Villian(s)  Aztec cult, flying reptile

Actor(s):  Michael Moriarty, Candy Clark, David Carradine, Richard Roundtree

Brief Description  Q - The Winged Serpent (also simply known as Q) is a 1982 American monster horror-crime film written, produced, and directed by cult filmmaker Larry Cohen. The movie uniquely blends a gritty New York City crime drama with classic B-movie creature-feature horror. The film follows a petty swindler (Moriarty) who accidentally intrudes in a case involving a winged deity monster that poses a threat to New York City. He is the only person who has information that can help the police to stop the creature.

Plot:
The story takes place in Manhattan, where NYPD Detectives Shepard (David Carradine) and Powell (Richard Roundtree) are investigating two bizarre parallel cases: a series of ritualistic, bloody murders linked to an ancient Aztec cult, and terrifying reports of a massive flying creature snatching citizens—including window washers and rooftop sunbathers—straight into the sky. Meanwhile, Jimmy Quinn (Michael Moriarty), a paranoid, small-time thief and getaway driver, flees a botched jewelry heist. Seeking a place to hide, he climbs into the spire at the top of the Chrysler Building and accidentally stumbles upon the massive nest of the creature.

The monster is revealed to be Quetzalcoatl, an ancient, winged Aztec serpent god resurrected by the cult. Realizing he is the only person who knows where the beast roosts, Quinn decides to extort the city, demanding a massive cash payout and full legal immunity from the police before he will reveal the location of the nest. The film is widely celebrated among genre fans for its stop-motion special effects, its atmospheric shots of gritty 1980s New York, and Michael Moriarty’s highly eccentric, widely praised performance as the frantic, opportunistic criminal protagonist.