La Nuit des vers géants

You wouldn't know it from the description, but SQUIRM manages to be scary, fun, gross, and engaging all at once. Scare shots are timed to a tee and both the conflict of the film and the characters involved in it are executed with as much style and excellent timing as could be expected for a film about killer worms. The scene where worms burrow into Roger's face, and the one where the bathtub is quickly filling up with worms are really effective. Your local video store probably sold off this one years ago along with other slow-renting titles to make room for hundreds of copies of "Sleepless in Seattle," though, so if you see a copy and are looking for a good scare, pick it up.

In Fly Creek, a storm knocks down the power lines, transforming worms in mutant creatures. Mick (Don Scardino) travels from New York to meet his girlfriend Geri Sanders (Patricia Pearcy) and stays at her home with her mother Naomi Sanders (Jean Sullivan) and her sister Alma Sanders (Fran Higgins). On the arrival, Mick has a friction with Sheriff Jim Reston (Peter MacLean) and with Geri's neighbor Roger Grimes (R.A. Dow) that woos her. Soon they find that Fly Creek is infested of carnivorous worms that are devouring the inhabitants, but Sheriff Reston believes it is a prank of Mick.

"Squirm" is a lame and laughable trash movie about carnivorous worms. The silly story associated to the poor performances and annoying accent makes this film terrible to see and hear; however it is cult for many viewers. But the gorgeous Patricia Pearcy makes it worthwhile watching. My vote is four.

Title (Brazil): "A Noite do Terror Rastejante" ("The Night of the Terror Crawly")

Reading some of the negative reviews for Squirm, I can't help but wonder if some people tend to prejudge it just because its "one of those 70's bug flicks". I saw this movie at the theater when it was first released, and watching it now on video, it still holds up today as a very well made film.

The set locations were perfect for giving that "small town down south" feeling. And, though the acting by some of the locals left something to be desired, I thought the main characters did a very good job, especially considering the type of movie this was. The music score was terrific and gave the film some great moments. The photography was very good, and probably one of the best using low-light scenes with only candles. And the special effects hold up very well by today's standards.

O.K., I'll point out a few negatives. Some of the dialog is hilariously bad, and tends to stereotype "southerners". Of course, as with most of these types of films, the science doesn't hold up, but thats why its called "science FICTION".

In closing, I can highly recommend this movie to any fan of sci-fi-nature-strikes-back and horror movies. But please, watch it with an open mind- you'll enjoy it better.

Definitely not MST3K material.

Against FOOD OF THE GODS, DOGS, KINGDOM OF THE SPIDERS, the irrepressible SLUGS and other nature-gone-berserk flicks, SQUIRM stands tall.

The worms are the thing here, but their existence does not short-change the film's acting, storyline and characterizations. Director Jeff Lieberman, a fellow of immense cinematic intelligence (BLUE SUNSHINE, JUST BEFORE DAWN), has crafted a smart, stylish little thriller that delivers on its promise.

Rick Baker's worms are very impressive and Lieberman knows when to reveal them and when to keep them -- literally -- in the dark.

The set-up is simple. Following a filthy, dirty storm, downed powerlines send bolts of electricity into the earth. Shocked worms turn rabid and begin to menace "us".

The film is exceptionally well photographed and acted, the rural setting works beautifully, and the climax packs a punch.

Solid filmmaking all 'round.

In Fly Creek, Georgia, a severe thunderstorm causes havoc when killer invertebrates are unleashed! In no time at all, the local hillbilly population is under attack by these slime-covered wigglers. Indeed, the tiny cattle from Willie's Worm Farm have become enraged, and the humans had better watch out! These worms bite! They also squeal like rusty hinges!

BEWARE: If you think that worms are icky, then you are in for some major ick!

Stupendous characters abound, including the world's least heroic hero, Mick (Dan Scardino), the wretched Sheriff Reston (Peter Maclean), Roger (A.W. Dow), the man that halfwits point at saying, "Hey! Look at the halfwit!", and the unforgettable, pot-puffing Alma (Fran Higgins) and her enormous shoes!

SQUIRM is Director Jeff Lieberman's creeping, crawling contribution to the "when nature attacks" movie sub-sub-genre. As such, it's a bait bucket full of hilarious fun! Roger's unspeakable transformation, and the dreaded "worm tidal waves" are especially rib-tickling!

EXTRA POINTS GO TO: Jean Sullivan as the ethereal, seemingly LSD-powered Naomi "Ma" Sanders!

Entertaining, ridiculous, and just plain weird!...