Rating of
2.5/4
The Worms Have Turned
ZJW - wrote on 05/08/09
Tremors 2: Aftershocks is a worthwhile sequel that retains most of the fun of the original Tremors film. Earl is sought after by the owner of a Mexican oil field to resolve a Graboid infestation that has forced him to shut down production. While he refuses at first Earl eventually decides it’s worth the money he is being offered to take on the worms once again. It isn’t long before Earl brings in some reinforcements in the form of Burt Gummer.
Earl and Burt are the only characters to return for this sequel. I suppose it makes sense that Kevin Bacon would skip out on a straight-to-DVD (VHS) sequel such as this. Fred ward and Gross do a nice job in the film with Gross’ character the real driving force behind it. Still, Kevin Bacon’s presence is sorely missed as Ward’s partner-in-crime. The rest of the characters of the film are solid enough to keep the film afloat.
The action of this film matches that of the original and the film offers us some new twists. The films tagline says it all with ‘The Worms Have Turned’. Our Graboids eventually give birth, more or less, to land-walking Shriekers who no longer hunt by vibration but by heat. This helps keep a fresh feeling to the film, as it doesn’t simply recreate everything from the first film. The film also keeps a good pace as our characters find themselves in one unlikely predicament after another.
Like Tremors, this film is very tongue-in-cheek and is a comedy ahead of anything else. There is speculation as to where these creatures came from but it is inconsequential to the story. The primary focus is on Earl and Burt as they unload everything they’ve got trying to fight for their survival. If you loved the first Tremors then you should have no problem enjoying this one.
