Mimic

Starring: Mira Sorvino
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Horror / Science Fiction
Year: 1997
Rating: 2 / 5

Though Mira Sorvino has won an Academy Award^® in her already-distinguished career, it should be noted that this form of recognition has nothing to do with her appearance in Mimic. What must have been one of the most disappointing films of 1997 found its way into my VCR recently, and I must say, I struggled to make it through.

In everyone's life, one has to sit through the likes of Fortress - Christopher Lambert's romp through a futuristic 1984-like society - and Lord of Illusions, and this will certainly rank up with those classics from now on. Do not misunderstand - fans of Mira Sorvino will still find her quite fetching (a word previously associated with only the luminous Jeanne Tripplehorn and Gina Gershon), even as she trudges through the mud and slime underneath New York's subway system. However appealing she may be, she is not enough to keep the viewer following this convoluted plot.

The story begins in the early 1990s, when a plague, carried by the common cockroach, threatens to wipe out a sizeable portion of New York. Enter Mira Sorvino, a leading member of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Her team of scientists develops a solution for this plague, chemically engineering a termite hybrid which, when killed, emits toxic chemicals which kill the cockroaches immediately. Problem solved.

Fast-forward three years, and a new danger has arisen. It seems these hybrids, called the Judas Breed, which were supposed to die off after six months, still exist and are thriving beneath the New York subway. Borrowing heavily from movies such as Jurassic Park and even Aliens, this movie spirals to an inevitable conclusion with little or no suspense. The effects are redeemable, and there is plenty of gore and goo for fans of the like. Sorvino is joined by veteran actor F. Murray Abraham and Jeremy Northam, as well as Charles Dutton (Alien³). As a special treat, fans of Goonies will also recognize Josh Brolin in a supporting role. However, for those looking for honest science fiction, head back to your local video store and try again.

Cast:

Mira Sorvino..........	Susan Tyler
Jeremy Northam..........	Peter Mann
Charles Dutton..........	Leonard
F. Murray Abraham..........	Dr. Gates
Josh Brolin..........	Josh

Certification: PG-13 for violence and language.
Running Time: 105 minutes.

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