"The Nest" isn't the best of this kind of film you're ever going to see, but it certainly isn't the worst, either. It's a decent creepy-crawlies shocker, loosely based on a novel by Eli Cantor, that if nothing else will hit home for any viewer with a roach phobia. It's competent without being distinguished, but does deliver some solid visceral thrills during its fairly trim 88 minute run time.
A New England fishing village finds itself inundated by hordes of killer cockroaches when an experiment goes horribly wrong. Among those forced to deal with the increasingly untenable problem are a young sheriff (Franc Luz) who's inherited his job from his late father, the morally compromised mayor (Robert Lansing), the mayors' daughter (Lisa Langlois) who's returned home after a stint in the big city, a demented scientist (Terri Treas), and a quirky exterminator (Stephen Davies).
Terence H. Winkless, who'd received co-screenplay credit (with John Sayles) on "The Howling", debuts as director here and does a decent job. He does get good performances out of his cast, especially the lovely Treas as a crazy lady who seems oddly turned on when roaches start nibbling on her hand. Also in the cast are Diana Bellamy as a demanding local busybody, Jack Collins as the amiable Shaky Jake, and Nancy Morgan (first wife of the late John Ritter) as sweet diner waitress Lillian. Luz is a very likable hero.
The on location shooting (including use of the legendary Bronson Caves) is an asset, as is the spooky music by Rick Conrad. The special effects are reasonably impressive, with some fun shots of roaches growing out of people and forming hybrids with animals that they've ingested. The many shots of swarming roaches are sure to make some in the audience squirm in their seats.
If you enjoy a good gross 'em out horror film and particularly enjoy those that revolve around ravenous insects, then you should be able to appreciate "The Nest".
Six out of 10.
A New England fishing village finds itself inundated by hordes of killer cockroaches when an experiment goes horribly wrong. Among those forced to deal with the increasingly untenable problem are a young sheriff (Franc Luz) who's inherited his job from his late father, the morally compromised mayor (Robert Lansing), the mayors' daughter (Lisa Langlois) who's returned home after a stint in the big city, a demented scientist (Terri Treas), and a quirky exterminator (Stephen Davies).
Terence H. Winkless, who'd received co-screenplay credit (with John Sayles) on "The Howling", debuts as director here and does a decent job. He does get good performances out of his cast, especially the lovely Treas as a crazy lady who seems oddly turned on when roaches start nibbling on her hand. Also in the cast are Diana Bellamy as a demanding local busybody, Jack Collins as the amiable Shaky Jake, and Nancy Morgan (first wife of the late John Ritter) as sweet diner waitress Lillian. Luz is a very likable hero.
The on location shooting (including use of the legendary Bronson Caves) is an asset, as is the spooky music by Rick Conrad. The special effects are reasonably impressive, with some fun shots of roaches growing out of people and forming hybrids with animals that they've ingested. The many shots of swarming roaches are sure to make some in the audience squirm in their seats.
If you enjoy a good gross 'em out horror film and particularly enjoy those that revolve around ravenous insects, then you should be able to appreciate "The Nest".
Six out of 10.