Tremors returns for its fifth outing, Bloodlines. Probably the most vague title we’ve had so far, but it’ll become clear, nothing is that complicated in Tremors world. We know what we’re getting though don’t we. More Michael Gross! He’s here once again as Burt, our Graboid expert who helpfully explains to any newcomer what the monsters are and what they do. Surely no one’s watching this having not seen the other films though? Burt is now making survivalist YouTube content. Of course he is. After his cameraman bails, he’s left with Travis (Jamie Kennedy, that annoying guy in the Scream films). He’s annoying here too, but negotiates a deal to take the pair to Africa, hunting Ass-Blasters with the help of local gun-nut Johan (Brandon Auret). It’s still got that tough lo-fi charm, but the production values do feel a touch elevated. Maybe it’s the location, maybe it’s the new writers and director or that cheap camera kit had improved a lot in 25 years. The CGI is certainly much improved. It’s still silly, perhaps finally knowing so, but it’s still messy too with a bigger cast that’s largely redundant to the main plot and a story that for long periods just kills time rather than Graboids. Pearl Thusi as Nandi does make a decent action hero though and is quite refreshing amidst the usual male posturing. It’s no worse than some of the other sequels, but not really any better either. It just forgets to copy the original and instead goes for Jurassic Park crossed with Alien without getting remotely close to either. As it reaches its finale, it does miraculously tie its loose ends together and at a thrifty 90 minutes, it enjoyable enough. There’s two more films to go in the franchise to date, but I really think these monsters need a break. Maybe one will recapture the charm of the original or perhaps there’ll be really nasty grittier interpretation. It seems both are unlikely, but I’ll remain hopeful.
5/10
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