Review of Tremors II: Aftershocks (1996) by K.c. L — 20 Jun 2010

The law of diminishing returns almost always holds true when applied to a horror series with the ?Tremors? series being no different. Luckily for us though, the original Tremors was such a good film that despite this sequel not reaching the standards of its predecessor it still manages to be an entertaining film.

The plot yet again features the ?Graboids? from the original film which are giant worm like creatures with a taste for human flesh. This time they are causing havoc on a Mexican oil ground but with the added bonus of being able to spawn smaller Graboids with legs thus making them capable of running and jumping on land. After some workers are killed, the owners of the oil field start to decide to enlist the help of one of the hero?s of the original, played by Fred Ward, to rid the land of the Graboids. Unfortunately for Fred and his annoying partner, he has no idea that they will spawn smaller Graboids and thus they all end up in another fight for their life against the Graboids.

The major difference between the sequel and the original is that the sequel dispels nearly all horror elements and instead goes for much more of a comedy feel. Yes the original was funny but it was also a horror film where the worms were menacing and hell bent on killing people. Bar one scene, the Graboids in the sequel are killed off far too easily and it?s a much more light hearted and cheesy film than the first. There is more slapstick humour and very little tension or suspense. It?s still a funny film and the effects for the Graboids are excellent for a film made in 1996, but it all seems very family friendly and thus loses a lot of what made the original such a popular film.

As sequels go Tremors 2 is quite good and very funny at times but there is a big difference in tone compared to the original. It?s a fun film but certainly not a horror and so loses some of the magic contained within the original.