Squirm (1976)

After a devastating rainstorm, a small Georgia town learns that downed power lines have seeped into the mud around town and charged a swarm of worms into ravenous killers and forces the locals to band together to fight the creatures off.This one here wasn't all that bad and really has some solid and enjoyable qualities to it. One of the film's better features is the fact that there's a rather exciting series of action scenes which are quite fun and wholly enjoyable. Setting the stage for this as well as initiating the story proper is the opening storm which is a nice bit of spectacle with the tumbling towers and spark-showering explosions going off that makes for a rousing opening here. As well, there's the great attack on the couple out fishing were attacked and swarmed over by the creatures as we see them dangling from their wounds and sores, a chilling encounter in the bathroom where they pour out of the shower faucet preventing a character from showering with the creatures and the thrilling sequence of the creatures eating through a tree-stump and sending it crashing into a nearby house while numerous residents are still inside pondering their next move which is a nice overall shock. Other fun attacks include the nice brawl between the characters in the forest as well as the series of small attacks around town, from the couple in the jail- cell to the diner swarming which is all a prelude to the utter fun of the finale's house assault as there's a lot of fun to be had with the completely oblivious set-up of the worms arriving in various sections of the house and appearing without them realizing which is all where the different searches are all mixed together with the action and escapes all makes for a really exciting scene. These elements here all help to make the film so much fun and holding off the few rather troubling flaws present. One of the film's biggest issues is the fact that there's just such a long set-up to the worms appearing that there's little of interest throughout this section. Though this is a problem caused by the fact that the film doesn't really have a true storyline that supports this kind of pace, there's still plenty of overlong scenes that just go by without much of any kind of interest during this section as the setup of their investigations aren't really all that interesting with them wandering around the town which doesn't have a whole lot of interest. These here make for a rather troubling beginning here and holds off the interesting parts for a longer time than it really should, though again that's also due to the extended out storyline used. Along with these problems, there's also the fact that the storyline about the disgruntled former boyfriend coming back to torment him over and over again isn't really all that interesting and takes out some of the suspense in the finale by continuing on that storyline rather than dealing with the far-more-interesting giant worm attacks. These here are what hold this one back.Rated PG: Violence, Language and Brief Nudity.

After the incredible success of Jaws in 1975 "nature runs amok" flicks became real popular for the next decade or so; in fact, they're still being made. "Squirm" was released one year after "Jaws" in 1976.THE PLOT: A storm downs power lines in a small Georgia town, electrifying the wet mud and unleashing millions of 10-18 inch sand worms of the area. City slicker John Scardino (Mick) comes into town to visit redhead Patricia Pearcy (Geri), eldest daughter of widow Jean Sullivan. A slow-witted local hick (Roger) is attacked by the worms and goes mad as he aids the slimy creatures in their "attack" on the citizens. Supposedly based on an actual event that occurred September 29, 1975.The first time I saw "Squirm" I was about 13 or 14 years old and high as a kite (something I don't do anymore) and, man, it scared the you-know-what out of me! I was completely taken in by the story, the eerie mood and deep-South atmosphere. I was ENTRANCED. Seeing it again as an adult (and sober), it's understandably not as scary or captivating as when I first saw it, but that first viewing won my utmost and eternal respect."Squirm" was actually filmed in the deep South, in Port Wentworth, Georgia (just North of Savannah), and all the actors go overkill with the whole "Southern" bit, so the film definitely has a real authentic Southern feel.It's generally slow-paced but that's okay because it's only 92 minutes long. It has loads of atmosphere and a few really good frightening scenes, like when the worms attack Roger's face while fishing in a rowboat with Geri. The story is not campy at all; it's pretty much presented in all seriousness; and the acting by the main characters is believable and good (not so much with the peripheral characters). Roger will strike you as a highly likable genuine country boy before he goes looney.Because of all these factors I was able to get swept up in the story and take it seriously (at least as serious as such a story can be taken). It may not be an "A" class film like "Jaws" or "Orca" but it's certainly a worthwhile "B" film, that is, if you have an occasional taste for "nature runs amok" flicks. Don't listen to those that say this is a Grade "Z" film. It's not. This is a well-made "B" picture.How you will take a film like "Squirm" depends on your personality. Some will think it's unintentionally funny or cheesy, etc., while others will take it seriously (like me) and enjoy the eerie atmosphere, Southern locations and a few good frights.Make no mistake, for the type of film it is, "Squirm" is certainly worthy of 4-Stars (or at least 3-Stars). In fact, I'd give it 5-Stars but I'd feel too guilty about it.Check it out if it sounds like your cup of tea.GRADE: B

Starting in the late 60s and through the mid-80s, horror directors really came up with some ingenious plots. Case in point: this little killer worm movie filmed in Georgia. Based on the premise that a violent electric storm sent millions of volts into the ground, causing literally thousands of worms to turn into zombie-like killers. To best describe this movie, imagine a Tennessee Williams play gone berserk and you've got an inkling.The story: a red-haired New Yorker named Mick has come down to visit a red-haired southern belle named Geri. However, the creepy country boy next door, named Roger, doesn't like Mick making moves on her. And as if that wasn't bad enough, a pervy borderline vigilante sheriff sets his sights on Mick as a troublemaker. Almost immediately, we get a sense that something's rotten in the state of Georgia. And all the main characters, save Mick, seem to be a little nutty. Oh and did I mention the rampaging worms?! Yes, there's a lot of underlying tension brewing and the movie's plot deftly handles every development. The special effects and make-up is chilling to say the least. My two favorite scenes are when the worms attack Roger and he turns into a loony worm guy, and when we find a man who's been hollowed out by worms. I challenge even a die-hard horror fan not to flinch and feel a tiny wriggle of apprehension! As I said earlier, the 70s was ripe with imaginative horror flicks and this one qualifies as one of the most under-appreciated. So hunt it down and get ready to squirm with thrills and chills!

The population of a backwoods community is overcome by worms, after they're agitated by the effects of currents following an electrical storm. Local girl (Pearcy, like an earthenware pot, she's fiery with good old fashioned charm) finds herself at the centre of the strange phenomenon, battling jealous suitors, sleazy law enforcement and oodles and oodles of worm noodles. Her new boyfriend (the amiable if painfully nerdy Scardino) making his first visit to the boondocks, gets a little extra 'something' in his milkshake, then realises that local yokel (an unnerving portrayal by the unknown actor Dow) has the hots for his girl. If looks could kill, the worms would be the least of his worries.Sharp, witty and scary, "Squirm" will make you do just that – there's a tongue-in-cheek script, pleasant scenery and some fantastic (and gory) special effects. Extreme close-up shots of feeding worms, mandibles protracted, is cleverly overlaid with an almost primeval scream that will leave you writhing in discomfort. The cast, whilst mostly obscure, are well led by director Lieberman and deliver their witty dialogue with consummate precision.Pearcy is an unconventionally beautiful yet spirited heroine, whereas Scardino, whilst undeniably assertive, isn't the epitome of alpha masculinity (note his bare-chested warrior turn). It's a case of Scardino being the brains, Pearcy the brawn, which makes for a neat stereotype twist. Dependable supporting actor Peter MacLean is perfectly cast as the womanizing local sheriff, his silver tongued, velvet baritone and virile male gaze creating a memorable creepy cop villain. And finally, Higgins is a quintessential ugly duckling, in an odd but likable characterisation as Pearcy's maturing sister, keen not to miss out on any of the action.Lieberman has done an outstanding job with apparently limited resources; hip, funny and suspenseful, "Squirm" is a highly astute little shocker full of surprises that goes well beyond expectations, and shouldn't fail to impress.