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Infestation
The day starts off much like any other for
twenty-something phone rep slacker Cooper (Chris Marquette). He’s late
for work, spends several minutes upon arrival goofing off and is
promptly summoned to his manager’s office for a disciplinary lecture.
Before the dressing down can commence however there is a piercing,
ear-splitting shriek that causes everyone within earshot to collapse
into unconsciousness.
When Cooper awakens he finds himself and
his fellow cubicle-dwellers sown into silken cocoons, and the world
overrun with giant, terrifying and very hungry insects. With the aid of
a co-worker’s daughter (Brooke Nevin), his ex-military father (Twin
Peaks‘ Ray Wise) and a ragtag assortment of survivors, Cooper must
assume the unlikely role of hero and attempt to save humanity from the
horde of marauding bugs, just maybe improving his love life in the
process.
Infestation is both an entertaining
homage to bygone sci-fi schlock and a worthy addition to the B-movie
oeuvre. Marquette is an excellent choice of lead and proves both
charming and adept, playing well off his co-stars and carrying the film
with dexterity. Though the storyline lulls occasionally it is
nonetheless compelling from start to finish, and the action sequences
are imbued with intensity without needing to resort to gore or
gruesomeness.
On the technical front the Dolby Digital
5.1 surround soundtrack is a pulsating and emotive affair, and both the
picture quality and computer-generated effects are brilliant, especially
considering director Kyle Rankin’s limited budget (purportedly around $5
million). A 20-minute Making Of is the only bonus feature, but it
provides and interesting and worthwhile glimpse into the filmmaking
process, containing behind-the-scenes footage as well as interviews with
the cast and key creatives.
A throwback to the monster movies of the
1950s, Infestation works well as a parody whilst still managing
to stand as an accomplished and highly enjoyable film in its own right.
It’s no mean feat, and the end result is highly recommended for those
who like their horror with liberal lashings of comedy. |
