USA
2019 89 mins OV English
All Drea (Tashiana Washington, from Fantasia 2018’s SKATE KITCHEN) wants is to get into a good college, but for now, she’s stuck making deliveries for a local sushi restaurant. One night, after her little brother Phillip (Jaeden Noel) witnesses meteors plummeting to Earth, one of her co-workers is attacked by hungry alien furballs with sharp teeth and big appetites. Yes, the rolling, ravenous critters are back, and soon Drea, Phillip, and two kids she’s babysitting (Ava Preston and Jack Fulton) are running for their lives. They’re also trying to protect an injured friendly alien they come across along the way, but every place they flee to becomes the site of a critter massacre.
Rupert Harvey and Barry Opper from the original film franchise return as producers. Directing this fifth film in the franchise is Bobby Miller, who introduced a unique assortment of little beasties in his Fantasia favourite THE MASTER CLEANSE. Bringing along creature crafter Werner Pretorius, Miller eschewed CGI to stage the new rampage practically — and with a higher degree of splatter than its predecessors. Working in touches of black humour throughout, screenwriter and comics veteran Scott Lobdell (HAPPY DEATH DAY) returns the series to its small-town roots, and editor Mike Mendez (director of Fantasia faves like BIG ASS SPIDER! and THE CONVENT) keeps it moving. Fans will be especially thrilled by the return of the original film’s star Dee Wallace, in a different, ass-kicking role. If you’ve been hungry for a revival of this classic series, it’s time to eat! – Michael Gingold