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Tremors 2 - Aftershocks [1996]
![Tremors 2 - Aftershocks [1996]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/514JQHVFY2L._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £9.99
Our Price: £4.13 (subject to change)
Editorial
Amazon.co.uk Review
When a remote Mexican oilfield comes down with a nasty case of Graboids (for the uninitiated: giant carnivorous worms with tunnelling abilities that put Bugs Bunny to shame), it is up to those veteran monster exterminators Burt and Earl to save the day--and accumulate some much-needed payola in the process. But this time, the slimy critters may have a few new tricks up their ... um, sleeves. Although denied a chance to appear in the cinema, this unjustly neglected direct-to-video sequel delivers the same winning mixture of cornpone and gore that made the original Tremors a cult classic. Although Kevin Bacon is missing, Michael Gross and the wonderful Fred Ward reprise their roles from the first film. A hoot-and-a-half for horror and SF fans, Tremors 2 has some genuine scares and a welcome sense of humour. The DVD, presented in 1.85:1 widescreen format, has trailers for both movies but no other extra features. --Andrew Wright
A GREAT FOLLOW-UP TO A CLASSIC
Review date: 2007-10-26 Rating: 8 out of 10
Due to recent accidents, Earl Bassett, (Fred Ward) is approached by Grady Hoover, (Christopher Gartin) to come to Mexico to help out with their worm problem. Talked into the deal, they arrive at the location and meet with Kate Reilly, (Helen Shaver) the local geologist and Julio, (Marco Hernandez) her assistant. Setting off to work, they are able to take out some of the creatures, but the eventual size of their numbers forces them to call out Burt Gummer, (Michael Gross) and his arsenal of firepower to take them out. Upon confronting a live one, they wait nearby only for rescue only for a strange beast to emerge from it. When they find that what emerged is the next stage of the creature's life, a flying bug-like form that hunts by heat-sensing and have followed them back to the base, they turn to their old tricks to get away from the creatures.
The Good News: This was a really surprising sequel. One of the best qualities is the amount of fun and energy thrown in. Right from the beginning, where the group is out hunting the creatures with a series of innovative and downright clever traps is a lot of fun, and from the discovery about the creatures and the climatic showdown at the refinery are two other great examples. There's also some really smart elements present, and is every bit as clever as its predecessor. When the returnees find that the shriekers attack warm objects, they come up with a variety of ways to hide from or fool the creatures new attacks, allowing the characters to improvise new plans. From hiding behind doors to being covered in fire-extinguisher foam or hiding in ditches, the amount of really nice defense tactics employed against the creatures gives the film a creative feel that might otherwise be lacking in a similar style of movie. The film's other impressive feat is the pacing. While not being graced with as many slow moments as the first one, due mainly to the threat being familiar this time around and not really requiring all the set-up and explanations this time, it can contain a lot more action scenes and it really delivers in that aspect. From the stand-off at the radio tower to the finale, where general mayhem and havoc are unleashed, is simply a joy to watch. The finale, which involves a series of ingenious moves, some close calls and a ton of explosives on the creatures is a joy, and with some comedic lines and gags thrown in, it's the highlight of the film. The comedy also works here, aside from the one-liners and gags about the exploding creatures' guts, the biggest addition is obviously the comedic value of Burt Gummer's character from the original and expanded his role tenfold here. Gummer gets plenty of great moments to shine, the product of increased screen-time and building situations for the cracks yet still keeping them fluid and natural. The new creatures in here aren't that badly designed and, and while not really seeming like a natural evolution, are threatening and carry their scenes well. All in all, a sequel worthy of following a great original.
The Bad News: There isn't much of anything wrong here. The biggest one is the creature's evolution in the film. Going from twenty-foot long worms who burrow through the Earth to two-legged child-size bipeds doesn't really seem right. The head looks right, but there should've been an intermediary step, as it's a little hard to believe that these are the same family and without a more believable step in between, that looks weird. The only other thing that's a little weird is the moment in the end where a back-story is revealed during the middle of the attack. Not only was it painfully obvious to all but the participants, but it wastes time doing so and is really unnecessary to the film and should've been cut out. Otherwise, this was a really fun creature feature.
The Final Verdict: With a lot to like and some really minor nagging problems, this is one of the better creature features and a real nice entry in the series. Fans of the series will love this one, and those who want to see a creature feature that won't offend are advised to give this one a real shot.
Similar Products
- Tremors 3 - Back To Perfection [2001]
- Tremors [1990]
- Tremors 4: The Legend Begins [2003]
- Resident Evil 3: Extinction [2007]
- Twister [1996]
Reviews
fun!
Review date: 2006-10-16 Rating: 6 out of 10
This film is fun, it's silly, it's stupid, but it's still worth watching!
Going by the rule of diminishing sequels, this film is nowhere near as good as Tremors, it couldn't be - that film was near enough perfect! But this is a different beast and has a different tone to Tremors, more lighter and family friendly.
What makes this film so watchable is Fred Ward returning to his Tremors character and what good luck we get there. Fred is great in this movie and gives a very funny turn, really holding the movie together. Where some of the other cast members just seem annoying, Fred hold it together.
The plot is simple with Fred called in to kill Graboids at an oil field and it all looks low budget, but in a film this silly you don't care. The new creatures are also interesting and add a new dimension, but sadly take away from the creatures that you came to watch.
Not as good as the original, but it's own beast.
Not qiute as good!
Review date: 2004-12-03 Rating: 8 out of 10
Tremors 2 is not as good as tremors 1! but it has good action scenes! but the film goes downhill when the worms give birth to the land graboids! The worm graboid is the origanal, classic and the best! any way that is what tremors is all about! the graboids under ground!
Who said special effects were important?
Review date: 2004-03-19 Rating: 10 out of 10
Love both these movies...
Tremors
Val & Earl are the Handymen who've had enough of the small town life in Perfection, unfortunately they decide to leave just one day too late! Strange things are happening in the valley around Perfection and people keep turing up dead.
Tremors 2
Earl is back fitting the Graboids this time in Mexico and Graboids become the least of his problems...
Two very funny, very class films!
Tremors and more tremors and... space food
Review date: 2004-03-18 Rating: 10 out of 10
Got to love this double edition video, Val & Earl the Handymen of Perfection battle it out with Graboids (Giant Killer Underground worm things). Tremors 2 Earl is back to do it all again down in Mexico: Love Both these films
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Fred Ward
Christopher Gartin
Helen Shaver
Michael Gross
Director(s):
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 0044005376029
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2000-10-30
Universal product code (UPC): 044005376029
Number of discs: 1
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1996-04-09
Language: English (Original Language)
Language: French (Original Language)
Language: Spanish (Original Language)
Language: Danish (Subtitled)
Language: Dutch (Subtitled)
Language: French (Subtitled)
Language: Italian (Subtitled)
Language: Spanish (Subtitled)
Language: Swedish (Subtitled)
Language: German (Dubbed)
Language: Italian (Dubbed)