Tremors 5: Bloodlines is the recently released fourth sequel in the Tremors franchise. It was distributed by Universal Studios Home Entertainment and takes place 14 years after Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001). Tremors is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated film franchises in scifi/horror history. It was first spawned in 1990 and those working behind the scenes have been smart enough to leave 4 – 6 year gaps in between films so that the series isn’t beaten to death with sequels. However, it has been 11 years since the last entry, a prequel Tremors 4: The Legend Begins, and one has to wonder if there’s any magic left in these giants worms. I purchased my copy of the movie earlier this week and here’s my thoughts having finally watched it.
Tremors 5: Bloodlines is directed Don Michael Paul, who knows a thing or two about directing straight-to-DVD creature features after previously taking the reigns of Lake Placid: The Final Chapter. The screenplay was written by M.A. Deuce, C.J. Strebor and William Truesmith based on original characters and creatures from John Whelpley. Cast members include Scream‘s Jamie Kennedy, Jamie Kennedy, Pearl Thusi, Ian Roberts, Brandon Auret, Daniel Janks, Rea Rangaka, Nolitha Zulu, Sello Sebotsane and Michael Gross returning as Burt Gummer.
Our story takes place 14 years after the events in Nevada and Burt Gummer is now the host and star of his own survival series currently filming off the grid. On this particular day, things aren’t going well for Burt: he meets his new camera man (Jamie Kennedy) who he hates upon sight and then he is promptly found and propositioned by a wildlife official who seeks Burt’s help. Poachers in The Cradle of Humankind, Africa were attacked by Ass-Blasters and Burt is needed immediately to help them rid the area the monstrous nuisances. When he arrives at a small village in Africa, Burt is reunited with the creatures of his worst nightmares… Ass-Blasters, evolved Graboids and a Queen Bitch. Burt finds himself outgunned, out-witted and outnumbered in his quest to save the small town from the giant worms. But, you know it’ll take more than that to keep this man down!
First and foremost I want to mention how glad I am that Tremors 5: Bloodlines is another direct sequel in the franchise. Not only does Burt Gummer lead the entire feature film, but he also quotes and makes allusions to the previous films several times. This means that viewers of the 1990 installments are really going to get a kick out of the movie and this serves as a love letter to the die-hard fans. The tone of the Tremors movie took a different turn after the second film, heading more in a comedic route, but I can safely say that Tremors 5: Bloodlines fall somewhere in the middle of dry humor and somewhat successful suspense. It’s not trying too hard to make you laugh and it’s not trying too hard to thrill your pants off; it’s a fun, smooth ride with great acting, action and a location that provides beautiful terrains. In other words, this is definitely a sequel that deserves to be made and one that doesn’t cheapen the franchise in the least.
Now, I know most of you are going to be wondering “what about the Graboids?” Most of the franchise’s allure comes from the deadly, otherworldly creatures and, due to new film-making technology, one might wonder how the creatures were used and how they look on screen. Well, the subterranean giant worms don’t really make an appearance until the middle of the movie. That first chunk of time is donated to establishing the story, fleshing out characters and building the monster mayhem suspense. When the film gets to its middle point, though, it’s a Graboid and Ass-Blaster onslaught… and these creatures don’t want to be fucked with. They’re more evolved, faster, smarter and meaner. One is threatening enough, not to mention two or three. The Ass-Blasters are definitely the stars of the film, with the Graboids only digging into the action towards the very end. And, as with previous entries, the creatures were designed with CGI instead of practical effects. Still, they look amazing and are much, much higher quality than anything you’d see on SyFy or from The Asylum.
In all honesty, Tremors 5: Bloodlines was absolutely fantastic. Michael Gross and Jamie Kennedy have tremendous on screen chemistry with their love-hate relationship; and Michael Gross still plays Burt so well! Pearl Thusi added a level of sensuality to the movie. She is a stone-cold fox, a bad ass and a sense of warmth in all the madness. Hands down my favorite performer from the movie. I loved seeing the giant worms back in action and once they started to swarm, the action was non-stop. Tremors 5: Bloodlines can only be summarized as fun and well worth the wait. I’d even go as far as saying it has tremendous sequel opportunity in its own right and is one of the better sequels in the series. It even has a stand up and applaud, feel good ending. I loved it. Well worth the price of purchase!
Final Score: 9 out of 10
