Infestation (2009)

A pleasant surprise for all the sci-fi/horror genre fans. It's a solid little movie that has the big advantage of not taking itself too seriously while delivering the goods through a good script, many nice touches and some good plot twists.

The predictable and low-budget-showing finale doesn't detract from enjoying this funny and creepy enough piece that enjoys itself remembering the old day's creature features (Tarantula and Them! come to mind).

Surely worth a relaxed watch with some drinks and snacks. A few steps below Shaun of the dead but kind of a similar vive. If you are a fan of the genre, don't miss it. If not, you will probably find it entertaining enough.

Fmovies: I am a big supporter of indie films as i believe that they (not all) are films made in sincerity with a true belief in entertainment. This one blew me away. I got it from a friend and watched it with no expectations, but man was i impressed. The FX were excellent, kudos to Dilated Pixels for a great attempt. There were a few holes ,but hey this was probably made on a $10 budget, wow. I cant sing this movies praises enough. Kyle Rankin is name we will be seeing more often in the future and i truly hope he is not blinded by the big budgets that Hollywood may have to offer. If he remembers his roots (ala Christopher Nolan) success will follow him. The acting was superb the leads lead the rest followed. Camera work and score were totally in sync and the dialog was actually delivered with effort, great effort. The gore factor was there but not overplayed, so even the gore mongers would be satisfied. Sudden scares and unexpected "boos" will get you too. If you have an opportunity get this one, not to criticize what it couldn't afford to have but rather admire for what id did for what it had.

This latest Sci-Fi channel production has moments, but not enough.

Horror comedies can be done well (Lake Placid, Tremors, Anachnaphobia), but the director and writer better know what they're doing, since the balance of the two genres is difficult. This writer and director didn't quite have it. They fall into the trap of trying too hard to be funny.

The lead actor reminds me of Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate, although the film is obviously shooting for an Animal House type guy. His acting is passable, but the character is written with such juvenile angst that the comedy comes off awkward, even pathetic. In fact, most of the actors play well, but the over wrought screenplay sinks their efforts. Some one-liners are funny, but they're fired off with about as much subtlety as a cannon blast aimed at your face from six inches away. After several salvos of this heavy-handed delivery, the approach becomes a nuisance.

Why things are happening is never explained, only vaguely referenced. Consistency is non-existent: for example, bugs ruthlessly coordinate lethal attacks of walk-on characters with lethal precision, but suddenly can't seem to do anything right when it comes to killing off a lead character. Gruesome deaths are commonplace, and blood flows freely. Characters constantly argue over anything and everything, to a point where your ears start to bleed.

Watchable, but not in the same league as some movies of the horror/comedy blended genre.

Infestation fmovies. The clumsy Cooper (Christopher Marquette) is called by his chief Maureen (Deborah Geffner) to be fired from his job. Out of the blue, they hear a shrill noise and they faint. When Cooper wakes up, the finds wrapped in a cocoon and sees a giant insect. He succeeds to escape and release Maureen. They find that the city has been taken over by giant insects and Maureen runs to the street to save her daughter Sara (Brooke Nevin). However a flying insect captures Maurren and Cooper and Sara runs to his office. They release a group from the cocoons and the strong Hugo (E. Quincy Sloan) that is deaf; the sexy and dumb weather girl Cindy (Kinsey Packard); and the janitor Albert (Wesley Thompson) decide to cross the street to visit Albert's son that is sick; Cindy's family; and finally Cooper's estranged father Ethan (Ray Wise). Cooper hits on Sara and when an insect catches her, he decides to go to their nest to rescue Sara and blow-up the structure. Will he succeed?

"Infestation" is a surprisingly funny and entertaining action film. The characters are stereotypes and the hero Cooper is an asshole; Sara is smart; Cindy is a dumb blonde; Hugo is a heartwarming strong man; Ethan is the stereotype of a military. The special effects are much better than anyone could expect. There is no conclusion; probably for a sequel that has not been made. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Infestação: Insetos Assassinos" ("Infestation: Killer Insects")

I just saw it at the Maine International Film Festival with director and one actor present (one is from Maine). What a fantastic flick! Really excellent direction, acting and special effects. Although meant to take place in New England, it was actually filmed in Bulgaria (budget reasons). The humor is fast and punchy. A true low budget instant classic which I am predicting will be a cult favorite. Looking forward to more from Kyle Rankin! In the vein of Starship Troopers and Bruce Campbell. The ending is great even though the director had an alternate version (no spoilers here, but maybe it will be in the DVD coming out later in the year). It will be shown in September on SyFy.

I'm not sure, if the "monsters" here, have eight legs, I just know that the overall feeling is, that this could be a relative of the movie "Eight Legged Freaks". A fun horror movie then, with some nice characters. While they are all making the best of their roles, Ray Wise obviously helps the movie a lot! Without him, the movie would have lost much of it's touch!

Of course, if you don't like your horror mixed with comedy, you will be certainly annoyed. Throw in a bit of romance and some people might want to switch off, after a few minutes. They would miss Ray Wise of course, but again, if you don't like this mixture, it would be better, if you didn't watch this. Would be a waste of your time. Everyone else, who wants to have, a fun and light viewing pleasure, go ahead and rent it :o)