To me, this movie is perfection.

Such a frustrating disappointment

Powerful

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

Noted horror comic book artist Colin Childress (a regrettably brief appearance by the always welcome Jeffrey Combs) brings a ferocious monster (the hulking Michael Deak in a gnarly animatronic suit that makes him resemble a giant hairy ghoulie) to life with the power of his imagination. Childress and the beast both perish in a subsequent fire. However, his house gets converted into an elite art academy where thirty years later hardcore Childress admirer Whitney Taylor (a perky and appealing performance by the attractive Debrah Foreman) arrives to pursue her studies. Unfortunately, Whitney inadvertently winds up conjuring the monster after she decides to emulate Childress's work. Director John Carl Buechler, working from a compact script by Don Mancini, tells the entertainingly silly story at a quick pace, maintains an engaging lighthearted tone throughout, delivers a few neat bits of splashy gore, and ends the film on a pleasingly grim note. This movie further benefits from the sturdy presences of dependable veterans Yvonne De Carlo as the stern Mrs. Briggs and Vince Edwards as smooth old school former private eye Norman Meshelski. Moreover, Pamela Bellwood snarks it up nicely as Whitney's bitchy rival Amanda while Brian Robbins makes a favorable impression as amiable abstract painter Phillip Lemley. As a tasty bonus, the fetching Cheryl-Ann Wilson bares her lovely breasts in a deliciously gratuitous shower scene. Sergio Salvati's competent cinematography gives this picture a funky stylized comic book look. Carl Dante's spirited shivery score hits the shuddery spot. The tight 77 minute running time ensures that this movie never becomes dull or overstays its welcome. Okay, this corny item might be total fluff, but it still makes the grade as a fun enough minor diversion just the same.

One can do worse than this if they're partial to the cheese horror of the 1980s, a decade when the genre really came to life. Not that it's anything special at all, but it IS reasonably amusing and thankfully pretty short in duration (78 minutes all told). A production of Charles Bands' Empire Pictures, it's got a cool, gnarly monster, a decent cast, some gore and some suspense, and lots of impressive horror themed comic book art. It even comes up with some twists along the way. It's one of the directorial efforts of makeup effects expert John Carl Buechler, who'd previously helmed "Troll" for Empire.Debrah Farentino, acting here under her maiden name Mullowney, stars as Whitney, an aspiring comic book artist whose inspiration was the reclusive Colin Childress (played by Jeffrey Combs in a regrettably brief cameo appearance). In the opening prologue, Colins' creations manage to come to life and commit murder. 30 years later, his house is an art academy, and Whitney is the latest student. She finds that when her imagination is fired, the panels in her strips likewise take on life. So now she and others at the school are in big trouble.The conclusion isn't altogether satisfying, but getting there, one can still have an agreeable enough time. There are some fun moments, and some hoots to be had. Brian Robbins ('Head of the Class', "C.H.U.D. II: Bud the Chud") is likable as a fellow student, as is Miranda Wilson as Lisa. Pamela Bellwood ('Dynasty') is effectively bitchy as Whitney's rival. Veterans Vince Edwards ("Return to Horror High") and Yvonne De Carlo ("The Silent Scream") are enjoyable to watch. Robbins's father, actor Floyd Levine, has a bit as a cabbie, and experienced monster performer Michael Deak plays the titular Cellar Dweller.In the end, "Cellar Dweller" is forgettable but worth a viewing for genre devotees who want to see as much from this decade as possible.Six out of 10.

OK Guys, So I watched this movie when I was like 6 years old. Which is very young I would think for watching such a film.. lol Anyway, It pretty much set the bar in my mind as the horror movie I have never forgotten. I cant remember the plot or even the story. Just bits and pieces but they have been in my head for so many years now it just seems interesting to me. I actually very rarely think of this movie other than in situations where it trigers that memory some how. Could be the dweller himself or the characters trying to figure out this mystery. It was cheezy yet something very dark and mysterious was being conveyed.I wish this movie was on DVD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would purchase it in a minute and keep it in my collection. If anybody can ever get a copy on DVD pleaseeeeee let me know...Truly a film that has changed my vision of what true horror and mystery is. Very dark and scary film. I'm sure I would watch it now and feel it was under produced and very poorly made. All the same it will be with me forever as the original film to capture my interest in horror films. I am a professional photographer and even find the influence of that film in my dark horror movie style photographs. If you ever find this on DVD please contact me @ www.rustybradford.com All The Best & Enjoy This Film By Yourself On A Rainy Night In A Strange House In The Country In Texas When Your 6!!!! lol Rusty

I know, your thinking Cellar dweller? That sounds like a poor sad excuse of a horror film with camp acting and a low budget monster, I don't think i'll bother with that, Well more fool you! Yes it has camp acting and yes it has a low budget monster, but what do you want from a horror movie? Blood, Gore? You sick people! Why not instead get your hands on this comedy horror, Switch your brain off for 85 mins and enjoy this ace movie. I think more people should remember the roots of the 80's horror generation, Its movies like this that made my teens so memorable, along with other stuff too of course but that has nothing to do with movies!Anyway fool as ba from the a-team would say (keeping with the 80's theme) get off your bum and go get a copy of this film, watch it and fear the cellar dweller! Then join my crusade to bring these gems back to life and give this film the top rating it deserves...What you waiting for? Go, Go get it now..