Girls of Geek B Movie Review: "Lavalantula"

Written by John Edward Betancourt

When it comes to B movies, especially ones that are tons of fun and you find yourself eager to watch them, Syfy reigns supreme. They have managed to make the B movie an event that you simply cannot miss and with every single release they bring to the small screen the names in their cast keep getting bigger, the stories sillier and last week turned out to be quite the treat on this network.

Not only did Syfy bring us the ever epic, Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No! they decided to up the ante and release another wild story filled to the brim with some pretty big names from my childhood. In fact this go round featured a reunion of the cast of Police Academy, and what a treat it was to see them back in action for Syfy's Lavalantula. 

Colton West was once a big action star. He had all the choice roles, and box office hit after hit but the years have not been kind to him since. In the years following his Hollywood fame he as fallen on hard times, taking bit roles that irritate him and often finding his name in the headlines for causing trouble. But today in Los Angeles will be a different day for Colton. Volcanic eruptions are springing up all over the city and with the explosions come the stuff of nightmares. Giant spiders that can spit lava and fire are emerging from the earth and as it turns out, Colton West is the only man with the guts to fight them and the will to stop them...

So, let's get right down to it, this movie is freaking awesome for one reason...Steve Guttenberg. Yes, Mahoney himself plays Colton West in this film and he does it in such a fun fashion that from the get go you're rooting for Colton to win the day. But the wonder of seeing this vintage star doesn't end with Mister G, as I mentioned before his supporting cast is on full display with Michael Winslow doing what he does best and the film is further enhanced with a surprise cameo from Patrick Renna, who you may remember as Hamilton "Ham" Porter, a.k.a. "The Great Hambino" in The Sandlot. 

But once we get past the cameos and the joy of seeing these classic stars this is one fun movie. Yes, it's ridiculous and yes it's over the top, but who cares. You get plenty of action in this flick, and really how can you go wrong with giant spiders that spit lava? Sure this motion picture may not be as big as Sharknado, in fact there's a little nod to that film in here as well, but Lavalantula stands on its own thanks to its cast and sense of fun and adventure. If you haven't seen this one, do so, it's a wonderful popcorn flick...or perhaps as Colton West would put it...nice movie! 

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