Retro Review: Screamers (1995)

Hard to believe a movie made in 1995 can be considered a Retro Review. But that was 24 years ago -- almost a quarter of a century -- so yeah, by today's standards, that's retro.

I remember seeing Screamers in a theatre back then, and being somewhat disappointed. I can't remember why, to tell the truth. So, when fellow podcasting brother Jon Cross over at The After Movie Diner posted a pic of his Blu-Ray copy of the film on Instagram the other day, I decided it was time for a rewatch.

Is the movie better now than when I first watched it? No, but I'm more appreciative of the material. When I first checked Screamers out, I think I'd wanted more of a slam-bang sci-fi/action movie, much like Total Recall, the other big Phillip K. Dick adaptation of the day. This certainly isn't that movie.

But it is a good, low-budget sci-fi/horror story that's more faithful to Dick's short story, Second Variety, than most Hollywood adaptations of his work. The Screamers are damn cool, and frightening, the effects decent for the era and budget, and there's a few effective sequences, especially a scene where dozens of Screamer-children empty out of a bunker.

The cast is also good. Peter Weller is always The Man, no matter what role he plays, and he's awesome here. Roy Dupuis brings a frightening intensity to his part. We're not sure if we can trust him or not. Jennifer Rubin is a quiet, haunting beauty/ass kicker.

All in all, Screamers is what The Basement's all about; one of those hidden, or forgotten, diamonds in the rough Shawn and I appreciate. I'm glad I caught it again, and consider it a Good.

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