Tremors 2: Aftershocks
dir. S.S. Wilson · 1996
Earl Bassett, once a local hero, is lured back into the world of monster hunting by the promise of a bounty on Graboids threatening an oil refinery. As he teams up with the enthusiastic Grady Hoover and the resourceful geologist Kate Reilly, they devise increasingly absurd methods to combat the creatures. Watching this film is like embarking on a wild, comedic adventure where ingenuity and humor collide against a backdrop of monstrous chaos.
When an army of Graboids - giant, carnivorous underground worms - threaten the Petromaya oil refinery in Mexico, its owners call on Earl Bassett, who once helped kill four of the creatures in Perfection, Nevada. Having squandered the money that came from his resulting celebrity status, Earl is convinced by the $50,000-a-head bounty offered, as well as the enthusiasm of admirer Grady Hoover, who becomes his partner. At Petromaya, Earl and Grady meet geologist Kate Reilly, and begin Graboid hunting, tricking several Graboids into swallowing bomb-rigged, remote-controlled cars. When they find they're facing a lot more Graboids than they ever expected, Earl calls his friend Burt Gummer, a survivalist who arrives well-stocked with weapons.
Talking points
- the evolution of horror-comedy
- the role of practical effects in filmmaking
- the dynamics of buddy partnerships
- the cultural significance of creature features
