Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Tremors’

Written by Scott Edwards

Planning ahead for one's future is something that everyone tries to do but may not always accomplish as life can get in the way. But that doesn’t mean that one has to give up on their plans. Because sometimes keeping an eye out for unexpected opportunities can help us get back on track and in the end, it’s really about keeping one’s eyes on the prize to ensure that you’re always focused on executing your plan, even though there may be a few changes to it along the way.

In the small town of Perfection, local handymen Earl and Valentine are trying to come up with a plan that will lead them to greatness. Being jacks of all trades, the two know they will be stuck in the small town if they do not do anything to change their lifestyles. The two have finally had enough of being just mediocre in their minds and decide to move to the big city of Bixby. On their way out of town, the two find that their friends are being killed off by someone.

Wanting the best for themselves, along with the town, Earl and Valentine are tasked with getting to the big city to get help. With the small town being cut off from the world, they have to put their faith in the two handymen to save the day. Having the main road to town blocked off, the two have to find another way to try to save everyone. A strange creature latches itself on to their truck delaying their task and causing them to head back into Perfection. The town takes notice of this large snake like creature and wonders what will be in-store for them.

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While a new grad student is working in the valley, she notices that there are strange readings coming across on her seismographs and is curious about what is causing them. With no blasting in the area and no known earthquakes, she able to find and track a strange anomaly that is plaguing the town. Subterranean creatures are attacking animals and people from under the ground, with no eyes they are hunting based on sound and vibrations they can feel in the dirt. Not knowing how to beat these ancient beasts, the handymen, along with the town have to come together to make up a plan of survival.

Tremors follows the inhabitants of the small town of Perfection as they are attacked by what they call Graboids. These underground hunters are drawn to any noise in the area and do not have discriminating tastes as they will eat anything they can wrap their mouths on. The locals of Perfection have to find a way to go for help as there is no way to communicate with the outside world. Trying to come up with a plan to get everyone to safety, the handymen team up with their local paranoid extremist Burt Gummer and use the Graboids strengths to their own benefits. 

I think Tremors is one of the best Creature Features I've ever seen as the monsters seem to be unbeatable. With their lack of sight, the Graboids seem to be stupid but are able to learn from their mistakes very quickly. That is what makes this movie scary as the creatures adapt to their new situations and refuse to lose even as their prey seem to get the upper hand. With plenty of laughs, there are enough scares to make this one of my favorite horror movies from my youth. Even if you are able to find a place to escape the Graboids' reach, they are very patient and willing to wait it out until someone gives. You either face the choice of starvation or being someone’s dinner, something that not many people have ever planned for. Stay Scared.

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