Review - Grabbers (2013)

On DVD and Blu Ray - "Grabbers" (2013) - An island community off the coast of Ireland is besieged by enormous, tentacled, bloodsucking aliens in this Irish/British-produced Sci-Fi/Horror/Comedy.  With the body count rising, a small band of authorities realize that the invading creatures have an aversion to alcohol-laced blood- what better reason to get totally shit-faced?  Yes, this is essentially a "re-working" of 1990's Tremors, though I found it to be an unexpected and worthwhile treat that covers all the basics of solid monster-movie making.

Richard Coyle is the alcoholic cop ("Garda" in Ireland) who reluctantly partners up Ruth Bradley's newbie who is on a limited, two-week assignment.  Though the relationship starts off a bit rocky, the two are forced to work together once cases of strange happenings, missing people and severed appendages start to pile up. Coyle is likeable and has presence while Bradley is cute and has a solid grasp of comedic timing. 

Yes, there's a scientist who enters the fold, played by Russel Tovey, and a crusty old town drunk (who has most of the film's best one-liners) in Lalor Roddy.  The acting is well-done across the board, even from bit players and creature fodder.

There is an obligatory romance between the two leads that's a bit undercooked and the island is conveniently devoid of any children. Furthermore, the film is missing a polishing once-over and that one "great" kill that defines all lasting monster flicks.

That said, watch it for the game cast, a solid spattering of humor throughout, the gorgeous cinematography (shot on location in County Donegal and County Antrim, Ireland) and the surprisingly well-done creature FX work.  Maybe most importantly, the film doesn't crap the bed with an awful, incoherent ending like most American horror films.  There's a pretty cool reference to Aliens, as well...

Recommended for fans of Creature Features who are desperate for a quality fix.

8.0 out of 10

Director: Jon Wright
Cast: Richard Coyle, Ruth Bradley, Russell Tovey, Lalor Roddy, David Pearse and Bronagh Gallagher
Run-Time: 94 minutes
MPAA: Rated R for blood and gore with profanity and heavy drinking throughout