As a child of the ’90s who grew up with a diet heavily influenced by late-night cable and local television programming, I have to say that the Tremors franchise holds a special place in my heart. The quirky characters, the desert setting, and those darned Graboids have provided countless hours of entertainment over the years.
Prepare yourself! Here come the Graboids again! Don’t fret though, as long as there are Graboids, Michael Gross will be here too. These peculiar underground worms with a rather amusing name have been trembling the ground ever since “Tremors” first hit screens in 1990. Since then, they’ve kept on causing chaos in an additional six sequels that were released straight to video.
In every episode of “Family Ties,” Michael Gross, who played the character, is present. His portrayal of Burt Gummer serves as the glue that unites the “Tremors” universe. Even when the series did a prequel (“Tremors 4: The Legend Begins”) where it wouldn’t have been fitting for Burt Gummer to appear, a way was found through Michael Gross, who played Burt’s descendant Hiram, thereby enriching the House Gummer lore.
Is it truly justifiable for a film to carry the title “Tremors” if Michael Gross isn’t involved? Here’s to hoping we never have to discover the answer. These entertaining blend of horror and comedy might not be destined for Cannes, but that’s beside the point. They’re enjoyable to watch, and there’s a strong chance they’ll keep producing them. Michael Gross, now in his 70s, is open to more, so let’s hope we get to see more of him in future installments.
To celebrate the Graboids, Shriekers, Kevin Bacon, and Michael Gross, let’s organize a list ranking the films within the Tremors movie franchise. Why not reminisce about the beginning of this thrilling journey by rewatching the original film currently available on Peacock?
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7. Tremors: Shrieker Island (2020)
Even though we’re still enjoying it and finding it amusing, seven films in, I can’t help but wonder if there are new ways to explore this concept. This latest installment brings Jon Heder into the mix alongside Michael Gross. If you’ve been hoping for a showdown between Napoleon Dynamite and a different breed of “Queen” Graboid, then get ready!
Occasionally, this film has moments that seem familiar, reminiscent of the original, like when Burt recalls a strategy used by Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward in a scene. It’s surprising, given how far removed we are from 1990.
The most disappointing part of this film is the demise of Burt, but let me clarify: it’s not final, so to speak. While he receives a heartfelt tribute and the closing credits focus entirely on his character, it feels more like a temporary goodbye. After all, Burt Gummer is too resilient to stay dead for long, and if they decide to make another one, I’d wager my Ass-Blaster that he’ll be brought back to life.
If this marks the conclusion of our story, it seems logical to assume so. However, instead of wrapping up now, let’s leap ahead to catch glimpses of Lockjaw Gummer (portrayed by Michael Gross), who takes on colossal Graboids in the cityscape with aid from giant robots and megalasers. And yes, these robots would don Burt Gummer hats!
It’s possible they are reserving it for the eighth film, or perhaps they’ll feel motivated to include it following this outstanding article. If so, enjoy the wait, everyone!
6. Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004)
Have you ever pondered over the origins of the House of Gummer as they embarked on their journey towards fate? If your curiosity is peaked, dive into the prequel of the series, transporting you back to 1889 and the initial Graboid chaos.
In the film’s conclusion, the once struggling town of Rejection transforms into the idyllic haven called Perfection. It’s said that Burt’s home stands where Hiram, his forebearer, initially constructed a house. The tale goes that he discovered a love for marksmanship there.
We’re satisfied with this version, yet it could have been a bit more daring for our liking. The application of pickaxes is well-executed, but we yearned for some quirky implementations of Wild West weapons. There was a hint of it, but we craved more. Isn’t it fitting that Hiram Gummer should lasso a Graboid while riding on another Graboid and exclaim “yeehaw”? This franchise had the chance to deliver such an exciting scene, don’t you think?
We’ll get over it, but it’s hard.
5. Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015)
In this new installment, Burt Gummer is hosting a survival show of his own! This could be considered one of the most significant additions to the continuing storyline. Additionally, it introduces Jamie Kennedy into the mix.
This scenario has become routine, filled with explosive attacks from all sides, romantic attempts, and humans recklessly exploiting Graboids for profit. The standout feature in this story is the introduction of a new type of Graboid, which Burt names “Queen Bitch.” It possesses detachable tentacles and presents Burt with an entirely fresh batch of complications.
Michael Gross essentially takes on Jamie Kennedy’s character towards the end, which implies that Kennedy will reappear in the next film, while the character of Queen Bitch is defeated and does not return. However, we, the audience, would prefer it if Queen Bitch returned instead, but we don’t make the rules for Tremors.
4. Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001)
We’re back in Perfection, as the title suggests. Not only do we have Graboids and Shriekers, this entry introduces “Ass-Blasters.” My friends, we have arrived.
Michael Gross assumes complete authority over the franchise from now on, with his leadership continuing throughout all subsequent films. Actress Ariana Richards, who starred in “Jurassic Park,” makes a comeback to appear in some of these movies as well.
In essence, we’re dealing with a situation where a newcomer has been trying to transform Perfection into a tourist spot. However, this plan lasts barely a moment before something catastrophic occurs. The government then attempts to prevent our protagonists from battling the Graboids, arguing that they are an endangered species. As you might expect, their goal is to capture one alive.
Following a great deal of destructive chaos, a romantic thread, and Burt Gummer utilizing an “endangered species” aspect of the Graboids against the authorities, we conclude. Interestingly enough, Gummer has formed a unique bond with one such Graboid – “El Blanco”, an albino Graboid.
The best scene in the movie for us is Burt getting swallowed by a Graboid and then getting cut out of it with a chainsaw. Things like that change a man.
3. Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018)
As a gamer, I can’t quite put my finger on why this game captivates me so much, but maybe it’s the frozen tundra setting that does it? After all, it’s one of the biggest changes since the last installment. It seems like the creators have really found their stride with this franchise; they’re unapologetically themselves. And let me tell you, there are more Ass-Blasters than ever before and Michael Gross’s performance is nothing short of over-the-top spectacular!
In the deserted town known as Perfection, the remaining resident, Burt Gummer, finds himself drawn back into events without delay. Although Kevin Bacon isn’t present, the daughter of Val McKee and Rhonda LeBeck takes his place. The lineage of the Bacons carries on through Dr. Valerie McKee, who provides a link to the original film beyond Michael Gross.
At this juncture, films no longer increase their sequential numbers, which signals a fast approach to the town of Sillytown. Given we’ve secured an apartment there, it suits our needs perfectly.
2. Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)
Initially planned as a theater release, the film featured both Kevin Bacon and Reba McEntire in its cast. However, due to Kevin’s commitment to Apollo 13, and Reba having singing obligations, they were unable to participate. Recognizing the potential for greater earnings from direct-to-video distribution, the producers made the decision to adapt the film accordingly.
In the sequel, Fred Ward reprises his role as Earl Basset, who is now compelled to eliminate Graboids in Mexico due to a financial predicament. This predicament arises from the unfortunate collapse of his ostrich ranch, not because the ostriches were unsuccessful, but rather because the ranch itself proved to be an economic disaster.
In this film, Michael Gross and Helen Shaver, portraying Dr. Kate Reilly, are readily available to assist our main character, played by Fred Ward. The story concludes with Earl and Helen forming a relationship, while the movie is primarily focused on Ward’s character. Moreover, the term “shriekers” was first introduced in this franchise, but some of the scientific explanations about them now seem outdated.
Still, the presence of Fred Ward ties it to the original classic more than any of the other movies, and it begins the ongoing trope of some idiots wanting the heroes to capture one of the Graboids alive. We’d say that this newly-dawning franchise sequel hasn’t gone full camp yet, but come on — a “failed ostrich farm” is the reason the reluctant hero gets pulled back into the mess.
1. Tremors (1990)
Despite being a flop at the box office, the movie “Tremors” turned out to be a delight for critics and quickly gained cult status. This original film led to six sequels, demonstrating just how entertaining fans found it.
The film doesn’t overdo its humor and isn’t overly campy compared to some other entries. Starring Kevin Bacon, it has scenes that make you squirm a bit, but what truly stands out is the introduction of cinema’s most legendary doomsday prepper: Burt Gummer, portrayed by Michael Gross. Fred Ward lends his talents to handling the Graboids beneath the ground, which is quite beneficial.
The real joy of this movie is the result of a last minute attempt by the producers to avoid an R rating. F-bombs abound in the original cut, so to try and make it more commercially viable, producers dubbed over a good amount of the choice words. That’s the reason one of the Graboids is called a “motherhumper” at one point. The dubbing is obvious, the actors seem the be in on the fun, and it’s a classic that was always on television at one point. If you watch any of these movies, this is the one you go with.
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2024-09-30 18:32