Michael Moriarty's performance is marked by erratic behavior, improvisation, and a manic energy that contrasts sharply with the film's campy tone, making it stand out as particularly wild and unpredictable.
The film's focus on a petty thief instead of the main plot involving the winged serpent creates a disjointed narrative, leaving the central mystery of the creature underexplored and overshadowed by a less compelling subplot.
The film provides a weak justification that the winged serpent stays within the sun's rays to remain invisible, but this explanation is undermined by numerous instances where people on lower levels also see the creature, making the attacks seem arbitrary.
The inclusion of a cop disguised as a mime is a bizarre and unnecessary element that adds to the film's chaotic and disjointed narrative, serving no clear purpose in advancing the plot or developing characters.
The film's disjointed narrative can be attributed to its rushed production, with the script reportedly written in just seven days, leading to a lack of coherent plot development and character arcs.
The film never provides a clear reason why the winged serpent avoids attacking Michael Moriarty's character, leaving viewers to speculate whether there is a hidden connection or if it's simply a plot oversight.
The film ends with the implication of a sequel by showing another egg hatching, suggesting the potential for more winged serpents, but this is left unresolved, creating a frustrating cliffhanger for viewers.
The rooftop push-up scene is an odd and seemingly random inclusion that doesn't contribute to the plot or character development, adding to the film's overall sense of randomness and lack of focus.
Despite its flaws, 'Q: The Winged Serpent' has a high rating on review platforms due to its campy charm, memorable performances, and the nostalgic appeal for some viewers who enjoyed it during its original release.
Paul, Jason, & June break down the 1982 campy cult monster flick Q: The Winged Serpent starring Michael Moriarty & David Carradine. LIVE from Largo in L.A., they discuss the undercover mime in Richard Roundtree's death scene, Michael Moriarty's unhinged performance, the window washer's delicate decapitation, the meaning of the bizarre bar piano scene, and so much more. Plus, June gets startled by watching a scene in the film she'd already watched.
Tix on sale for Philly live show on Nov 16th and holiday virtual live show on Dec 12th! Go to hdtgm.com) for ticket info, merch, and for more on bad movies.Order Paul’s book about his childhood: Joyful Recollections of Trauma)For extra content on Matinee Monday movies, visit Paul's YouTube page: youtube.com/paulscheer)Talk bad movies on the HDTGM Discord: discord.gg/hdtgm)Paul’s Discord: discord.gg/paulscheer)Follow Paul’s movie recs on Letterboxd: letterboxd.com/paulscheer/)Check out new HDTGM movie merch over at teepublic.com/stores/hdtgm)Paul and Rob Huebel stream live on Twitch every Thursday 8-10pm EST: www.twitch.tv/friendzone)Like good movies too? Subscribe to Unspooled with Paul and Amy Nicholson: listen.earwolf.com/unspooled)Subscribe to The Deep Dive with Jessica St. Clair and June Diane Raphael: www.thedeepdiveacademy.com/podcast)Where to find Paul, June, & Jason:@PaulScheer on Instagram & Twitter@Junediane on IG and @MsJuneDiane on TwitterJason is not on social media
Get access to all the podcasts you love, music channels and radio shows with the SiriusXM App! Get 3 months free using the link: siriusxm.com/hdtgm).