Tremors is better than almost all the big-budget science-fiction/horror movies that have come out since it did... and outshines ALL of the other low-budget movies in that genre. It's amazing how the producers and director brought everything together to make a very highly enjoyable horror flick.
Of course, part of the greatness was the cast, who never came together for the forgettable "Tremors" sequels (except Ward and Gross); it was a real collection of good, good actors, a great, wry, quirky, twisty script, and everything just came together to create a wonderful experience for the viewer.
This is one of those movies in which the sum is much greater than the parts; it all just clicks to keep you laughing and cringing by turns. I consider this to be one of the finest movies of the 1980s.
When the writers do satire, it's understated, light, enjoyable satire; when they go for archetypes (such as the pair of traveling cowboys/handymen/screwups Val and Earl ably played by Fred Ward and Kevin Bacon - a clear echo of Howdy Lewis and Ben Jones in "The Rounders"), they do so with originality and verve, and a fresh, light touch.
There aren't any places where the plot drags - the action is taut and sustained; the producers and directors are almost Hitchcockian in their deftness with foreshadowing and suspense, then with sudden and startling plot twists. The humor is just enough to relieve the terror, but it's also great humor.
Tremors is one of my all-time favorite movies. You could do a lot worse than watch it if you haven't yet. You'll thank me for it.
Of course, part of the greatness was the cast, who never came together for the forgettable "Tremors" sequels (except Ward and Gross); it was a real collection of good, good actors, a great, wry, quirky, twisty script, and everything just came together to create a wonderful experience for the viewer.
This is one of those movies in which the sum is much greater than the parts; it all just clicks to keep you laughing and cringing by turns. I consider this to be one of the finest movies of the 1980s.
When the writers do satire, it's understated, light, enjoyable satire; when they go for archetypes (such as the pair of traveling cowboys/handymen/screwups Val and Earl ably played by Fred Ward and Kevin Bacon - a clear echo of Howdy Lewis and Ben Jones in "The Rounders"), they do so with originality and verve, and a fresh, light touch.
There aren't any places where the plot drags - the action is taut and sustained; the producers and directors are almost Hitchcockian in their deftness with foreshadowing and suspense, then with sudden and startling plot twists. The humor is just enough to relieve the terror, but it's also great humor.
Tremors is one of my all-time favorite movies. You could do a lot worse than watch it if you haven't yet. You'll thank me for it.