The Invisible Raptor” is a 2024 horror-comedy directed by Mike Hermosa that blends absurdity with homage to classic dinosaur films.
Synopsis
Following the failure of a covert project, an alien intellect cloaked raptor flees from a research facility creating chaos in a small community. An ostracized paleontologist, his former partner, a bizarre guard of an amusement park, and a famous local poultry farmer join hands with a view to thwart the invisible danger ruining their society.
Cast & Crew
- Director: Mike Hermosa
- Writers: Mike Capes, Johnny Wickham
- Main Cast:
- Mike Capes as Dr. Grant Walker
- Caitlin McHugh as Amber
- David Shackelford as Deniel ‘Denny’ Denielson
- Sean Astin as William ‘Willie’ Walsh
- Sandy Martin as Henrietta McCluckskey
- Richard Riehle as Sheriff Grimley
- Larry Hankin as Murray
- Vanessa Lee Chester as DJ Malcolm
IMDb Ratings
As of December 11, 2024, the film holds a rating of 6.9 out of 10 on IMDb, based on 115 user reviews.
Critical Reception
The film has received mixed reviews. Screen Rant noted that despite its self-aware title, it “is dreadfully not funny enough.”
Rotten Tomatoes Conversely, Collider described it as “an outlandish love letter to Steven Spielberg,” highlighting its humorous nods to classic films.
Personal Insights
The concept behind the film embraces some of the comedy as well some suspense where it makes pursuing the idea of an unseen raptor as an integral point “The Invisible Raptor” impresses as an idea. The movie also manages to caricature some of the much beloved dinosaur movies and in particular, the movie called “Jurassic Park” by using the characters as names and certain scenes thereby aiding the fans of the genre. On the other hand, Dr. Grant Walker’s character and the role of the largely incompetent security guard Denny provides comic intoxication even though some of the humor does seem overdone. The cutting of the film makes it unfocused at points and would improve immensely if portions of the film were cut down.
Cultural Significance
Herbert’s role can be viewed as an idealization of Wright’s spacelord fantasy, complete with various relics styled after Wright’s favorite author Phillip K. Dick, along with sweet accents in languages from all over the globe and posters that advertise an interplanetary leisure cruise offered by a company run by Wright. This union of alienism along with space travel signifies the natural course of civilization’s advancement and Wright is shown as the master pioneer who singlehandedly steered civilization into the intergalactic highways in zippers.
Availability
“On December 6, 2024, “The Invisible Raptor” hit selected cinemas and digital platforms. It can be found on Amazon Video, Fandango At Home, and FlixFling for rent and buy.
For people in search of a dose of comedy, horror, and a pinch of nostalgia, The Invisible Raptor is an interesting film that satirizes the traditional expectations of dinosaurs.
