Feature creatures who stole the show
"Fido" is not a straight-genre zombie movie. Rather, it's over-the-top social commentary about immigration, homeland security, and family intimacy.
Think "Night of the Living Dead" meets "Pleasantville" meets "E.T."
The lov able pet in question, "Fido," is played by Billy Connolly, the Scottish actor who played opposite Judi Dench in "Mrs. Brown ."
"I think what Billy brings to Fido is something you can't really cheat on," "Fido" director Andrew Currie said in an interview after screening his movie at this year's Sundance Film Festival. "It's the humanity, the kindness, and the general decency he exudes through his eyes."
Currie says his movie may feature "the first zombie arc of a character," since Connolly's Fido evolves from undead flesh-eater to member of the family.
But for decades, filmmakers and character actors have brought humanity to monsters. Here are a few other surprisingly cuddly creatures .
The Terminator, "Terminator 2: Judgment Day," 1991 : In the original, the Terminator is programmed to terminate. But in the sequel, Arnold Schwarzenegger's beefy robot is a protective baby sitter, not unlike "Kindergarten Cop."
The monster, "Frankenstein," 1931: The inhuman character portrayed by Boris Karloff was so emotionally needy he got himself a bride and a son in subsequent movies.
C-3PO, "Star Wars" franchise, 1977-2005: The android, voiced by Anthony Daniels, expresses concern, love, and devotion for his "best friend" R2-D2.
Ludo, "Labyrinth," 1986: Puppetmasters Ron Mueck and Rob Mills made the big red creature from the Jim Henson cult movie more human than the film's human star, David Bowie.
Gizmo, "Gremlins," 1984: He's loyal and lov able -- if you don't get him wet. Gizmo's snuggle-worthy squeaks were voiced by the less cuddly comic-turned-game show host Howie Mandel.
Edward Scissorhands, "Edward Scissorhands," 1990: Johnny Depp makes a romantic lead of this "Frankenstein"-like creature who wins the love of Wynona Ryder despite his sharp digits.
Dobby, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," 2002: The elf, voiced by British actor Toby Jones, is a masochist who irons his own hands when he thinks he has failed Harry. But don't you just want to tickle him?
Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, "Ghostbusters," 1984: The giant, doughy terror designed by Bill Bryan (who would eventually be a puppeteer on "Men in Black") looks like a pouting baby when he's attacked by the men with proton packs.
Gollum, "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, 2001-2003: Andy Serkis received rave reviews for his performance as the sun-starved, ring-craving creature, who is really just a lonely Hobbit longing to be a "we."
King Kong, "King Kong," 2005: Serkis is also responsible for making director Peter Jackson's Kong a more suitable romantic partner for Naomi Watts than Adrien Brody.
