Brooke Adams ("Invasion of the Body Snatchers" '78) and Jeff Hayenga ("The Prince of Pennsylvania") play Virginia and Brad Marshall, a children's book author and lawyer unable to have a child. On the recommendation of a friend, they visit the fertility clinic of a Dr. Meyerling (the late, great character actor James Karen, "The Return of the Living Dead"). He claims a 100% success rate, and later Virginia *does* become pregnant. But, as it turns out, the shady Dr. Meyerling is in the business of genetic alteration, and the fetus inside Virginia is turning into something fairly monstrous...

This 1990s update of Larry Cohens' "It's Alive" will certainly hit home for some viewers, if they're expecting a child or want to start a family. The film is disturbing to an extent, elevating it above being merely a "cheap gore film". And make no mistake, it IS gory at times, but the premise, story, and characters still carry enough weight on their own. The "monster baby" effect isn't bad considering that this wasn't a big-budgeted affair. Adding atmosphere is a soundtrack co-composed by Gary Numan, the pop star who'd had a hit with the song "Cars". What will be particularly disconcerting for many viewers is the fact that Virginia visits an abortionist at one point, desperate to remove this unholy presence from her body.

The performances range from acceptable to good to genuinely impressive. Karen is a delight as the mad scientist who hides dubious intent behind a genial, seemingly kind exterior. Familiar faces among the supporting cast include K. Callan ('Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman') as Virginia's mother, veteran B movie bad guy Rick Dean ("Cheyenne Warrior") as the scruffy abortionist, and future stars Lisa Kudrow and Kathy Griffin in early film roles. Adams is sympathetic in a tour-de-force performance, especially in her big meltdown scene.

Entertaining material, given effectively straight-faced treatment from producer / director Rodman Flender ("Conan O'Brien Can't Stop", "Idle Hands"),with not much in the way of humour.

Followed by a sequel three years later.

Seven out of 10.

I am an average Horror/Sci-Fi/Thriller/Creature Feature movie buff. I am 62 and have seen them all including the Asian Creature Features to the Nordic Horrors. I will give anyone their right to an opinion....but.....the rating system on many of the movies on this sight have been skewed by someone having a bad day.

Very few Horror et.al.movies make it to the Oscars. So what...those of us who are fanatics of these films have an odd sense of appreciation for the unbelievable.

The Unborn is a good movie....I like Brooke Adams....I like mad scientists...I like freaky things that squish in the night...I like house wives that are slightly nuts....I like husbands who don't have a clue....I like Lisa Kudrow (did you see her????) Those of you who want to sit back and watch a really good Sci-Fi/Horror will have fun with this one. So skip the ratings and watch the movie. (And don't forget the popcorn.)

The Unborn is a very, very different film. James Karen & Brooke Adams are in the film and they performed quite well. this film is builds up solidly and it keeps you going. Though I think you must be a horror fan to watch this because of the scenes and the plot. There is one brief sex scene with no nudity that could have been left out and to some people this scene may disappoint someone like Me that's into the film and thinks that stuff ruins a good film but that's it when it comes to that. There is a scene where Adams' character goes nuts and kills a cat but you can tell its not real. The music is very different but very good. The Unborn in My opinion is a really creepy film that's superbly unpredictable and that's quite strange! I recommend all horror fans to this movie!