Swampland Sales Pitch Goes Wrong

Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Empire of the Ants (Special Edition) (Blu-ray)
–

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Science Fiction, Adventure
Year Released: 1977, 2024 Kino Cult Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 39m
Director(s): Bert I. Gordon
Writer(s): H.G. Wells, Jack Turley, Bert I. Gordon
Cast: Joan Collins, Robert Lansing, John David Carson, Albert Salmi, Robert Pine, Jacqueline Scott, Pamela Susan Shoop, Tom Fadden
Where To Watch: available August 27, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.kinolorber.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Nestled in the nostalgic echoes of the 1970s B-movie era, EMPIRE OF THE ANTS is a vivid example of environmental mishaps transforming everyday insects into monstrous adversaries. This genre-bending journey is guided by director Bert I. Gordon, who is celebrated for his distinct ability to meld science fiction with horror. At the heart of this unsettling venture into the Florida Everglades is Joan Collins as Marilyn, a savvy real estate agent whose dealings go far deeper than the swampy lands she pitches.

In the deceptive serenity of the Everglades, Marilyn draws unsuspecting clients into the potential of owning what appears to be prime real estate. Unbeknownst to them, a lurking ecological catastrophe has unleashed a horde of oversized ants, mutated into chaos-inducing titans by a hazardous chemical spill—a common trope in the cinematic landscape of its time. The once-ordinary ants now pose a colossal threat, upending the unsuspecting charm of the area with their newfound monstrous traits.

Gordon's choice to magnify real ants onscreen is a double-edged sword: it crafts a gritty authenticity that occasionally borders on the terrifying yet also shows its age when stacked against the sleek CGI capabilities of modern cinema. These scenes where giant ants dominate offer a mix of awe and anachronistic charm, occasionally disrupted by the limited interactions with human characters, which slightly dilutes the intended tension. This is part of the genre you must love, accept, and move on with.

The strength of EMPIRE OF THE ANTS is bolstered by Collins' compelling transformation from a manipulative businesswoman to a woman desperate to survive the ecological nightmare she unwittingly helped create. While the script sometimes treads into the realm of the predictable, echoing genre staples with its development and dialogue, Collins’ performance provides a depth that keeps the viewers engaged.

As the tale unfolds, it becomes clear that these ants have evolved beyond physical growth; they've developed a sophisticated societal hierarchy capable of manipulating human actions through advanced pheromone communication. This plot development thickens the story and mirrors H.G. Wells's darker themes about the fragility of human dominance over nature, moving the narrative from a simple invasion story to a deeper, more sinister examination of control and chaos.

EMPIRE OF THE ANTS occasionally suffers from the weight of its ambition. The expansive cast can feel cumbersome, muddying the central narrative and diluting the suspense. Moreover, while the special effects are occasionally awe-inspiring for the time, their inconsistent quality can alienate viewers looking for a more immersive horror experience.

Yet, the film’s enduring charm is undeniable. It captures a time when filmmakers embraced bold narratives and rudimentary effects with enthusiasm and creativity without the confines of today's technological expectations. This approach not only celebrates a bygone era of filmmaking but also appeals to those who appreciate cinema’s power to innovate within the constraints of its time.

EMPIRE OF THE ANTS remains a hallmark of 1970s genre cinema, a curious blend of horror and science fiction that crafts an intriguing, bizarre, and engaging story. Its strength lies in its ability to transport audiences back to when cinema was less about visual perfection and more about storytelling bravado. For lovers of classic films and the indomitable Joan Collins, this movie offers a delightful escape into a world where the smallest creatures cast the longest shadows, providing a thoroughly engaging experience for those fascinated by the unique flavors of past cinematic adventures.

About Kino Cult:
While focusing mainly on horror and science fiction, Kino Cult will continue to embrace its trademark brand of "unapologetically weird" with such diverse genres as European erotica, grindhouse classics, and cinematic rediscoveries that defy categorization.

"Some of the most exciting rediscoveries are happening in the realm of cult cinema," said Kino Cult curators Frank Tarzi and Bret Wood, "These strange and twisted movies are so unique that we feel they deserve their own imprint within the Kino Lorber family of labels."

Product Extras:
NEW Audio Commentary by Film Historian David Del Valle and Filmmaker/Historian Michael Varrati
Audio Commentary by Producer/Director Bert I. Gordon
Theatrical Trailer
Optional English Subtitles

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER, KINO CULT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.