Episode 56 : Tremors

Over the last 30 years, TREMORS (1990) has remained an impressively hair-raising monster movie, having garnered a steady following and still inspiring contemporary sequels. It’s one big mutha which appeals to any age and warrants going behind-the-scenes to understand why its boldness sets it apart from other films of the creature-feature genre. ▶️Synopsis: Physically barred from leaving town, two small town handymen stumble upon mysterious deaths and begin to link the grotesque killings to unprecedented, massively monstrous creatures living in the ground. ⏩⏩Discussions include: The origin story of TREMORS and how a writing duo’s friendship rolled into a directorial feature debut; crafty and gooey practical effects, miniatures, puppetry, evolution of the Graboid creatures and strength of the script; humor, tone and creation of a small town vibe living a terrifying reality; a deep dive into character dynamics and this solid ensemble cast; favorite scenes, marketing, audience reception and the TREMORS franchise. **Starring Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire. Directed by Ron Underwood.** ▶️**PICKS OF THE WEEK** —Lindsay’s Pick, RAISING CAIN (1992): This stylish, melodramatic thriller weaves together multiple personality disorder and clinical experimentation on children for a true psychological mind warp. **Starring John Lithgow, Lolita Davidovich, Steven Bauer. Directed by Brian De Palma.** —Justin’s Pick, THE RELIC (1997): After a series of grisly murders, a detective and a biologist must track down a mythical monster stalking and killing people in the Chicago Field Museum. **Starring Penelope Ann Miller, Tom Sizemore, Linda Hunt. Directed by Peter Hyams.** ▶️MURRAYMOMENT: Cutting to the root of Billy’s love for beloved musician, John Prine. ▶️FINAL THOUGHTS: The two different scores for TREMORS and the film’s effect on Bacon’s career. ▶️NEXT UP: THAT THING YOU DO!