Infestation

I caught this movie late at night on the SyFy channel. I expected it to be a terrible CGI-fest (like most of the movies they show that I haven't heard of before), but I was pleasantly surprised. It's actually very well written; kind of a second-string Shaun of the Dead (so, in other words, better than most movies I've paid to see in theaters lately).

The plot is fairly unpredictable for this genre, meaning that it goes basically where everyone watching it wants it to go in the end, but it gets there in a way you won't entirely see coming (I call BS on reviews that claim otherwise). But the real reasons to watch this movie are the genuinely witty writing and the subtle comic performances of the cast. The worst you could say about this movie is that it's derivative of Shaun of the Dead. Personally, I'm totally okay with that.

Giant bugs attempt to take over the world.

Infestation is surprisingly not one of though cheap TV films, instead director Kyle Rankin delivers a well made piece of entertainment with some gross effects, great locations and cast. Sometimes the black comedic tone is inconsistence and a few effects work better than others. Nevertheless, the supporting cast are fine, Chris Marquette gives a good performance as the likably flawed anti-hero Cooper and Kinsey Packard's brief appearance as Cindy is notable. Ever reliable Ray Wise is on form.

It's road movie feel, the character trying to get from one place to another gives it a grounding and substantial atmosphere that many of the blockbuster films lack. While the ending is predicable there's enough gore moments and surprises to keep you entertained.

Overall it's good fun that's more A-film pretending to be a B-film like Tremors as appose to some DTV channel shlock.

Infestation is a watchable movie. Let me begin with that because I have a lot of criticism for this movie, but most is constructive. This is a movie that with a few different touches really could have been the next Shaun of the Dead. Walking the tight rope between horror and comedy is tough because it's easy to lose both crowds. Some people don't find bugs funny and others aren't scared when the mood lightens too drastically.

The thing that this movie does best is separate the horror from the comedy moments without seeming choppy or displaced. You can be knee deep in a bug attack one second and be laughing the next. And it feels natural. Chris Marquette really brings this movie together. His quirky, lame attitude attributes to most of the comedy but believe-ability that the horror can be serious.

The major flaw of the movie is that many of the supporting roles are played well, but no one else really pops. If someone else could've helped carry the comedy load it would've really helped. Not to mention that the attempt at being sincere at the end is acted poorly. However, having Ray Wise in this movie was a big success.

I truly felt that if another funny character existed and the script was spruced up a bit, this movie could have become the cult classic it was meant to. The fact that it even accomplished what it did, given the difficult genre mix, is proof enough that they were close to greatness.

I would recommend this movie to everyone that likes HorComs or for those who don't like horror movies and need some levity to get through them.

I'm personally tired of and generally ignore the CG monster horror flicks that premiere on the SyFy Channel. I read that this was one of them. Well this one was done great! The jerk hero was actually likable in his purposely annoying way, very funny, and the story happens quickly, so you are in the bug infestation, what the heck is going on, just after the main guys humorful intro.

The other survivors are decent, the story paces along well, no argument lasts too long and no character however annoying, steals the show. There's that used dad-son expectation loss thing but it works well and lots of good natured character humor. The CG was done rather well, even though I still felt it was composited, it was at least fast paced.

A pleasant surprise for all the sci-fi/horror genre fans. It's a solid little movie that has the big advantage of not taking itself too seriously while delivering the goods through a good script, many nice touches and some good plot twists.

The predictable and low-budget-showing finale doesn't detract from enjoying this funny and creepy enough piece that enjoys itself remembering the old day's creature features (Tarantula and Them! come to mind).

Surely worth a relaxed watch with some drinks and snacks. A few steps below Shaun of the dead but kind of a similar vive. If you are a fan of the genre, don't miss it. If not, you will probably find it entertaining enough.