Bugged

Rating:
Summary: Still Bugged After All These Years.
Review: Greetings From TroMinneapolis

During the mid-ninties, Troma released several films that changed the public's perception of the company, and the company itself, for the better. Films like "Tromeo and Juliet" and "Cannibal! The Musical" went on to great commercial and critical success, and are now considered classics amongst both the indepentdent film fanatics, and the sophisticated curious lovers of cinema throughout the world. Their tremendous success shadowed three other films that appeared as coming distractions on both tapes. Those films were "Frostbiter: Wrath of the Wendigo," "Wizards of the Demon Sword," and "Bugged." Troma went all out throughout October 1996 to promote "Bugged," a thriller about exterminators who must rid a house of big disgusting insects aimed at all ages for the Halloween season, and although some embraced it, others either rejected it for not being another "Tromeo," or ignored it. Six years later, Troma releases the "Bugged" DVD, which brings up the question, "Is this Bug worth revisiting?"

The last time I viewed the film was during the summer of 2000, after seeing one of Troma's other recent DVD Re-releases "Buttcrack," a classic by all means. After an enjoyable and informative introduction by "Bugged" star Pricilla Basque, Director Ronald K. Armstrong, and Tromallah Lloyd Kaufman,(which thankfully also appears on the DVD) I was ready for another wonderfully Tromatic expierence. Boy, was I ever dissappointed.

Bear in mind, my viewing conditions wern't exactly optimum. The sound quality on VHS was TERRIBLE, the picture wasn't exactly clear, and the certain Tromatic charm that seems to come with most Troma Movies just wasn't there.

It gives me great pleasure to say that, for the DVD, all of those problems have been corrected.

This exterminator of a film has gassed out all the bugs and now contains crisp, clear sound, a bright, stylish picture, and yes, that good ol' Tromatic Charm.

As far as for the entertainment value of the film, while not bad, it isn't quite great either. Some scenes are slow, some dialogue falls flat, and the film feels like RKA just didn't give it that extra push it needs up the hill of enjoyable cinema.

But the film isn't without it's great moments. The special effects seem campy at first, but the actors' reactions and intricate placing coupled with the overall style thrusts you into a world where the bugs seem, at times, real. Also, there are several memorable quotes, delightful antics, and a handful of genuine real scares.

The DVD has the usual deluxe Troma presentation. Aside from the old VHS intro I mentioned earlier (which now appears in the special features as "Buggin' Out with Lloyd & Ron"), there is a new intro that involves Lloyd Kaufman, President of Troma Studios and Creator of the Toxic Avenger, singing "Bugged"s praises, taking shots at "Men In Black II," a plug for Troma's "Def By Temptation," and a couple puns you can't help but burst out laughing after hearing.

The DVD also contains the original "Bugged" trailor, several other Troma Trailors, a mediocre at best Director's commentary, on/off English subtitles, and one of my new favorite DVD Easter Eggs. I'm not going to spoil the suprise, but the Easter Egg alone is worth the price of the DVD.

Overall, is "Bugged" worth the cost of reinfesting it in my house? The answer is a hesitant yes. Even if you wind up hating the film, there's still enough extras on here to not make your time a complete waste. Also, it is necessary viewing for anyone who witnessed the technically inept VHS expecting something more. Therefore, this film is only worth is if you purchase the DVD. Otherwise, squash it.

Rating:
Summary: TROMA AT IT'S BEST
Review: I bought this movie just because I'm a huge Troma fan. And i watched it that night, and could not stop laughing! The acting sucks, the dialouge is terrible, and bugs look like action figures! It has all the ingredients to a great horror flick! GO BUY THIS MOVIE RIGHT NOW!