Horribly deformed frogs start turning up in the waters of a small Minnesota town. Things get worse when other animals and even newborn babies fall prey to the hideous mutations. Feisty former pop singer and single mother Kim Sweet (a fine and appealing performance by Lisa Sheridan) decides to investigate and alert the public to what's going on.
Writer/director James Ojala handles the absorbing premise with surprising taste and sensitivity by placing a welcome and refreshing emphasis on the well drawn characters as well as delivering a pertinent message about the possible severe damage wrought by pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. Moreover, Ojala also presents a flavorsome evocation of the rural hamlet setting along with a nicely unsettling sense of dread and unease and really pulls out the gory stops at the exciting and harrowing climax. The sound acting by the capable cast further keeps this film humming: Stephen Tobolowsky as the pragmatic Mayor Paulson, Jonah Beres as Kim's sweet son Brody, Bruce Bohne as Kim's feisty father Chuck, Faust Checho as nice guy science teacher Trent, and Justin Overlander as kinky farmer Larry. Tiffany Shepis has a neat small role as ill-fated photographer Tina Stevens. This picture earns extra points for using funky practical effects. Well worth a watch.
Writer/director James Ojala handles the absorbing premise with surprising taste and sensitivity by placing a welcome and refreshing emphasis on the well drawn characters as well as delivering a pertinent message about the possible severe damage wrought by pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. Moreover, Ojala also presents a flavorsome evocation of the rural hamlet setting along with a nicely unsettling sense of dread and unease and really pulls out the gory stops at the exciting and harrowing climax. The sound acting by the capable cast further keeps this film humming: Stephen Tobolowsky as the pragmatic Mayor Paulson, Jonah Beres as Kim's sweet son Brody, Bruce Bohne as Kim's feisty father Chuck, Faust Checho as nice guy science teacher Trent, and Justin Overlander as kinky farmer Larry. Tiffany Shepis has a neat small role as ill-fated photographer Tina Stevens. This picture earns extra points for using funky practical effects. Well worth a watch.