Ticks (1993) is a creature-feature horror film that, despite its B-movie charm and memorable moments, falls short of cult status. The plot revolves around a group of troubled teens attending a wilderness therapy retreat, only to encounter genetically mutated ticks that wreak havoc in the forest.
The storyline of Ticks is a mix of typical horror tropes and creature-feature elements. The concept is interesting and provides some thrills and laughs while also offering a few gruesome moments. The film's saving grace lies in its commitment to the genre.
The characters, portrayed by a cast including Peter Scolari, Seth Green and Ami Dolenz bring a certain level of charisma to the screen. However, the character development is limited, and some of the performances lean into stereotypical horror movie archetypes. The result is a cast that, while entertaining, struggles to elevate the film beyond its creature-feature roots.
Seth Green as our main man Tyler does a good job of moving the film along with a hint of romance even with Virginya Keehne's character Melissa.
The beautiful Ami Dolenz unfortunately doesn't have much to do in the film as her only purpose seems to be for eye candy for the viewer, which she unfortunately fails as, as well due to her character not being given any eye candy moments.
The practical effects used to bring the mutated ticks to life are a mix of grotesque and amusing. The film doesn't shy away from the gore, and the practical effects contribute to the B-movie aesthetic. Despite the dated nature of the effects, they add a certain nostalgic charm to the viewing experience.
Ticks' main strength lies in its ability to deliver some genuinely suspenseful and creepy moments. The tension builds effectively, and the film doesn't hold back when it comes to delivering on the horror elements. The practical effects, while dated, add a visceral quality to the creature scenes, making them memorable in their own right.
In the end, Ticks secures a 6/10 rating. It's a movie that knows its place within the horror genre, providing an entertaining but somewhat predictable experience. For fans of '90s creature features and B-movie horror, Ticks offers a nostalgic trip back to a time when practical effects and campy scares were the order of the day. I'd recommend giving it a watch for any one wanting some scares and laughs due to some little arachnids.
