Mimic

Starring: Mira Sorvino, Jeremy Northam, Josh Brolin, Giancarlo Giannini, Charles S. Dutton, F. Murray Abraham
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Rating: R
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: In an effort to stop a disease killing children in New York City, an entomologist (Mira Sorvino) and her husband (Jeremy Northam) create a genetically different cockroach to destroy the infected ones. Everything works perfectly- the disease is eradicated and children stop dying. However, three years later, the genetically enhanced cockroaches have evolved into giant killers, able to mimic their predators- human beings.

Review:

Tim: You would think that a movie about giant killer cockroaches would be terrible. The very idea sounds preposterous and stupid. And yet, in the capable hands of director Guillermo del Toro, he very nearly pulls it off. Indeed, there is a great deal to like here in this movie. The fact that he very nearly created a good giant cockroach movie speaks volumes about his skill as a filmmaker. I honestly believe that he would have pulled it off had it not been for Bob Weinstein, who altered the script midway through, causing del Toro to disown the film (or so I read). This definitely feels like a troubled production, but enough works that this can at least be considered a decent movie.

I was surprised by how gruesome this movie was. It is certainly an "R" rated movie, and I occasionally squirmed due to the nasty, disgusting giant cockroaches. There are some pretty nasty scenes. Likewise, this film has a good deal of suspense throughout it. The idea of giant cockroaches capable of mimicking human beings is a gross, terrifying concept. This kept the movie interesting, as I had to force myself not to cover my eyes during some of the more graphic parts.

The cast works despite being mostly B-list movie stars. Mira Sorvino does a good job in the lead role, and is surprisingly believable as an entomologist. I thought she intelligently didn't try to do too much, instead delivering a reserved, quiet performance. Jeremy Northam is mostly boring and adds very little to the film. Anyone could have played his role- he added nothing special. Charles S. Dutton had some great dialogue to work with, and steals most of his scenes. I liked seeing Josh Brolin in a smaller role, but he doesn't really add too much. Giancarlo Giannini's presence was welcome, although his subplot was a bit unnecessary. I also really liked seeing F. Murray Abraham, although I was surprised he would appear in a film like this. The cast is decent, but it needed more star power.

Although this movie is uneven, it mostly works because it keeps the audience in a state of suspense. It is a fun ride, although if you look too closely, you will see that this is a deeply flawed movie. Applying logic starts to break down the plot, and it begins to feel silly. However, the movie does a good enough job in the moment to keep you on the edge of your seat, so you don't have a great deal of time to poke holes in the plot or question what you see.

Mimic is not a very good movie, but it is stunning how close it came to being one. I would have thought this movie to be an absolute disaster, but I was shocked that I actually found myself enjoying parts of it. Giant cockroach movies have huge hurdles to overcome from the outset, and this one leaps over many of them. Still, the troubled production greatly hurt this movie, and despite lofty aspirations, it never really sets itself apart. Still, I didn't hate it, which is an achievement in and of itself.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Them!, Arachnophobia, The Fly