Tags
1990's, Bobby Jacoby, Comedy, Finn Carter, Fred Ward, Horror, Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Ron Underwood, Tremors, Victor Wong
Film Title
Tremors
Director
Ron Underwood
Starring
- Kevin Bacon as Val McKee
- Fred Ward as Earl Bassett
- Finn Carter as Rhonda LeBeck
- Michael Gross as Burt Gummer
- Reba McEntire as Heather Gummer
- Bobby Jacoby as Melvin
- Victor Wong as Walter Chang
A fine horror comedy that lovingly sends up and celebrates 50’s monster movies, Tremors is a fun ride and a film that has you laughing just as much as biting your nails.
Handy men Val McKee and Earl Bassett are growing bored with their lives in the desert town of Perfection, Nevada. Val is the younger of the men and more than a bit jocular, Earl is the older and more pragmatic of the two. While neither are the sharpest or brightest, they know that they can’t just doing menial jobs for their lives. Deciding to pack up and leave, their short-lived exit from town is cut short by the discovery of a dead body. The man in question is found up a pylon, dehydrated after being too afraid to climb down. Shortly following this is more gruesome discoveries and the men encounter seismologist Rhonda LeBeck, who has been investigating unusual activity in the desert area. It transpires that worm like creatures have emerged from beneath the ground and been attacking the residents, taking them underground for sustenance. With help from Rhonda, it is deduced that vibration and noise is what attracts them, leading the survivors to think up ways to communicate without being caught and plot some form of break from the growing onslaught . Holed up back in the dusty town, Val and Earl take residence in the convenience store with some of the other residents. But these creatures are getting smarter and more vicious, leading more frequent attacks .It’s now up to the group to come up with some way to escape being the next meal of these ferocious creatures.
Ron Underwood has a knowing sheen to his direction; gladly combining the humorous and shocking into one big ride. His efficient pacing makes certain that no flab is found and we get straight into the action, while still allowing the characters to take centre stage. The small community all have their respective quirks and foibles, which is pretty fun to see as they slowly band together to survive and defend themselves against the creatures. It’s a simple story, but Tremors knows this and with a winking eye to the audience, acknowledges what you’d expect from a 50’s creature feature and adds its own brand of things to the mix. Things especially hit a high point when the residents are forced onto the roof, while still attempting to conjure a plan of escape as well as keeping noise to a minimum. Having to be extremely careful not to alert the creatures of their presence The design of the worm like critters is through practical effects, and it looks well-worn by now, yet this adds something else to Tremors. What Tremors most has going for it is the humour, which is delivered in spades. The running gag of Val and Earl being unable to leave town, at first because of trivial things and soon quite deadly events, is hilariously done and plays throughout the darkly comic heart of Tremors. Horror and comedy is sometimes a difficult tightrope to walk, but Tremors does it extremely well. It ensures that the laughs are very present, but that it can ratchet up suspense and deliver the horror goods when required. Through quick point of view shots, the nasty creatures attack and we are thrown into the fray as they wage war on the residents. It’s a slice of entertainment of the highest order, complimented by a tongue-in-cheek and jaunty score that fits just right with the tone of the movie.
Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward lead the way as the two unlikely heroes of the piece. They are likable guys who while not the smartest people ever, have enough gumption and attitude to take on the terror in front of them. They are bungling, prone to disaster ,funny yet nifty when it comes to being practical and using what they have at their disposal. A lot of the effectiveness comes from the chemistry between both actors, who clearly are having a blast and enjoy working with each other as the amusing and heroic duo. It wouldn’t be the same without Bacon and Ward in these roles, adding a goofy and irresistible charm to it. Smarts are provided by Finn Carter’s scientist, who is the real brains of the piece and a woman who can take action effectively too when the occasion calls for it. Stealing a lot of the show however is Michael Gross; portraying the war-obsessed and tooled up Burt Gummer with a boisterous personality and wicked gleam in his eye. His attitude and presence are both funny and hopeful, because at first his paranoid antics regarding a new war are laughed at, before coming in extremely useful as the horror rises. Country music star Reba McEntire is his wife, who shares his obsession and love of firearms and she’s just as good as Gross; showing how multi-talented she is and his game she was to take this fun part. While there is Bobby Jacoby as the town brat and Victor Wong as the convenience store owner whose place becomes a shelter.
An excellent pastiche of B-movies mixed with more of contemporary sensibility, it’s hard not to enjoy Tremors for just how much of a blast it is. Never taking itself too seriously, Tremors is an all round good time for horror fans who like their movies with humour.
I always enjoy watching this film. But then I do have a lot of time for Fred Ward as an actor.
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s so much fun from start to finish. Bacon and Ward are a dynamic double act.
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The idea of having those beasts beneath my feet is pretty scary but I do recall liking the movies. It’s how I remember Kevin Bacon whenever I think of him.
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Yeah, when you think about it, it’s skin crawling. Kevin Bacon has one of those faces, that even now, still looks remarkably youthful.
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Man, I haven’t seen this movie in years. It’s a good one. I’ll have to watch it again now. 😃
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It’s still a blast to watch. Both suspenseful and funny.
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I’m a big Kevin Bacon fan. He’s still great, and even his older films are still enjoyable. Pretty cool dude.
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He’s a real great actor who I find incredibly versatile. And underrated too.
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I agree. He’s good comedy roles as well.
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I think he has that affable face with a certain childlike quality to it that suits comedy.
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Very dry witted. Right up my alley with that type of sense of humor.
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I love me some dry humour.
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Me too. Some don’t get it though. They just think I’m a smartass. 😃
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Humour is all a matter of understanding.
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Indeed.
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And us dryly humorous guys got to stick together.
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Ha! Absolutely!
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Respect and represent.
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Right on! 👊🏻
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I couldn’t have said it any better.
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It’s been years since I last saw this one, will have to check it out again. A good mix of horror and comedy.
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Horror and comedy can be difficult to combine, but when done well the results are something like this.
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Its been a while since I saw this movie but I remember enjoying it 🙂
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I think it has that sort of effect on most viewers.
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This is such a funny and terrific monster movie. I loved every single minute of it. It was pure magic in every way. Great picture and ofcourse a great review, I’m very glad you enjoyed this one 😀
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I enjoy when humour and horror actually work well together. So often it can go pear-shaped, but when you have wit and tension it can be great. Loved Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward.
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Pingback: Tremors — vinnieh – horrorwriter
I LOVE this film. And you’re right, funny and enough jumpy bits to have a great balance. I do subconsciously think of it whenever I’m feeding my lizard worms!
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It’s a great balance to get. Both exciting and nail-biting, plus humorous too. You have lizard works?
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Haha, feeding worms TO my lizard. I’ve recently got a bearded dragon 🙂
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Haha, I thought that must have been what you meant.
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This film scared the life out of me as a kid! Based on your review though I might have to give it another look!
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I think I was a bit terrified the first time I saw it. As I’ve got older, the comedic side comes off stronger.
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It always put me off watching, so maybe I need to man up and do it!
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I say go for it, you’ve got nothing to lose.
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I love this one. An all time favourite. Not even the poor sequels taint a brilliant flick like this. While the sequels weren’t up to much, I’m intrigued by the TV show.
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I haven’t seen any of the sequels.
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I think it’s best to keep it that way…
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Appreciate that advice.
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Tremors is one of my all time favorite monster movies, and Fred Ward and Kevin Bacon are brilliant in it.😊
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It’s a total blast. And what a double act those two are. I love watching them together.
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My son and I watched this over and over when he was a youngun, I still love it. The follow ups were crap though.
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Those are fine memories to have. Appreciate the warning about the sequels.
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Believe me, just love the 1st one, spare yourself the sadness and disappointment.
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I’ll take your advice.
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This is a fun film, haven’t seen it in years!
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Fun is the name of game. Pure unadulterated fun that knows how to be goofy and funny.
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Agreed! And the sand worms of course harken to Dune – one of my favorite science fiction books. 🙂
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How interesting. Have you checked my naughty blog out? You’d be most welcome.
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All is forgiven – this film is great fun. All works on the strength of the relationships, and the inclusiveness of the little community. Micro-macro USA.
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I liked the characters and how they banded together in a time of need. I really love this movie a lot.
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I absolutley love this movie. It is one of the best cheesy horrors ever and perfect for a good laugh with friends. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this and reminding me it has been at least six months since I watched this film last.
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I enjoy how it’s intentionally goofy. It provides that knowing quality that is hard to beat.
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A very underrated and extremely fun film.
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I love it a lot. You can have such a good time with it and not get bored.
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There aren’t enough good horror comedies!
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That is so true. I guess it’s all a matter of striking the right balance between both elements.
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My fave horror comedy combo is An American Werewolf in London
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That’s a fine example.
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Thanks dude.
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My husband must have watched this movie 10 times! He now has my grandson hooked on it.
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Haha, how wonderful to see different generations enjoying something. I love that feeling.
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This is honestly one of my favorite monster movies. Even rewatching it is fun.
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You hit the nail on the head there. Just so endlessly entertaining.
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Man, it’s ages since I saw this but I remember liking it. Might need a re-watch to remind me!
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It’s a delight still, my good friend. Can’t help but have fun with this movie.
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Tremors is so much fun!
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Indeed it is. An absolute blast from beginning to end. I can’t find fault with it.
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