It Came From The Desert

B horror films with insects is something i have always have a passion for. I just love the idea of massive insects attacking humans, to show that they run the show. There are so many titles out there, that have been made from the early 50´s. Luckily, a lot of B movie directors have managed to keep this specific genre alive in modern day, and films have been made specifically for the DVD audience. Every year i usually find some new B horror movies, that includes animals, fishes, reptiles or insects. But i also try to check out some of the old films, that i have not seen, or have not seen for many years. One of the classics in this genre, is of course Empire Of The Ants, released in 1977. The biggest reason why this is a classic, is because legendary actor Joan Collins is in this film. And who can say no to ants attacking humans ? It is a concept that you know will bring entertainment. If we move later into the 90´s, there was a film released 1993 on VHS called Ticks. It has been a long time since i watched Ticks, but i remember it was a fun throwback to monster films of the good old days. The one thing that made Ticks special, was the fact that enormous ticks are attacking humans. The special effects may look cheesy today, but i still feel that this is a film worth a watch, especially for nostalgic reasons. So what else do we have to mention ? Let´s not forget Eight Legged Freaks, released in 2002. A horror comedy where giant spiders attack, and this is one of those films where you can have a good laugh, and enjoy a great cast that don´t take themselves too seriously. If i mention Finland, you might think of Koskenkorva, sausages, beer and Lordi. But i can tell you Finland have so much more to offer. Not only are girls in Finland known for being hot, they also have legendary director Renny Harlin who have directed a number of classics such as Die Hard 2, Cliffhanger, Cutthroat Island and The Long Kiss Goodnight. Renny have actually made more great films over his career, and one of the films you don´t really hear about often is the 2004 film known as Mindhunters. A different take on the serial killer genre, with a concept that actually worked well. I would not say this is his best film, but one of the films that deserves recognition. There are plenty of other good directors in Finland, and there are new interesting movies coming out. I got the chance to see a new horror comedy called It Came From The Desert, made by Finnish director Marko Mäkilaakso. I noticed that this was a movie based on the 1989 Amiga game, also a tribute to the 1950´s classic with the same name. Of course i had to see if this would be any good, since i am a big fan of monster B movies. Do we finally have a classic B movie for everyone to enjoy, or is It Came From The Desert a film that won´t leave any impact at all ?

Brian ( Harry Lukas Smith ), Lukas ( Alex Millis ) and Lisa ( Vanessa Grasse ) head out to a desert to have a great time at a party. Brian have a crush on Lisa, something he does not know how to express, and he is afraid to tell her. As the party goes on, Brian and Lukas accidently find a secret research facility, where they enter out of curiosity. Inside the doors of this facility, is mutated ants. The enormous ants manage to get out, and are know on the way to the party. Brian and Lukas have no idea how to stop these enormous ants, but unless they find a way to do so, mankind could be lost forever.

If you love cheesy fun B horror movies from the 70´s and 80´s, just like me, i have a feeling you will appreciate this film. It Came From The Desert is the kind of film you would want to see in a cinema, with the whole family. You have giant flesh eating ants attacking, some fun action scenes, cheesy dialogue, and fun characters. What else do you need for a family movie ? The story may not deliver anything different from many other B horror movies, but this film actually works because it takes place in a deserted desert area, where secret experiments have been taking place in a secret compound. One of the most positive things about It Comes From The Desert, is that this film never really gets boring. This is great, because there are B horror movies with insects that usually go pretty slow. This film however knows how to pick up the right speed, and deliver some funny scenes. The characters is also one of the thing that works in this film. I especially enjoy the character Lisa, played by actor Vanessa Grasse. She is tough, and knows how to bring a performance that fits with the character. Actor Mark Arnold ( known from the classic Teenwolf, and also seen in Kingsman: The Golden Circle ) plays the character Dr. Renard. When you hear Dr. Renard explain what happened out there in the desert, you get a sense how important his character is to the story. I also think actor Mark Arnold gives a pretty solid performance. The main character Brian, played by actor Harry Lister Smith is one of those characters you automatically enjoy. Director Marko Mäkilaaso is known for his short films and being the director of his horror film War Of The Dead. I have to say, Marko proves that Finland directors knows how to make a tribute to old school movies. It Came From The Desert is a fun B horror movie, that knows what it wants to be. This film does not need a fantastic plot, or  an original concept. This is a movie that is purely made for B movie lovers like myself. Are there any flaws ? Of course, but who cares ? I just want to see giant ants attack humans, hot girls and see big guns fire a lot of bullets. And we do get it all here, so i can´t complain. I also have to mention that i like the CGI effects of the big ants. If you are not sure what to watch in the summer heat, why not pick up It Came From The Desert on DVD, as i did ? This film is actually coming to cinemas in Finland in September, so i suggest people of Finland to buy tickets. I guarantee you are in for a good time. Anyone have a flame thrower lying around ? Good, i thought i might hit the desert to kill some mutated ants, just like the good old days of Swedish Midsummer.

Rating: DDD