The Thaw (2009)

Cast: Val Kilmer, Alexandra Staseson and Brad Dryborough

Writers: Mark A. Lewis, Michael Lewis

Director: Mark A. Lewis

I recently heard of this film from a friend because I've been completely out of touch for many reasons. The biggest reason is seeing many a horror movie websites that claim to be all about "true" horror banking out to Hollywood and almost ultimately shunning independent films. This is one reason why I'll never be a real critic, because even if it's one of my random beliefs, I solely believe eventually every critic is paid off for a good or great review of a shite movie that Hollywood or the "top dogs" want to sell off to the people. That's just b/s in my book and whether it's true or not is not up for discussion and to be honest I really don't care. One thing is for certain I need to get back in touch and keep up with upcoming great horror flicks regardless how crappy the sites that promote them are.

There are hundreds of films released monthly, on the big screen, straight to dvd and so on. Some are hit, some are missed, some are never seen or heard of. Fortunate enough this film was better late than never and as one of many films of the "Ghost House Underground", I am very proud that it was my introduction to the world of  "Ghost House", because an itchy film like this should not be missed.

The film takes place out in the Arctic where a group discovers a frozen Mammoth in a polar ice cap. As it begins to thaw out so do a myriad of prehistoric parasites living within it. The bugs make their way under the skin of the research team and cause they to become sick and not to mention, they lay eggs and multiply with in the person. Unknowing, a group of students is sent to come out to the site as well as the site leaders daughter, whom is actually turned away when she reaches the Helicopter that's taking them to the site. Being the rebellious girl she is, she ignores her fathers orders and decides to go any way, only to learn her father is missing and something is right. That's when little by little the group learns about the nasty little flesh critters and try to fight them and fight for their own lives.

This film felt like a subtle blend of "Ticks" or "Bug" meets John Carpenter's "The Thing" meets "Cabin Fever. It's not as Bloody as those aforementioned, but it does have certain subtleties that reminded me of them and that blend worked really well. You have the flesh critters like in "Ticks" only smaller like "Bug", you have the group out in the Arctic like in "The Thing" except with civilians on board and no horrific transformation and you have the nasty sickened state kind of like "Cabin Fever". Also not to much the banding together and not trusting who may or may not be infested, or as in "The Thing" and "Cabin Fever" infected. I don't see this as being bad, it's just my analogy of the similarities of these films which make a great homage to classics.

The plot is really good, it's set around Val Kilmer's character, but focuses more on the students, which is okay cause it all builds up to secrets being uncovered and so on. Plus the character development isn't too bad either. The acting is good and a lot of the emotions of the character's are brought out. However, like most films, no real tears. But that's all forgivable and is also something not too many play mention too really. Not to mention that certain bugs and/or parasites have actually been discovered in similar terms, which throws in the "it can actually happen?" card.

The bugs are nasty little creatures that stir up some nasty sickness and some okay death scenes. There isn't much of a body count here or much gore. But you get a small decent share which fits the pace and tone of the film. And if you have a fear of bugs you will be disturbed by these critters and on how fast the multiply. They're like the bed bug epidemic gone nightmare It would call for severe quarantine and more than likely neutralization of the city infested, if something like that were to happen out here or travel out here to the States or any other region for that matter.

Overall, I really enjoyed these nasty little buggers and trust me I don't like bugs one bit. But these little guys found their way under my skin =rim shot= and into my heart. The feel, the pace, the tone and so on are the key ingredients to making a great film. I definitely recommend this this infestation, especially to people that hate creepy crawlers. So if you have a girlfriend or potential love interest whom is scared of horror and bugs, great film for cuddle time, especially with all the nasty these things cause. So grab the Popcorn, your favorite insecticide and try not to be "bugged" while watching these bugs, bug the life out of people. (and do mind my failed attempt of humor)

5/5