Infestation (2008/Icon Distribution/First Look DVD) 

 

Picture: C-     Sound: C     Extras: D     Feature: C

 

 

One day you’re goofing off at the office (and subsequently getting fired), going about your daily routine, and the next you’re saving the world from an infestation of giant mutant bugs.  That’s pretty much how it goes for Cooper (Chris Marquette).  After a loud screeching sound knocks out the whole city, Cooper is the first to wake up and tear his way out of a mysterious cocoon.  Reviving a small group of people, Cooper and the other survivors look for a way to stay alive and fight back against the bugs.

 

Infestation takes a humorous look at the long tradition of giant bug movies in American cinema.  Chris Marquette’s Cooper is a witty, charming slacker, almost an anti-anti-hero in that he’s neither particularly heroic, nor is he the reluctant, self-interested Han Solo-type hero.  Cooper’s just a regular guy who happened to wake up in a cocoon one day.  The whole tone of the film has a hint of self-aware irony so that the audience never loses sight of how ridiculous it is that that woman just got carried away by a giant mosquito.

 

The picture quality, in 1.78:1 widescreen, is acceptable but a touch soft.  The colors are washed out, but this is probably on purpose to create a bleak atmosphere.  Regardless, it looks pretty poor.  The audio is a bit better, but still not extraordinary.  You have the option of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or 2.0 Stereo.  The only extra feature on the disc is a commentary track.

 

Overall, Infestation is an almost exceptionally average movie.  It may make for a decent way to wile away a couple hours, but despite a good budget and a few B-list actors, it’s no mystery why this flick never made it to the theaters.

 

 

-   Matthew Carrick