Reviewed by CJ

Synopsis: The Earth's perfect future is interrupted by an unnamed alien race of insects.

The human race rallys to war against the marauding bugs, and we're treated to scenes of gorgeous Beverly Hills 90210 castaways  duking it out with multi-legged aliens.

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I don't know who directed this, and I can only name Michael Ironside and Denise Richards as actors I recognize.

But the movie isn't bad. Plenty of good action as we follow the trials and tribulations of some high school friends who volunteer to fight in the war.

The human characters are all just a little too good-looking. The movie feels like an allegory of Beautiful vs. Ugly.

And that leads me to the aliens. They are very scary, with multiple arms, slashing insect arms, and lots of energy! They have a hive society, in which every insect has a specific role. There are warriors, air units, even "brain" insects that handle the strategy for the other bugs. Cool!

The action is good, conveying the havoc and confusion that characterizes war. Your spirit will surge as you watch a small group of humans valiantly fighting off a seemingly-infinite tide of brutal, terrifying insects.

Other than this, the movie pales in comparison to the book of the same name by Robert Heinlein. It's too polished looking, and the director just prostitutse the hot young cast like a cheap, polyester-wearing, feathered hat-wearing pimp.

There's a completely gratuitous co-ed shower scene, where all the infantry "grunts" wash off after a tough day of bug stomping. They look like they belong on Rodeo Drive, not in a war!

Rating: 5.0 Pretty Insect Legs

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Last updated: July 08, 2000.