Expert Graboid killer Burt Gummer (Michael Gross) returns to the tiny desert community of Perfection after some time away. (For example, in the opening sequence, he's helping the people of rural Argentina with their Shrieker problem.) He finds that Perfection has been turned into a Graboid themed tourist trap. A new local is Desert Jack Sawyer (Shawn Christian), and his scheme is offering guided tours. Soon, some of the subterranean monsters are making appearances, after an absence of 11 years, and people like Burt, Jack, and market owner Jodi Chang (Susan Chuang) have to protect themselves against the various incarnations of the monster, including a new menace, the flying "Ass Blasters". (Yeah, I know, it sounds like a porno film.)
It *is* nice to see some of the old characters once again, like rancher Miguel (Tony Genaro), and mother and daughter Nancy and Mindy (Charlotte Stewart and Ariana Richards). Annoying jerk Melvin (Robert Jayne) is now a persistent developer. The new characters are mostly nondescript and bland, although studly Christian and pretty Chuang are reasonably engaging compatriots for Burts' battle with the Graboids. The material, written by franchise veterans S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock (who debuts as director), and Nancy Roberts, is only so-so, however. Sometimes it's entertaining, but at other times it's merely tiresome. The filmmaking is fairly slick for a direct to DVD sequel, because there *are* some gorgeous shots. The creature designs are still impressive, but some people will take issue with the copious use of CGI.
Gross got boosted to star of the franchise after the departure of both Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, and he certainly has made Burt Gummer a very entertaining character. You gotta love his predilection for weapons, gadgets, and safeguards. He is the most valuable asset of these movies now. Look for his sister, comic actress Mary Gross, in a quick cameo as a tourist mom. Character actor Tom Everett ("Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III", "Air Force One") appears unbilled as Agent Statler.
"Tremors 3: Back to Perfection" may do the trick for monster movie lovers if they're not very demanding. It's somewhat overlong at an hour and 44 minutes, but at least it never gets too boring.
Six out of 10.
It *is* nice to see some of the old characters once again, like rancher Miguel (Tony Genaro), and mother and daughter Nancy and Mindy (Charlotte Stewart and Ariana Richards). Annoying jerk Melvin (Robert Jayne) is now a persistent developer. The new characters are mostly nondescript and bland, although studly Christian and pretty Chuang are reasonably engaging compatriots for Burts' battle with the Graboids. The material, written by franchise veterans S.S. Wilson, Brent Maddock (who debuts as director), and Nancy Roberts, is only so-so, however. Sometimes it's entertaining, but at other times it's merely tiresome. The filmmaking is fairly slick for a direct to DVD sequel, because there *are* some gorgeous shots. The creature designs are still impressive, but some people will take issue with the copious use of CGI.
Gross got boosted to star of the franchise after the departure of both Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, and he certainly has made Burt Gummer a very entertaining character. You gotta love his predilection for weapons, gadgets, and safeguards. He is the most valuable asset of these movies now. Look for his sister, comic actress Mary Gross, in a quick cameo as a tourist mom. Character actor Tom Everett ("Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III", "Air Force One") appears unbilled as Agent Statler.
"Tremors 3: Back to Perfection" may do the trick for monster movie lovers if they're not very demanding. It's somewhat overlong at an hour and 44 minutes, but at least it never gets too boring.
Six out of 10.