Phorusrhacids Bent On Destruction In The Flock

Written By: Ken Hulsey
Sources: Horror Movies.ca / Avery Guerra

Many of you out there may not be too familiar with the Phorusrhacidae, a species of prehistoric, flightless birds, who grew to over ten feet tall and ran as fast as a predatory cat. Not surprising, the species isn't one of the more glamorous dinosaurs like the the Tyrannosaurus rex, Triceratops, Brontosaurus or Godzillasaurus, creatures that have graced television, the silver screen and the pages of children's books for decades.

Like the giant Moa of New Zealand, which died out in recent times and reportedly could split a mans skull in half with it's beak, the Phorusrhacidae were the most fearsome carnivores of their habitat, which spread from South Afirica into Florida and Texas (Yes, they were connected in ancient times).

Thank God those things are gone!

But, what if they weren't? What if they were still living among us is secret, in some remote place like the Florida Everglades? What if some greedy theme park developers invaded their happy home, and caused them to go on an ape-shit killing spree, causing panic and destruction in their wake?

Sound far-fetched?

Well, such is the plot of "The Flock" a 2006 novel by Robert Smith (Not the singer from The Cure....I don't think?) which has just been optioned by producers Dan Murphy and John Wells for a major motion picture makeover.

I have to admit that the story sounds very reminiscent of a 70s monster movie, which in my book makes it cool.

If only there was a young Joan Collins to star in it, or possibly Dawn Wells?

Stay Tuned!