Skeeter

I wonder how this film lost its rightful place in IMDB's "bottom 100" list. It is unworthy of the term "horror flick"; it's more of a character drama, which perhaps would be fine if the characters were even remotely interesting, but they are not. As for the special effects, when the mosquitos don't seem to be flying around held by invisible strings, they seem to be literally painted onto the film. "Skeeter" runs only 95 minutes, but they feel like four hours. Not recommended, even to my worst enemy. 0 out of 4.

This movie has everything. First there is deputy Boone (Jim Youngs) doing a marginal Clint Eastwood imitation. Then, there is a crazed (is there any other kind?) Michael J. Pollard feeding his pet giant mosquito by letting it suck blood from his own arm. Not enough for you? How about Charles Napier playing a lecherous, corrupt sheriff? What's not to like? Besides the numerous eccentric characters, unintentional humor abounds, starting with the mosquito's which look like "Creepy Crawlers" on steroids, and capped by our hero taking time out to weld together a flamethrower while his girlfriend is trapped in a mine with the giant mosquito's. Creative location photography, decent character development, and an interesting soundtrack, can't overcome the obvious. This is not a good movie. - MERK

"Skeeter" is a passing fair critter-condundrum movie. I like it. It is merely another basic entry in the long-lived monster genre originating in the 1950's; and I'm a fan. You cannot go into one of these films with expectations of high drama, magnificent special effects, and flawless plot lines. You go to see the monsters run amok and the films' characters, in more ways than one, attempt to stem the tide of nature on a rampage. As to the special effects, if you are a fan, after the initial shock and laughter, your brain accommodates; and the mosquitoes, or squids, or bats, or whatever, take on a surrealistic and entertaining quality.

One improvement we do get with these newer entries is generally better acting than in the past. The directing hasn't changed much over the years; it is still marginal at best. But more good actors are available now. They are eager for work and generally do an excellent job with marginal scripts, formula plots, and overwhelmed directors. The cast of "Skeeter" is quite compelling and the characters are believable for the most part. The plot drags a little as the director attempts to create some reason to watch the film other than to see giant mosquitoes run rampant. These new directors have forgotten that there is no other reason. But I think "Skeeter" is fun and, worth some good escapism time. Be sure, in the early part of the film, to try and figure out what the "dead cow" really is. I personally think it's an army surplus blanket. My recommendation is to see "Skeeter" with a friend, have a crossword handy, and then you'll have three interesting things to do. One of them should work out. It just might be "Skeeter"!

Drake is a greedy mining magnate (Robinson) turning the sleepy rural town of Clear Sky into a prospect, lining the pockets of corrupt local officials in the bargain, until water poisoning results in over-sized mosquitoes sucking the lifeblood out of the locals. Local deputy and part time metal sculptor (Youngs) isn't on Drake's payroll and decides to engage the services of a chemist (Sanderson) to ascertain the cause of the pollution. Naturally, Drake and his cronies try to hinder the process, until finally the mutated "skeeters" become the common nemesis.

Despite its disjointed, pedestrian pace, the vast array of familiar faces and corny set-ups are almost redeemable qualities in this otherwise meandering mish-mash. There's some nice photography and amusing dialogue, and the effects aren't so bad they're unwatchable, but continuity is the chief concern, with so many scenes of limited relevance that characters are reduced to cameo appearances (recognizable faces like Pollard, Putch & Flower are virtually bit parts).

The primitive tension between goodbye girl Griffith and her former companion Youngs manages to simmer to a gentle boil for one, romantic interlude in the sheds – by candlelight of course. It's one of the hallmarks of the weakly conceived storyline, or its interpretation, that the mood can switch so frequently from scene to scene as it does in this film. In some passages, it seems almost as if the "skeeters" are a sub plot such is their lack of relevance; in reality, the film carries so much peripheral baggage, it can't successfully meld them cohesively. Lots of location work, stunts and pyrotechnics to show off some semblance of a movie budget, but the connective tissue is so malnourished, it's barely alive.

So while the cast is attractive (see Trainor & Edwards in all too brief roles), capable (Napier particularly) and with some exceptions sincere in the performances, the fatal lack of connectivity or momentum consigns this one to trash-video status. Not to be avoided at all costs, but don't expect much in return.

Thank God I didn't pay money to see this movie! It was on cable late one night and I decided to watch. I was crying not because I was scared but because I was laughing so hard! If you ignore the impossible plot line and concentrate on how horrible the special effects and the acting are, it becomes one of the funniest movies. I don't recommend this movie for sci-fi or serious movie fans. If you want a good laugh and can stand cheesy movies, rent this one!