Plot: What’s it about?
The Mimic franchise started off on a good note, as the original was a fun watch. A movie about genetically engineered cockroaches on the loose seems like a great concept to me, especially with competent talent on both sides of the camera. Mimic was a dark, creepy flick that tried to inject some emotion and humanity into the monster movie realm. While not a total success, it was nice to see some emphasis on storytelling in this kind of film, to be sure. Mimic was a solid movie on all fronts and while not a big box office draw, it would spawn two sequels. Mimic 2 would also be a fun watch, but the action took the main focus and the story was put on the back burner. So more fast paced and explosive perhaps, but with not much of the first film’s character development. Even so, it was solid for a direct to video sequel and featured some cool moments. Mimic 3 however, was a total washout. A poor attempt to make a Hitchcock inspired mutant bug movie, Mimic 3 comes off as flat and even dull at times. I like Rear Window, but when I watch Mimic 3, I don’t expect a slow, plodding, action less experience. So while inconsistent, the franchise has two solid entries and one bomb, so that isn’t too bad. Below is a plot synopsis for each Mimic movie.
Mimic – Manhattan has always a problem with cockroaches, but now the situation has reached a critical point. A plague spread by the cockroaches is infecting infants, so a solution has to be found and soon. In an effort to curb the population and eliminate the carriers, a new type of bug is engineered, called the Judas Breed. The plan is for the Judas Breed to feed on the cockroaches and thin out the population, then for the Judas Breed to die out. The latter will happen because the females were designed with a very short life span, while the males were rendered infertile. While the plan seems to have worked at first, the truth is that a fertile male has surfaced and has been breeding underground. Now people have started to vanish and all evidence points toward the Judas Breed, but when a team is tasked to wipe them out, will they find more than the simple bugs they expect?
Mimic 2 – The Judas bugs used to demolish a wave of diseased cockroaches had impressive skills, as they could mimic other creatures, a useful trait indeed. Remi (Alix Koromzay) was involved in that project, but now has a new life and wants to live in peace. But that isn’t in the cards of course, as those massive bugs have decided to return and Remi is due to be paid a visit. The Judas bugs are very dangerous and hard to combat, but now they could be even more powerful, thanks to yet another metamorphosis process. The bugs now not only have the size of a human, but they can mimic humans also, which is very bad news. This time, the battle will be more fierce & lethal, as the Judas bugs have good disguises, as well as staggering powers. Remi, some students, and a police officer soon have to take on the bugs themselves, but can they overcome these beasts, even with Remi’s knowledge about the species?
Mimic 3 – Marvin (Karl Geary) has survived a fierce disease, but he was left in a fragile state and is unable to live a normal lifestyle. He is so sensitive to outside elements, he can’t go outside or even interact that much with others. This is because even small doses of pollutants could do him immense harm, since his system was sacked by the disease. He now lives in his mother’s apartment, where he remains inside at all times and passes the time with his camera, which enables him to at least see the world around him. So even if he can’t venture out onto the streets, he can see what happens out there and take pictures of his own. His sole friend in life is his sister Rosy (Alexis Dziena), who helps him when she can, whether it be getting him something from the kitchen or getting items from the outside world. She also wants him to have some kind of human contact, which leads her to bring over a woman to meet her brother. The woman is Carmen (Rebecca Mader), a beautiful neighbor who quickly forms a bond with Marvin. At the same time, Marvin has started to notice some strange things in an alley, which he watches through his camera. The events turn violent, but he is helpless to do much about what he sees. But when his sister and new friend are thrust into harm’s way, can Marvin somehow save them?
Video: How does it look?
All three Mimic films are presented in 1.85:1 widescreen. I found all three to be more than solid transfers, though I wasn’t really dazzled by the visuals. You’ll notice a nice improvement over the standard discs for sure, but given the dark visual design, detail isn’t given much of a chance to shine. Even so, you can’t ask for the impossible and given the visual design of these films, I think these transfers do a rock solid job. I will also say the two sequels offer more chances for detail to improve, since they’re not quite as dark, so they tend to look a little better overall.
Audio: How does it sound?
Mimic has a DTS HD 7.1 soundtrack, while the sequels have been given DTS HD 5.1 treatments. Mimic sounded awesome on DVD and that trend continues here, as the film sounds better than ever. All the things that made the DVD soundtrack shine remain, only ramped up to the next level. You’ll probably look over your shoulder or glance around the room a few times, as you’ll swear the bugs have invaded your home theater. The sequels sound good, but not in the same ballpark as the original. Even so, you’ll hear a lot of presence and power, so no complaints in the end. All three films also feature English and Spanish subtitles.
Mimic offers a director’s introduction, several promotional featurettes, storyboard animatics, a gag reel, and three deleted scenes. Mimic 2 contains two promotional featurettes and some deleted scenes, while Mimic 3 houses J.T. Petty’s solid audio comments, a brief featurette, and five cast audition reels.
