Underrated Treasures Blogfest

I was making my way through the blog feeds on my reading list earlier today, when I spotted the ongoing Underrated Treasures Blogfest. Hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the blogfest serves as an opportunity to highlight any book, movie, TV series or musician/band you feel hasn't gotten nearly enough recognition. So without further ado, I present one of my favorite, underrated movies.

Mimic

I have chosen to highlight Guillermo Del Toro's 1997 sci-fi/horror film, Mimic. Why? Well, for starters, the movie was met with mixed reviews from critics at the time of its release. Not only that, but it also failed to recoup its $30 million budget during its box office run. But most importantly, it was here that I was first introduced to Del Toro's dark visual style.

The premise of the movie itself was fairly ludicrous. In a not-too-distant (not to mention roach-infested) future, humanity's children are being plagued by a deadly disease. To counter this threat, a group of scientists genetically engineer a new specie of insects called the Judas Breed, which are meant to curb the spread of the disease by feeding on its hosts.

But like most B-grade horror movies, things don't exactly go according to plan. In this case, the Judas Breed live up to their name when they eventually turn on their creators, after evolving into something far more sinister, with an uncanny ability to "mimic" their latest prey, us.

Don't let any of that deter you though. Mimic was packed with some pretty impressive 90s-era special effects, not to mention enough edge-of-your-seat suspense to make the trip seem worthwhile. Plus this is Guillermo Del Toro we're talking about here, a director best known for his ability to make the bizarre and otherworldly look beautiful. So you owe it to yourself to see this movie, if you haven't already.