Plot: What’s it about?
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?
Dimension must love those sequels, as the label has issued countless direct-to-video episodes, most of them based on established franchises. Mimic wasn’t a smash success at the box office, but you might think it was, since two sequels have followed. But of course, both have been straight to video releases, which means lower budgets and lesser talents. The second film in this series wasn’t that memorable, but it had a few moments that stood out. So would this third volume be another step down, or a rare sequel that equals the original? As it happens, Mimic 3 is a let down all around the bend and I have little praise to mention. I didn’t expect much, just some fun gore and giant insect madness, but even so, I was let down. This picture tries to blend Hitchcock with monsters movies, but fails to deliver on either count. You can tell within seconds that the main premise is lifted from Hitchcock’s Rear Window, but this is no simple tribute, more like an out and out lift, which leaves a bad taste behind. A couple of decent scenes can be found, but Mimic 3 is too slow and not enough cool stuff unfolds. The case promises thrills, suspense, and scares, but I was hard pressed to find any such elements in Mimic 3. So unless you’re desperate for some minor insect gore, I’d leave this one on the shelf.
Video: How does it look?
Mimic 3 is presented in 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen. The movie might be bad, but at least it looks good in this presentation. I liked the dark visuals, which often use pitch black to shroud the cheap scares and also to create eerie atmosphere. This works to an extent, but without a kick from the storyline, the visuals can do only do so much. Even so, the black levels look terrific and that means the visuals have their full punch. The very dark black levels do obscure detail at times however, though there is some additional softness present also, so perhaps it is just the lack of crispness on the whole. The print is in good condition, as expected for such a new release, while flesh tones have a natural appearance. All in all, a solid looking visual treatment and I couldn’t find any serious problems to mention.
Audio: How does it sound?
The audio here is decent, but with more care and creative presence, this Dolby Digital 5.1 option could have been excellent. The musical score sounds good, making nice use of the surround channels, even if the music isn’t that memorable. But that is the upside of this mix, as the other elements aren’t as well handled. This movie had ample chances for subtle, eerie audio presence, which could have made the film more tense and effective. Alas, the surround use here is tame and weak, with only a few well executed sequences. You will hear the surrounds, but don’t expect much in terms of immersion. At least the dialogue sounds good, with smooth and clean vocals throughout that never disappoint. This disc also includes English subtitles, though no other audio tracks have been tacked on.
Supplements: What are the extras?
An audio commentary track with director J.T. Petty is up first, in which he discusses his first feature film production. He remains light in tone and seems to have a good sense of humor, but he thinks too much of his own work. I was hoping for insight into a perhaps troubled production, or some other explanation, but none was to be found. Petty returns with some cast members in a behind the scenes featurette, which runs under fifteen minutes, but has some fun moments. This disc also includes five cast audition reels.
