Tremors
(1990)
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 1 Hour and 36 Minutes
Reviewer: Dale
Grade: A+"Tremors" is like one of those monster films that they made a crapload back in the 1950's.
The only difference is that this one does everything right that those movies so often do wrong. It's the intelligence of the whole enterprise, mostly, that makes it so darn impressive. I constantly marveled at the level of ingenuity involved in each and every scene. I was floored by how three-dimensional and interesting each of the characters were. Most of all, I was left giddy and overwhelmed by the film's sheer creativity.
"Tremors" takes place in the tiny town of Perfection, Nevada. Perfection is home to fourteen people. Not that we even see that many of them. Foremost among its citizens, however, are Val and Earl. Val and Earl are two men with a lack of initiative. They do odd jobs around town and complain about their lot in life. Not that they ever do anything about it, of course.
That would require effort. One day, however, after a mishap with a septic tank, they have had enough. They pack everything into the flatbed of their rickety truck and head out of town.
On their way out of town, unfortunately, they discover two dead bodies. This piques their interest and leaves them even more interested in getting the hell out of Dodge. On their way out this time, the road is blocked by rubble and they are trapped until they figure out what is going on. Through a strange series of events, it soon becomes apparent that the source of the problem lies squarely with a group of giant subterranean creatures that have developed a taste for human flesh.
Yes, it sounds cheesy. But it isn't. The film does a magnificent job of both taking its concept seriously and yet having fun with it. It's a tightrope that few movies have mastered, but this one walks it with the subtle grace of a circus acrobat. The tone works wonderfully here. This is the result of a very creative and exceptionally well-thought-out script by S.S. Wilson and Brent Maddock. I know it sounds ludicrous, but when a couple writers do a job this good with an idea this inherently goofy, they should be rewarded with an Oscar nomination at the very least. It takes the conventions of the genre (the scientist, the cute girl, the crusty ammo expert, the smartass kid) and tweaks them with delightful glee. The result is a level of fun that is unprecedented in this kind of film. The film is funny without losing its ominous sense of menace. It is sharp, clever and the characters are given enough shading to make them logical and realistic. A great deal of this is due to the direction of Ron Underwood as well (who went on to direct the oft-hilarious "City Slickers").
Don't let me shortchange the actors either. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward are great as Val and Earl: the affable losers who are about the least likely heroes you've seen. They convey the sense that these two guys have spent immeasurable years in one another's company and know each other as only the best of friends can. They quip with one another, they insult one another (because they care, of course) and they compete for women and beer. They're a great couple of characters, and the addition of these two adds another level of enjoyment to the whole affair. I also loved Michael Gross (the dad from "Family Ties") and Reba McEntire as a couple of survivalists finally given the chance to show their stuff. Witness their scene in the basement of their compound and you'll see what makes them so great.
I also loved how this movie puts it characters into situations that seem impossible and lets us sweat trying to figure out how they are gonna get the hell out of them. You may find yourself closer to the edge of your seat than you thought you would be. The solutions to these situations are also a lot more ingenious than you expect. There are no copouts here, no cheats. The characters have to work their ass off here just to survive, which is something I always appreciate. There are plenty of great scenes in this film. I cannot, in fact, think of a scene that I do not enjoy. Every minute of this film can bring a goofy smile to my face. It's fast paced, good-natured and more fun than ninety-eight percent of the creature features you've ever seen. And the amount of work that went into the conception and realization of these creatures is also impressive. They look flawless. They come to life before your very eyes.
There was only one effect that I thought was particularly cheesy, but it was still enjoyable.
For the most part, however, the creatures are creepy and very formidable foes.
Is that really enough to justify an "A+"? Hell yes! I've never seen this level of thought and artistry go into a film like this. Plus, the film is just damn cool. Why isn't true coolness worthy of this high a grade? It damn well should be. It is, in this case. After sitting through movies like "Armageddon" and "Independence Day" you may be losing faith in the ability of a film to generate true fun, to bring a goofy smile to your face and keep it latched there for two hours. Well, rent "Tremors" and have your faith in the power of popcorn filmmaking reaffirmed. "Tremors" is the reason that you go to these movies in the first place.
Amen!