There is a part of a movie lover that reads the words “20th
anniversary edition” attached to a movie like MOSQUITO that says “Really? We
needed an anniversary edition for a movie like this?” What is most surprising
is when you watch and then realize that yes indeed, we did need this version.
It’s not that the movie is wonderful (it isn’t) or that it contains some
outstanding performances (it doesn’t) but what it does do is show you how fun a
movie can be even when the bad parts are there on screen to be witnessed. The
folks behind this movie love horror films, especially big critter movies, and
that shows in every frame.
The story involves an alien spaceship dumping radioactive
waste into a swamp. One of the canisters splits releasing some slimy green
material that a mosquito chooses to drink up. Bingo bango bongo we now have
mutated giant mosquitos to deal with.
But we can’t just run with that, there has to be more going on.
We’re introduced to several characters who work in a
national forest during the camping season going on. Most important of these is
Park Ranger Hendricks. Why? Because he is played by Ron Asheton, one of the
founding members of the proto-punk band The Stooges who were fronted by Iggy
Pop. Asheton was a die-hard B-movie fan who had his dream come true in being a
part of this film. Alongside his character is a new Ranger named Megan (Rachel
Loiselle) and her boyfriend Ray (Tim Lovelace) who arrive soon after the first
mosquito attack takes place. With dead campers everywhere to be seen they check
out the Ranger station to find Hendricks the only survivor.
Heading out to find help the trio come across Parks (Steve
Dixon) a USAF meteor chaser who’s been tracking the falling debris. With his
Geiger counter in tow they track down the mosquitos but are nearly eaten alive,
making them realize the best bet is to high tail it out of the area for help.
On their way they are stopped by a wrecked car. It’s a set up and they’re
nearly taken hostage by a trio of bank robbers who are headed back to the park
area to recover some of their loot. Of not here is that the leader of the group
is none other than Gunnar Hansen, famous as the original Leatherface in the
first TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.
As the group tries to outrun the mosquito swarm they are
attacked time and time again resulting in the motor home they were escaping in
being turned over. As they continue to run they’re picked off one at a time
until the number of survivors drops. A final battle ends the film…or does it?
One can never tell in a giant critter movie.
Yes, this movie is bad on a number of levels but when you
think back to the fact that 20 years ago CGI was nearly non-existent they come
up with some decent effects. What stands out are the practical effects on
screen here, the giant bugs that the cast tangles with. When shot these things
become goo dripping messes that aren’t likely to scare most adults but could
creep out many a youngster. But if they watch keep in mind there is a nude
scene so keep that hand ready to cover young eyes.
The acting isn’t the worst ever committed to film but it does
leave a lot to be desired. But that’s the joy of a movie that’s so bad it’s
good. No one promises Shakespeare and the cast delivers on that non-existent
promise. It’s all in fun and done well enough to actually be an enjoyable
movie. Those with projection TVs they can use outdoor will want to show this
come summer outside on a big sheet.
Synapse has done a great job here when it comes to extras.
If you’ve read my reviews you know I’m not a fan of extras for the most part.
But here again, as with items made by both Twilight Time and Arrow Video, we
have a movie that is enhanced by the extras. They don’t seem to be made simply
to stroke the egos of actors involved or to promote a movie we already
purchased. Instead they take us back to what happened then as it was being
filmed and to show us how those involved are doing now. Included in the extras
here are:
-Audio Commentary
-Bugging Out! – The Making of MOSQUITO
-Deleted and extended footage
-Behind the scenes footage
-A still gallery
-The theatrical trailer
As I said, it’s not the best movie ever made but it’s not
the worst either. It’s a fun time. Fans will enjoy, most will wonder why the
rest of us enjoy it. That’s there loss.
Click here to order.
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