and on the surface, are exciting and realistic. The cinematography, especially in the underwater sequences, is beautiful. In addition, there are several very tender and honest love stories -- the young stars especially hot! Some might criticize its length, but I promise you, this is a film that will hold you all the way through. My only negative criticism is that I have been unable to find it on DVD so I can pause it for bathroom and kitchen breaks. If anyone knows where I can buy it, let me know and I'll send my dough! You will watch this many times over the years and impress your guests (the ones with taste).I agree with Joel-80 that it is due for a big-screen remake with top stars and even better special effects. In other words, let Hollywood throw the money at it that the TV folks couldn't. I just hope they don't screw it up with phony mechanical fish like they did in "Jaws." If a good remake happens, even the severest critics will be blown away.