Tremors (1990)

4 out of 5

In the extremely small town of Perfection, Nevada handymen Valentine McKee and Earl Bassett earn a living doing any job they can find. Finally fed up with their way of life the men pack it up and head out of town a day too late. They make a valiant effort to escape but are forced back to town each time. I am not sure if this was meant to be a serious film or not. How serious can a movie be that features giant worm things as the antigonist? Part of what makes it so great is the sarcasm and sheer absurdity of the situation. Kevin Bacon delivers some of the best lines in the movie. The relationship between his character Val and Fred Ward's Earl reminds me of Abbot and Costello. The residents of this town are not people you want to be in a crisis with. All of them in a tie to voted "Most likely to be used as monster bait."

The cast is filled with recognizable faces, as long as you were born in the 1980’s or earlier. Michael Gross from Family Ties , Country singer Reba McEntire in her debut film role, that little girl from Jurassic Park, and many more that will make you say, “Hey, that is what’s his/her name! I wonder where they are now?” When you sit down to watch Tremors you will get to relax. No complicated plot. No insomnia caused by the heart palpitations you suffered during the film. Just an enjoyable romp through the desert with hungry worms bent on your digestion.

Trivia

Michael Gross who played Burt Gummer began filming one day after shooting the last episode of "Family Ties" (1982)

S.S. Wilson said that he got the idea for the film while he was working for the US Navy in the California desert. While resting on a rock, he imagined what it might be like if something underground kept him from getting off the rock.

Quotes

Earl Bassett: No way those things can outrun these horses!
Valentine McKee: Yeah, well, for all you know, they can fly.

Earl Bassett: What kind of fuse is that?
Burt Gummer: Cannon fuse
Earl Bassett: What the hell do you use it for?
Burt Gummer: My cannon!

-Evil Lyn