Infested: Invasion of the Killer Bugs

Infested: Invasion of the Killer Bugs
by Josh Olson

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DVD Reviews of Infested: Invasion of the Killer Bugs

DVD Review: So-so horror-satire
Summary: 2 Stars

I've read some prior reviews of "Infested." Some people absolutely hate the movie, saying it's a horrible excuse for bad CGI work and an inane, boring plot. Other reviews see it as a great example of social satire wrapped in a silly horror movie. I fall somewhere in between.

The first half of the movie is actually fairly entertaining. After a rather amusing graveside service, a group of old college friends gather at the home of their recently deceased former friend. They hang out, talk about the good old 80's (!) and regret their choices in life. It's all very reminiscent of "The Big Chill."

To gauge the tone of "Infested," one can reference the scene in which a character proudly holds up a .45 record, saying, "Does anyone remember these?" He proceeds to play the record and, instead of a golden oldie, we're treated to "Da Da Da," the song by Trio that gained popularity by its inclusion in a Volkswagen commercial! It's a silly song, a "classic" for this group of socially-stunted individuals who pine for their former glory. Dammit, it's funny.

Of course, a movie about killer flies wouldn't be complete without the killer flies. They eventually make their appearance (after a very gratuitous breast shot of a thirtysomething woman) and the fun turns to horror--albeit for about 15 minutes of the movie.

In this 15 minutes or so, we see several nice "ewwww!" scenes, including a girl getting blood puked on her, a decapitation after a severe and squirting neck wound, a crowbar through the side and a really nasty leg infection with flies growing in it. There's also a shower scene (sadly, no nudity from cutie Amy Jo Johnson of "Felicity" and "Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers") replete with a swarm of flies. The dialog is appropriately goofy, including such memorable ones as "They don't strike me as ordinary flies." Dammit, it's funny!

So there's the first half of the movie. I was fairly impressed at this point. I mean, sure, I knew it wasn't going to win any awards, but it was cruising along nicely. The direction is serviceable, the acting was pretty darn good (from Galligan, the aforementioned cutie Ms. Johnson and Robert Duncan McNeill of "Star Trek: Voyager") and the gore effects were pretty impressive.

However, about 45 minutes in (30 minutes of "The Big Chill Redux" plus 15 minutes of the fly attacks), the movie quickly goes downhill. The majority of the last half of the movie involves the surviving characters fending fly-zombies off with torches and running around outside and inside the house trying to decide what to do. There's no suspense, and the comedic element is gone for all practical purposes. The gore is non-existent as well. In addition, there's a "surprise" revelation toward the end which is relatively boring and cringe-inducing. I have a pretty good feeling that it was supposed to be played for humor, but it was only worthy of a yawn.

One other note: Zach Galligan is a decent enough actor. In addition, He's a pretty nice guy. I actually talked to him one night in 1986 or so as he was waiting for a cab on 86th and Broadway in New York. So my advice to him is simply this: get a new agent, buddy. You deserve better.

First half of the movie: 4 out of 5 stars. The last half of the movie: 1 out of 5 stars. As a result, my final rating: 2 out of 5 stars. Rent it.

Description of Infested: Invasion of the Killer Bugs