The tyranist's thoughts
Between the soft spot in my heart for Mira Sorvino and the growing awe I feel when I see the work of Guillermo del Toro, there is my devout love of horror and science fiction. When I saw that this was an adaptation of the Wollheim story, I got excited. Not because I've read the story (and I feel bad that I haven't), but rather because Donald A. Wollheim was the driving force behind one of the best science fiction publishing houses to ever grace our book shelves. I knew he'd written as well, but as I've already admitted, I'm underexposed. Still, he wrote in that era when science fiction could look forward with more wonder than I think we'll ever muster again. To bring a horror story out of that (which wasn't entirely impossible, it just wasn't tried much) is the mark of a good writer.
Anyway, as a way to counteract a growing plague, Mira Sorvino's character introduces a species of cockroach specifically bred to kill other cockroaches through its chemical emissions. It is ludicrously effective, but at what price?
I hate cockroaches as much as the next person (except for maybe Rish who hates them with an unholy passion rivaled only by my feelings toward Leonardo DiCaprio), and this movie is mostly concerned with gigantic, man-sized cockroaches. It is very effective. The production is smooth and fun and while it is a touch predictable at times and a touch simplistic at others, it moves along nicely and all is resolved in the end. Except, of course, how that kid survived. That bugged me. Pun intended.
This one is worth checking out if you like sci-fi horror or bug movies, or just like Ms. Sorvino. Guillermo del Toro is a talent that shouldn't be missed as well. This wasn't his best movie, but it still stands head and shoulders above more than a few others. Check this one out if you get the chance. I think you'll enjoy it.