Nightwing (1979)

Directed by Arthur Hiller. Starring Nick Mancuso, David Warner, Stephen Macht, Kathryn Harrold, Ben Piazza, George Clutesi, Strother Martin, Charles Hallahan, Donald Hotton, Alice Hirson. [PG]

A killer bat movie—from Arthur Hiller, no less!—which is just another of the late-70s knockoffs of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, based on a book which is just another of the late-70s knockoffs of Peter Benchley’s “Jaws”. Needlessly complicated with Indian mysticism, ecological concerns, and oil tycoon deals to help explain why the New Mexican desert is under attack by giant clouds of aggressive vampire bats when all that really matters is: do they deliver? Only if you want bats that are as non-threatening as (but less cute than) the batty bats living with the Count on “Sesame Street”. Nick Mancuso’s Hopi hero (underplayed) and David Warner’s quack scientist (overstressed) hardly hold the thing together during the lengthy breaks between the bat appearances, which may not be remotely frightening or credible, but are at least humorous and do something where nothing of interest is the norm. Music composed by Henry Mancini.

20/100