Ron Underwood's
western horror comedy hybrid underperformed at the box office, but thankfully
has developed a huge cult following in the years since its release.
Combining elements of 50's creature features with a unique cast and some
genuinely hilarious sequences, Tremors signified not only the importance
of movies that are pure fun, but also signified the end of the 80's practical
effects era and the beginning of the journey towards CGI
domination.
Underground creatures are slowly picking off members of an isolated community
in the Nevada desert. Two handymen trying to escape the small town join forces
with a graduate student and attempt to destroy the creatures. Brent
Maddock and S.S. Wilson's script is a potent concoction that emulates the past
while exploring tropes that had not yet fully taken hold. One of the most
appealing aspects of the film is the cast. One is quickly reminded of the
blue-collar grit of Alien and its Nostromo victims in waiting.
Shades of Brett and Parker are immediately conjured in Kevin Bacon and Fred
Ward's unforgettable performances are Valentine and Earl.
They're supported by a wonderfully talented ensemble. Victor Wong (Big Trouble in Little China) has a charming turn as the owner of the town's only store, while Finn Carter gives a smile-inducing turn as a bookbsmart, yet uniquely resourceful college student. Michael Gross and Reba McEntire steal the show as a pair of survivalists with more weapons than the national guard. The way the performances meld together creates a unique atmosphere, a culture of perky isolationists with their own slang and customs.
The special effects, provided by Amalgamated Dynamics combine practical wizardry with unexpectedly solid CGI to create the creatures that are terrorizing Perfection. One of the best decisions is that the creatures are never explained beyond what the characters learn. Their origins remain a mystery throughout the entire series. Alexander Gruszynski's vibrant cinematography frames the microcosm of the Nevada desert in burned browns and reds that are contrasted by blue jeans and orange innards as they pepper the optics once the bullets begin to fly. The crown jewel being an infamous scene in which McEntire and Gross face off against one of the beasts with the full complement of their armory, including an Elephant Gun.
Now available on STARZ, digital rental, and in a brilliant 4K release from Arrow Video Tremors is a classic of the genre. Spawning six sequels and a short-lived television show, this was the seminal entry in a series that proves that lighthearted comedy horror films can work when treated with creativity and love for the material. A gut-soaked neo-western with more charm than gore, this is an unforgettable cornerstone of 90's cinema.
--Kyle Jonathan