Tremors (1990)

Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.

Director:

Ron Underwood

Writers:

S.S. Wilson (story), Brent Maddock (story)

Stars:

Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter

5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kevin Bacon	...	Valentine McKee
Fred Ward	...	Earl Bass
Finn Carter	...	Rhonda LeBeck
Michael Gross	...	Burt Gummer
Reba McEntire	...	Heather Gummer
Robert Jayne	...	Melvin Plug (as Bobby Jacoby)
Charlotte Stewart	...	Nancy
Tony Genaro	...	Miguel
Ariana Richards	...	Mindy
Richard Marcus	...	Nestor
Victor Wong	...	Walter Chang
Sunshine Parker	...	Edgar
Michael Dan Wagner	...	Old Fred
Conrad Bachmann	...	Jim - The Doctor
Bibi Besch	...	Megan - The Doctor's Wife

Storyline

A small town gradually becomes aware of a strange creature which picks off people one by one. But what is this creature, and where is it? At the same time, a seismologist is working in the area, she detects _tremors_. The creature lives underground, and can 'pop up' without warning. Trapped in their town, the town-folk have no escape.

---

Plot Keywords:

desert | giant worm | stranded on rooftop | monster | first part | 

---

Taglines:

The monster movie that breaks new ground.

---

Genres:

Comedy | Horror

---

Certificate:

PG-13

Did You Know?

Trivia

Principal photography took place in Lone Pine, California. The mountains in the distance are the Sierras. After filming was complete, the original set was completely torn down.

---

Goofs

When a graboid attacks Nancy's house, an awning falls off one of the windows, yet in a later shot it is gone.

---

Quotes

Valentine McKee: I can't believe we said no to free beer!

---

Alternate Versions

The TBS broadcast replaces the profanity with milder words. The shot where Val and Earl find the driller's helmet and brain is shortened because of the violence.

---

Connections

Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Times the Crazy Guy Was Right in Sci-Fi Movies (2020)

---

Soundtracks

You Are the One
Written and Performed by Fahrenheit

User Reviews

Surprisingly enjoyable good old fashioned monster movie!

On paper I would have expected 'Tremors' to suck - a low budget sci fi action comedy written by the 'Short Circuit' guys, and directed by a hack who went on to make 'City Slickers'. It doesn't exactly inspire confidence, does it? But if you put your prejudices aside you'll find that this is a surprisingly enjoyable good old fashioned monster movie. There is humour here, sure, but thankfully the movie doesn't go for a camp, tongue in cheek parody style, something for me that almost never works. The movies real strength is the perfect casting of Kevin Bacon ('Diner') and Fred Ward ('Henry And June') as the small town handymen turned reluctant heroes. They are supported by the left field but inspired casting of 'Family Ties' Michael Gross and country singer Reba McEntire as a couple of gung ho survivalists. 'Tremors' succeeds in what it sets out to be, an exciting and wonderfully entertaining b-grade horror thriller. A lot of fun and highly recommended.

Details

Official Sites:

Stampede Entertainment [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 January 1990 (USA)

Also Known As:

Land Sharks

Filming Locations:

Alabama Hills, Lone Pine, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$3,731,520, 21 January 1990

Gross USA:

$16,667,084

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,667,084

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, No Frills Film Production, Wilson-Maddock Production

Technical Specs

Runtime:

96 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR Stereo Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1