The Drunken Review: It Came from the Desert

Giant monster movies were the bomb back in the 50s... largely because of the bomb -- as in nuclear bomb -- and public fear of said bomb. That fear was manifested into giant things like spiders, ants, or iguanas marching out of the desert and eating/smashing anything in their path.

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero*

Back in 1989, the video-game company Cinemaware created It Came from the Desert for the Amiga computer (represent!). Said game was inspired by those 1950s horror movies, specifically the giant-ant movie Them!, as the hero in the game is trying to stop an army of mutant ants who came... from the desert!

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero*

In 2018, we got a movie based on this long forgotten game. Given how little fanfare the flick received, and the fact I never heard of it until mere minutes before pushing play, I'd say It Came from the Desert the movie is heading into long forgotten territory itself.

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero*

Which is too bad, as this is a fun little diamond in the rough, the kind we adore here in The Basement. It's a low-budget effort for sure, but the effects are decent and there's some great motorcycle stunt work. And gore.

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero*

Co-writer/director Marko Makilaasko wisely keeps the runtime short, and doesn't let anyone -- including the giant ants -- take the premise too seriously. I didn't recognize anyone in the cast, but they all do fine work with the material, and look like they're having a lot of fun. I'm especially a fan of Vanessa Grasse, as she's The Cute.

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero*

All in all, It Came from the Desert is a fine way to spend a Saturday night with a few brews and a smile on your face. It's worth your time, and I'd recommend seeking it out. A Good in my books.

*Takes sip of Captain Morgan's rum and Coke Zero. Falls out of chair*

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