Tremors 2: Aftershocks
directed by S.S. Wilson
starring Fred Ward, Chris Gartin, Helen Shaver, Michael Gross
Arrow Films
Sure, it’s a sequel, and a sequel of a rather corny concept, but through sheer overacting, this is an enjoyable re-issue of a sequel of a 1990s horror movie. Giant earthworm-like creatures are rapidly eating away at Mexico’s mineral reserves. Earl Bassett (Fred Ward) gets called out of retirement to squish these mutant killers before they eat another Mexican drill rig. He’s reluctant to fight them until enthusiastic Grady Hoover (Chris Gartin) convinces him to step up after a $50k bonus is tossed in. And you will agree, $50k per worm is a good deal if you back out inflation. Attractive mining engineer Kate (Helen Shaver) and the crazed monster truck guy Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) complete the team, and off they go to rural nowhere. Along with guns, bombs, and more guns, Burt packs a case of clean gimme caps and he wears a new one every scene. Continuity? Not on this adventure. Instead it’s teamwork and armaments, and an excellent grasp of infrared optics does all the rest.
Naturally, the monsters get squished by the slightly more evolved humans. A few monsters survive — on camera they look like the producers took IR pictures of turkeys. But that’s sort of creepy, isn’t it? There a lot of action, a little romance, and a decent adventure story if you gloss over the dialog. It’s not awful, but it’s a fun enough action adventure parody even by today’s digital standards.
This film is another wonderful B-move reissue from our friends at MVD. Don’t take that as a dig, these are goofy action films that are self-aware enough to keep you in on the gags while having just enough inner tension to make you stick around for the credits. And if you are deeply into worm hunting, they include a pair of commentary tracks and a special feature or two to keep the party going. It’s a goofy sci-fi monster film with little or no technical explanation regarding the dirt worms. They are just there, as faceless evil as the worms in Dune. And unlike Dune this is just a quick 90 minutes packed with beer drinking, knuckle-busting fight scenes. No deeply religious metaphsysics beyond minor profanity will block your view of the chase.
