MIMIC (1997)
A Film Review
Copyright Dragan Antulov 2004
Most of today's Hollywood films are derivative in nature. They are
remakes, sequels or cheap and thinly disguised copies of other, more
successful movies. Ironically, the film whose very title suggest lack of
originality proved to be one of the more interesting and original
examples of its genre. That was MIMIC, 1997 horror film directed by
Guillermo Del Toro.
Plot of the film is based on the short story by Donald A. Wolheim. It
starts with New York being struck with mysterious plague that kills
and cripples children. Government scientist Dr. Peter Mann (played
by Jeremy Northam) has found the cause of disease, but not the cure
and, after determining that the plague is carried by cockroaches,
seeks services of entomologist Dr. Susan Tyler (played by Mira
Sorvino). She presents solution in the form of Judas Breed, genetically
engineered half-mantis half-termite insects with ability to mimic
cockroaches, enter their colonies and destroy them. Plan works and
disease is stopped but three years later Mann and Tyler, now
married, have to face some of its unpleasant side effects. New York
subways become site of horrific murders, rumoured to be a work of
mysterious men in leather trench coats. After Mann and Tyler go
there to investigate, they would discover that Judas Breed evolved
into giant deadly insects able to mimic human beings.
The basic plot of MIMIC isn't very original - it uses the old cliches
about disastrous results of scientists messing up with Nature, while
the second part of the film, with group of protagonists having to fight
legions of monsters in New York subway, resembles ALIENS. At the
same time, script strays from the cliches - scientists aren't
Frankenstein-like megalomaniacs and their disastrous experiment
came from best of intentions and real necessity. At the beginning of
the story two of the protagonists are already married, so MIMIC is
spared of distracting romantic subplots. Guillermo Del Toro gives the
film unique look with using warm colours in order to create
completely different sort of atmosphere. Instead of warmth, those
colours suggest decay and filth. On the other hand, the acting leaves
something to be desired. Mira Sorvino is just as convincing in the role
of serious scientist as she was in the roles of brainless bimbos that
had made her reputation. The rest of the cast is not particularly
impressive, but their effort seems to be sufficient for this kind of film.
The general impression of MIMIC is a dark but entertaining horror
film which is in many ways contradicts its title.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
Review written on April 14th 2004
Dragan Antulov a.k.a. Drax
http://film.purger.com - Filmske recenzije na hrvatskom/Movie Reviews in
Croatian
http://www.ofcs.org - Online Films Critics Society
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