Reviews: 5 Various Giant Insect Films: Insecticidal; Insectula!; Bug Buster; Tsunambee; Dead Ant

Reviews: 5 Various Giant Insect Films

Text © Richard Gary / Indie Horror Films, 2022
Images from the Internet

Giant insects in films were common during the 1950s and ‘60s Cold War period with the threat of mutation via nuclear radiation, with such fare as Them (1954), Tarantula (1955), The Deadly Mantis (1957), etc. Sure, there were a few after that craze died, such as The Giant Spider Invasion (1975) and The Mist (2007), which seemed to mainly effect spiders, but slowly yet surely it fizzled out as a major theme, becoming more of a sub-genre. But luckily, there are still films being made, sometimes concerning a number of creepy crawlies and others a single beastie; and that’s what this blog is all about. Bugs and insects.

These films below are not ranked, but are listed in the order in which I watched them, all from TubiTV. Note that my snark is truly meant to be fun and rib-poking with a touch of stream of consciousness. I had just the right low-budget expectation for these films, so I was not blindsided by anticipating a theatrical extravaganza experience. After all, when it comes to the cheese level, there are times when ya want melted brie on toast, and at others, Cheez-Whiz on animal crackers. I enjoyed these films for precisely what they are. Links to the coming attractions for all of them are at the bottom of each review.

 

Insecticidal
Directed by Jeffrey Scott Lando
Riptide Entertainment; Incisor Productions; Way Below the Line Productions
81 minutes, 2005

Before even starting out, I am going to assume this Vancouver-filmed flick is a comedy, due to the volume of cleavage and the fact that every female’s name end with an “i”. For example, there is lead character, Cami (girl-next-door cute Meghan Heffern), her bosomy bestie and sizzling sibling Sophi (Samantha McLeod), and her rival/bully, Josi (Rhonda Dent). They all live in the sorority house (of course) of Eta Epsilon Gamma – though it would be better as Beta Epsilon Gamma, or BUG – where all the residents are bikini-ready model types, Cami is studying entomology. Her room is full of live experimental insects in glass enclosures to whom Cami has named, such as “Boris,” including a scorpion, a horned beatle – er – I mean beetle, and a praying mantis, while being hit on by her nerdy hanger-on who is more interested in trying to date Cami than actually be her friend, Martin (Shawn Bachynski). The latter mentioned insect scares Josi as she’s doing the wazoo with her boyfriend, football player Mitch (Travis Watters). Surprisingly, the sex scenes and nudity are visually fuzzed out, which is a bit annoying. If the actors are going to go through the trouble of taking off their clothes and doing extra-curricular activities, including the obligatory gratuitous shower scene – both females and males, in this case –, the viewer should be able to appreciate their hard work. I’m just sayin’. Fortunately they leave in the blood and gore rather than visually edit them out. So, Josi sprays all the critters with insecticide, supposedly destroying Cami’s work, that in the real world would have gotten Josi kicked out of the university, but here she’s just another bully. And this is all before the credits. No one seems to care that Cami’s life work may be destroyed by some sorority bully, which honestly pissed me off. The insects become larger and badly CGI’d, (although not too bad for the budget and the technology at the time this was filmed over 15 years ago) thanks to a mixture of DNA experimentation by Cami and, for some reason, the insecticide, rather than killing the creatures, it makes them grow, and more intelligent. One of the great things about sorority (or fraternity) houses, is an unlimited number of victims – both the residents and their boyfriends – for the titular creatures to sting, munch and run amok over. Meanwhile, over time, the buggies are getting increasingly dangerous, and starting to use at least one person as a host for what looks like tapeworm larvae, like the guy with the spiders in The Mist. There really is a lot of silliness throughout, though it seems much of it unintentional, and the film focuses a lot on Sophi’s push-up bra (no complaints there), but there actually is some nice kills throughout as the story builds. By the halfway point, all is clear as to what is happening to those that are left, and the aim is to survive as they get picked off one by one, as is the rule of the jungle, or at least of the lairs. In all, this is a pretty silly film with an ‘80s style of over-emoting acting and, given the setting, reminiscent of the flavor of Night of the Creeps (1986). Lots of cheesy gore, a ton of (blocked out) nudity and sex, so in the right frame of mind, this could be a fun ride if you don’t take it anywhere near seriously. It seems like the actors were having fun making this, especially Dent, so why not watch it?
Trailer is HERE 

 

Insectula!
Directed by Michael Peterson
Digital Mèliés; Adler & Associates Entertainment
101 minutes, 2015
https://www.facebook.com/insectulamovie
http://insectula.blogspot.com/

While the last film I reviewed above was a throwback to the ‘80s, this one delves even further to a ‘50s-type fetish/quirk. You can tell by the exclamation point in the title and the unblinking introduction suggestive of many William Castle releases, right off the bat. On another planet of CGI monsters, one of the creatures spits out something into space that is reminiscent of the creatures firing weapons at Earth in Starship Troopers (1997). Only this time it’s a mutant giant mosquito type beastie who lands in White Bear Lake near St. Paul, Minnesota (where this was filmed) rather than an ocean, as with Cloverfield (2008). It is attracted to Earth by CO2 and global warming. I like how they incorporated the name of a blood-sucking insect with Dracula; that was quite clever. Yes, this is a comedy, and a bit on the broad side as there is zero subtly here. When Insectula kills its first victim moments after landing in the lake (her floating head looks really cool in a cheesy way), it has already made a mistake by doing in the (unrequited) love interest (Hanna Hudson) of our hero, balding and fake mustachioed EPA Agent Del Delbiondo (Pasquale Pilla). Meanwhile some FBI forensic scientists get on the – er – head case, such as pervy Dr. Heinrich Kempler (Harrison Matthews), and his assistant, Brittany Sax (stunning Arielle Cezanne, for whom this is her only IMDB credit to date; her character reminds me of both Lee Meredith’s Ulla, from 1967’s The Producers, and Traci Lords in 1988’s Not of This Earth). Bug – I mean but is Kempler there to help the victims or the insect? Hey, there is a reason he has a German accent. The creature itself actually looks pretty good, as a cross between a mosquito, a spider, and a scorpion; well, after all, it is from outer space, not from local pond scum. And, apparently, it’s fast enough to land on a flying commercial airliner in mid-flight, in a possible indicator of the infamous episode “Nightmare at 20,000 Feet” on “The Twilight Zone” (1963). There is also a brute of a man who is mostly mute, a bald baddie named Lobo (Joel Thingwall), who is certainly modelled after Tor Johnson. For a low budgeter, the level of effects – and there are lots of them – run from looking really cinchy (such as a building which is obviously a model; again, a throwback nod, as is the outside of Kempler’s house, reminiscent of the Aadam’s family abode) to really good gore practical SFX, and some CGI as well (the titular insect is both, depending on how it is shown). The gore is abundant and effectively meant to gross out the viewer, certainly a saving grace for others who have issues with throwback films (I enjoy a good romp into retro). Speaking of which, while there is no sex, there is a lot of sexuality, such as multiple shots of cleavages, beautiful women, and even a slow-motion pillow fight (yeah, you heard me) by two women in lingerie. The film is, however, a tad too long, and there is lots to choose what to excise and put into the Deleted Reel, such as an extended sequence of a grief-stricken and drunk Del near the beginning, that looks really good, but adds nothing to the story. There also some fun inconsistences that I am sure were done purposefully, such as Brittany’s name badge not only switches back and forth between FBI and EPA, but also from left to right side of her jacket, and back, sometimes all within the same scene, kind of like Vincent Price’s switch from jacket to vest and back in The Last Man on Earth (1964). This is the director’s sole feature film helming credit, as his history is of commercials and industrial films. I would like to see him do more.
Trailer is HERE 

 

Bug Buster
Directed by Lorenzo Doumani
DMG Entertainment; Shoreline Entertainment
93 minutes, 1998

Considering the relative star power in this film, some on their way up and some on their way down, I’m amazed I’ve never heard of it before! It stars the likes of right-wing conspiracy nut Randy Quaid (as the titular exterminator), George Takei, James Doohan, Katherine Heigl, Meredith Salenger, Bernie Kopell, Anne Lockhart, MTV’s annoying Downtown Julie Brown, the underrated Johnny Legend, and more! How did they get so many? My guess is because this is a very broad comedy, and on paper seemed like fun. Filmed in Big Bear Valley in California’s San Bernadino National Forest, it’s kind of a cross between Arachnophobia (1990) and especially Ghostbusters (1984); this film’s tag line, for example, is “There’s something creepy in the neighborhood…” Subtle, right? This film may be approaching being 25 years old, but that is not to say that it is not prescient. What I mean by that is in the story, in order to take care of the medfly problem, a state’s government uses a pesticide, despite the warning of a scientist, Dr. Fujimoto (Takei). Is the governor a possible role model for anti-science anti-learning DeSantis? The introduction to our exterminator, General George (Quaid), is a television commercial that is a cross between said Ghostbusters and George of the Jungle (the film version came out in 1997, the year before this; the cartoon is from 1967-‘70). Meanwhile, the bugs are acting up much like the amphibians did in Frogs (1972), which seems to be a strong influence on this release, in retaliation for the actions of humanity…well, at least that (I am assuming Republican) governor. The first we see acting up are roaches, so if you are squeamish about those little buggers (pun intended), this is your trigger warning. And these are the bigger, South American roaches with the segmented backs that are often used in horror films, rather than the more common American roaches (aka waterbugs) or the smaller German roaches, which are most prevalent (at least in New York). These roaches are seen crawling all over a woman in bed, and they are not CGI. The main focus of the story is on a family, Gil (Kopell), Cammie (Lockhart) and their daughter, Shannon (Heigl) who buy the Black Forest Lodge in Mountview, a burg in rugged Northern Califor-ni-yay, which you just know is going to be in the heart of bugsville. Almost like it is switching topics, suddenly there is something in the lake that is attacking people, such as porn-star named Veronica Hart (Salenger), who is the local sexpot, Sherriff Carlson (a normal voiced Doohan; d. 2005), the pretty town Doc Casey (Brenda Epperson), the crazed ex-preacher and perv Judediah (Dennis Fimple, d. 2002, whose last feature role was Grampa Hugo in 2003’s House of 1000 Corpses), the lodge’s manager, Allen Lulu, who is all over Canadian television as the representative of A&W Burgers for over 20 years), and the possible love interest for Shannon, auto mechanic Steve (David Lipper, who was Viper on “Full House”) who is cool (you know that because he’s usually wearing sleeveless shirts and has just the right amount of hair oil to be slick but not greasy looking). Meanwhile, damn, I’m not even 15 minutes into this thing. One of the aspects I enjoy about films from this period revolve around technology: old computers with laughable graphics and modeling, and what now might be known as a Siri voice, but it was not really available back then as far as I know to have the computer read out what is on the screen (though it helps the audience who may have issues with reading skills). Anyway, people are dying from these mutant and large (relatively) roaches and centipedes. But once that Medfly insecticide gets used, the mutations go out of control. And when it gets even worse because of it, who they gonna call? Not John Goodman, but rather General George, natch. The third act kicks into gear with the arrival of over-emoting George (a decade after Quaid won the Golden Globe for portraying LBJ). What gore there is looks really good, and other practical SFX are quite decent. The large bugs are puppets or man-in-costume, but with the exception of a brief and laughable by today’s standard CGI when it flies, all the rest seems mostly physical. As for sex stuff, there is one awkward and unexpected lovemaking scene that I’m sure will not turn anyone on, and the one shower scene, it’s pretty obvious Heigl had a body double, even through frosted glass that obscures any bits. The theme of the film is kind of reminiscent of releases like Squirm (1975), where the little beasties overwhelm a town. Most insect/bug rampage films tend to be comedies, and this one is more on the quiet side, but it is definitely present. The attempt made by Downtown Julie Brown as a callous news reporter (that she is from station FUFU, or FU2, is funnier than her), however, falls flat on its face. Speaking of which, there is lots of bad ‘70s-style television acting by just about everyone that, with some exceptions, is part of its charm.
Trailer is HERE 

 

Tsunambee (aka Tsunambee: The Wrath Cometh; Waspnado)
Directed by Milko Davis and Thomas Martwick
Churchill Film Group; Artist View Entertainment; Wild Eye Releasing
82 minutes, 2015
www.facebook.com/tsunambee
www.wildeyereleasing.com

This release definitely has the feel of the apocalyptic genre, such as 2012 (2009), The Day After Tomorrow (2004), and Geostorm (2017). Perhaps this was inspired by real-life Murder Hornets and the films Sharknado (2013) meets [Fill in the Blank] of the Living Dead. For this lovely, it is obviously large bees that are the issue, to start. Now, in full disclosure, I have a fear of bees, though not to the level of a phobia. What I do have a phobia about is religious films, and I am worried about this one, which begins with a person making and carrying a cross, and an opening title card that quotes Revelations, from that book of fairy tales and historical fiction that many people take way too seriously out of fear of retribution. I am hoping that will not be a consistent theme throughout. Dialogue is along the lines of “What do you suggest we do out there?” “Pray. Pray hard.” Oy vey. The tone of the religious overbearingness is as washed out as the visuals, which have a yellowish tint, as this looks like it was all filmed with the camera’s aperture open just a bit too much. Some modeling is used, and there is a lot of CGI; the bees do look cartoonish (but then again, to be fair, the real Murder Hornets do, too), and are about the size of cats. Between natural disasters like earthquakes, and swarms of these stingers, our cast is in danger. There are three groups of people who hate each other who have to work together: there’s the main protagonist of the story, Sheriff Feargo (Stacy Pederson), three African-Americans just trying to pass through the small town (filmed near Colorado Springs, CO), led by religious non-believer JB (Ruselis Aumeen Peery) and the rednecks represented by bully/coward Jesse (Shale Le Page). What is fun is that the sting does not kill the victim, but turns them into murderous zombies (zom-bees?). The religion really starts to grab hold when our motley crew end up at the farmhouse of religious fanatic farmer (Jeff Pederson, who I’m assuming is related in real life to the Sheriff) who spouts Bible passages like Psalm 23 and claims “The Lord will protect you.” Yuck. And the farmer’s young pre-teenage daughter, Cassandra (Thea Saccoliti) seems to be a prophetess who talks to god, so of course she is named after the seer character in Homer’s The Odyssey. I’m happy to say the two adult women – the Sheriff and Chica (Maria DeCoste), of JB’s group – bond first, and slowly but surely, they all start to work through their particular issues (racism, past histories, etc.) At the end of the second act, I have to wonder, what good is guns and ammo going to do against a swarm of a million…bees? Wasps? This is total Republican thinking, that guns can solve anything. And that the Lord (there is no mention of Jeebus) will protest those who believe. I understand why they had the original subtitle of “The Wrath Cometh,” and also why they removed it for the general audience. The story, stripped of religiosity, is pretty enjoyable, and the zombie effects look great. Of course, there is no nudity, no sex, and not even cursing. All in all, this would have been a much better film without all the damn preaching throughout. I felt like I was watching a Kirk Cameron/End of Days pieces of nonsense, and found myself often annoyed by the Christian symbols and comments that came way too often. Even the end credits are shown over a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” Speaking of which, if you make it as far as the credits – and again, storywise by itself it may be worth it if you can get through all the preachy dialogue – there is an extended epilogue in the middle of the final scroll of names.
Trailer is HERE 

 

Dead Ant
Directed by Ron Carlson
August Heart Entertainment; Arctic Zebra; Little Stephie Films
87 minutes; 2017

This comedy takes place in 1989, concerning a hair band called Sonic Grave (sounds more hardcore punk than hair metal, but whatever), who had but one hit in their career. Rather than giving up the ghost, they stick together and go on a road trip with their manager, Danny (Tom Arnold) to what the band believes is Coachella, to revive what’s left of their calling, and relative dignity. Their plan is to stop off at Joshua Tree and write a hit song to premiere on the stage that will wow everyone, and bring them back to fame. Best laid plans, right? Along the way, the drummer Stevie (Leisha Hailey, of the bands The Murmurs and Uh-Huh, and the television show “The L Word”) and bassist Art (Sean Austin, in a really bad wig, who mentions at one point that he’s from “the shire”), purchase some powerful peyote from a vegan Native Person, Bigfoot (Michael Horse) and his partner, Dynamite (Danny Woodburn, who was recurring character Mickey on “Seinfeld”), who warns them not to kill anything while they are on the drug, or they will be cursed. And, as the title of the film will inform you, that doesn’t happen, leading to a near-Them (1954) experience. The other band members are vocalist Merrick (Jake Busey), and dark-haired guitarist Pager (Rhys Coiro), who has a great tattoo on his hand of a 45-spindle adapter. Also along for the ride is Merrick’s groupie, Love (Cameron Richardson). Along for the astral experience are hangers on Sam (Sydney Sweeney) and Lisa (Joi Liaye). Hey, the more the merrier, and the more the carnage by the killer CGI fire ants that are the size of hamsters at first but grow to automobile sized. I have to admit that this film is ridiculous (well, Tom Arnold…), but it is engaging and certainly humorous (again, Tom Arnold, who appears to ad lib a lot). The ending is a bit fantastical, but then again, we are dealing with giant, intelligent ants. The characters are oddly sympathetic in most cases, and are true to their characters. There is some interesting incidental music, such as criminally underrated Slade doing “Cum Feel the Noize” (rather than the mediocre Quiet Riot cover). And make sure you stick around for the song that begins the final credits. There are a lot of films about bands being threatened by the likes of killers (2015’s Green Room), the Debbil (Devil’sMusic, 2017), vampires (Suck, 2009) and so on, but this is a first for giant ants (perhaps inspired by the Blondie song?) 
Trailer is HERE