Review of Tremors II: Aftershocks (1996) by James S — 21 Jun 2009

Cheap but resoundingly cheerful sequel to the good fun monster movie original. It's straight to DVD quality only seems to enhance the enjoyment of Tremors 2. The films themselves are a throwback to the 1950's monster movies so the minuscule budget and cheap effects seems only appropriate for a film of this kind.

Fred Ward has been tempted back to go down to Mexico where those pesky worms are eating people left right and centre, only to discover that something, not necessarily nastier, but different, is in store.

Tremors 2 makes good on the promise of more grabboid worm action but also introduces the next stage in these creatures development. Admittedly, the pay off when it's revealed just what that is, is a little bit of a let down but it's still amusing enough and it gives the sequel a new focus rather than simply rehashing the original. Ward is fine once more as his grizzled handyman and Kevin Bacon is replaced by the amiable Chris Gartin, as well as a cast of new worm food.

Tremors 2 does manage to make for a slightly scarier ride than its predecessor and the scripting is of good quality, all of this combines to make a highly enjoyable sequel and proof that you can make a thrilling and decent monster movie on a shoestring.