A young, talented cast and plenty of thrills highlight this interesting take on "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" combined with elements of "The Thing". A High School in a small sports town is invaded by an alien parasite that can replicate the human body and blend in undetected. Sound familiar? So be it. Director, Rodriguez pulls off this one with style and humor. From its brutally violent opening to its exciting climax as misfit students battle the unseen extraterrestrials, and of course, parents and police don't believe them, and fall victim themselves until the whole town is taken over with the exception of a football jock, a geeky half-pint, a bitchy beauty, a tomboy and a resourceful druggie.
At times, this seems like a metaphor for misunderstood teen angst and paranoia, but comes off pretty slick due to Rodriguez's direction and good pacing. Lots of great lead performances including Elijah Wood (before his 'Lord of the Rings' fame), gorgeous Jordana Brewster and a menacing Robert Patrick. Some pretty cheesy effects make this a fun throwback to 80's films, and a tight script brings life to the action. This is only dampened by an unneeded high school mean-spiritedness that makes some of the characters unsympathetic and withdrawn. Although, with that aside, this is pretty solid stuff from the director of the equally entertaining 'From Dusk Til Dawn'. All the action is finally wrapped up in a good, reinvigorating ending. Look for appearances by Salma Hayek, Piper Laurie and Usher Raymond.
At times, this seems like a metaphor for misunderstood teen angst and paranoia, but comes off pretty slick due to Rodriguez's direction and good pacing. Lots of great lead performances including Elijah Wood (before his 'Lord of the Rings' fame), gorgeous Jordana Brewster and a menacing Robert Patrick. Some pretty cheesy effects make this a fun throwback to 80's films, and a tight script brings life to the action. This is only dampened by an unneeded high school mean-spiritedness that makes some of the characters unsympathetic and withdrawn. Although, with that aside, this is pretty solid stuff from the director of the equally entertaining 'From Dusk Til Dawn'. All the action is finally wrapped up in a good, reinvigorating ending. Look for appearances by Salma Hayek, Piper Laurie and Usher Raymond.