"Did you see the size of that thing!?"

MIMIC (R) 

Reviewed August 24, 1997 - Check out the Mimic web site.

Any more of these films and we'll have to declare this as "the summer of really bad Alien ripoffs".  Having just written a two-star (not good) review for Event Horizon, I went into Mimic hoping for an even marginally interesting sci-fi scare movie.  Instead I saw what has to be one of the most uninspired, unsuspenseful monster films of recent memory. 

The plot: Mira Sorvino stars as Dr. Susan Tyler, a biologists who genetically engineers a roach to stop a children's epidemic spreading through New York.  The genetically-engineered roaches are supposed to be sterile, designed to die after 180 days.  Released into New York's underground, the roaches do their work, the epidemic ends, and all is well.  UNTIL...three years later, when Dr. Tyler discovers that the roaches haven't died.  They've reproduced, they've mutated, they've grown...yes folks, six-foot mutated cockroaches in New York City!! 

The rest of the movie plays as a scientist-and-bug chase in the underground tunnels of New York.  With co-stars Charles Dutton and Jeremy Northam also in the hunt, Mimic alternates between showing the scientists in pursuit of the roaches, and the roaches silently taking victims from the streets of New York.  All in all: bo-ring. 

Mira Sorvino turns in a nice performance as Dr. Tyler, and Charles Dutton provides much needed comic relief throughout Mimic, but this movie still stands as one to avoid this summer.  Heck, if you really have to see an Alien ripoff this summer, go ahead and see Event Horizon instead.  Or better yet, just rent one of the Alien films (doesn't matter which one) and save your $7.50 for something else...

Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!

Eoakwell@BTInternet.com gives this movie  star: "This was so boring i didn't even watch the last half hour." (12/13/00)

Ian-Harris@usa.net gives this movie  star: "The movie was an absolute joke. The monsters were physically impossible, and the plot non existent. True bollocks!!! Do you all work for Dimension Films or something?" (7/12/98)

mordech@hotmail.com gives this movie  stars: "the movie was cool - i cant w8 too have it on video" (7/3/98)

Carly Rose gives this movie  stars: "I loved Mimic!! It was better than scream 2. First I saw the movie in the theater about 4 times. Then finally I ran out of money so I couldent go to it anymore. So now I cant wait for it to come out so I can by it. The movie was very interesting and exciting. I love mira she is so coo. When I start making my own films she will ba starring in them. But tats a long time from now. My opinion is that any director in his right mind should have mira star in them. She is great dont they see that." (1/14/98)

Mackenzie Rose gives this movie  stars: "This movie was the bomb!!!  I loved it and so did my friends. I can't wait till it comes out on video to buy. Mira Sorvino is so cool. I loved her in the high school reunion. How can I write to her? We (the fans) want to know. Well I can't wait to see her in other movies.  If you ask me she is the best actress I know. With love, Mackenzie Rose." (11/21/97)

Summer Rose gives this movie  stars: "That movie was the bomb. Nothing will ever be as good as that by far. Mira was such a goog actress in this film . And she was also good in high school reunion (romy and michelle) I cant wait till it comes out to buy I just cant wait!" (11/20/97)

tolsen@theboss.net gives this movie  stars: "Okay so this movie had a few things to improve on but It deserves better than what you guys gave it. First of all It has Mira Sorvino in it and that says it all. Secondly it had a great story line htat made sense to the common person. So whoever wrote that first page he/she should get slapped." (11/5/97)

Hepburn15@aol.com gives this movie  stars: "I fully disagree with the review for "mimic" that I just read.I thought that the special effects were a little iffy in some parts but that the plot was interesting and that the whole idea of trying to trick DNA and evolution interesting, and done much better than in the Lost World.Fine performances by the cast. excellent film!" (9/1/97)