Scott LeBrun After revisiting this 1990s update of the classic "nature strikes back" genre of the 1970s, this viewer can say that he has warmed up to it a bit. It's of absolutely no real distinction, but adequate directing and acceptable acting manage to overcome a VERY routine script. An unending multitude of killer bats (that have been genetically engineered, naturally) are unleashed on a sleepy Texas burg. Among our heroes are a laid back sheriff (Lou Diamond Phillips), a bat expert (Dina Meyer), and her assistant (Leon).The script by John Logan is stupid and clichéd, and unfortunately treats the assistant character as a comedy relief stereotype. It's also kind of hard to feel sorry for the many townspeople in the movies' big set piece when they prove too dumb to get the Hell out of Dodge. The execution does manage to make this reasonably entertaining, with a fair bit of intense action and some moderate suspense. The effects, unfortunately, are mostly pretty poor. The puppets are not the best work that KNB has ever done, and the digital FX are purely laughable. At the very least, there's some pleasing widescreen photography and scenic locations. Some horror fans may also be pleased with the fairly high body count.Phillips is likable in the hero role; he's at least more convincing here as a cop than he was in "The First Power". The real standout is the lovely Meyer: not only is she excellent eye candy, but her character is very smart, very strong, and very capable. Leon is wasted in his role. That brings us to the matter of Bob Gunton, a superb veteran character actor who has one of the most embarrassing roles of his career. Cast as the requisite mad scientist, you'll likely be left shaking your head at the flimsiness of his motivation.NOT an altogether bad movie, but also far from being a good one. Fortunately, it's relatively short.Five out of 10.

Woodyanders The tranquility of a sleepy small Texas town gets ripped asunder by a swarm of lethal genetically enhanced bats created by mad scientist Dr. Alexander McCabe (neatly played with sinister aplomb by Bob Gunton). It's up to earnest Sheriff Emmett Kimsey (a solid and likable performance by Lou Diamond Phillips), spunky zoologist Dr. Sheila Casper (a perky and appealing portrayal by Dina Meyer), and Casper's cowardly assistant Jimmy Sands (an amusing turn by Leon) to figure out a way to stop the ferocious buggers before it's too late.Director Louis Morneau and screenwriter John Logan bring a winningly lean'n'lean Grade B sensibility to the familiar, yet still effective and entertaining premise: The compact story zips along at a constant brisk pace, there's no pretense to speak of, the savage bat attack set pieces are staged with flair (a major sequence with the bats attacking the center of town rates as a real rip-roaring doozy), and things are even topped with a satisfying smattering of gore. The puppets and CGI effects used for the bats are pretty gnarly. George Moorodian's slick widescreen cinematography provides a nice glossy look. Graeme Revell's spirited shuddery score hits the stirring spot. Granted, this sure ain't no groundbreaking work of exceptional cinematic art, but if accepted on its own admittedly modest terms this movie overall sizes up as a really fun little flick.

varghesejunior Watched this simply out of curiosity and turned out to be really good.A bat research experiment goes haywire, producing killer bats that terrorize a town in Arizona, and it's upto a local sheriff,and 2 scientists to find and eliminate all of them before they can eliminate more human lives.Its a short film, but really well shot, with good cinematography, action and thrills from start to end. The special effects are not as good as they are nowadays but nevertheless quite realistic. There is also no vulgarity which makes it suited for kids too.I wish there was a sequel.

utgard14 Bat expert Dina Meyer is called in to a small Texas town to investigate a series of bat killings. Before long, she discovers a scientist (Bob Gunton) has genetically altered normal bats to make them super bats or something. Together with sheriff Lou Diamond Phillips, they try to stop the bats before they kill everybody.The effects are awful for a theatrical release. This was made early on in the CGI age and not every film had the budget of Jurassic Park. Bats most certainly did not. The cast is bland and their parts poorly-written. Perennial villain Bob Gunton seems like he would rather be anywhere but here. Phillips and Meyer neither impress nor disgust with their performances. They're just there. Black actor Leon at times seems to be inhabited by the spirit of Mantan Moreland circa 1941.At best, it's a boring but almost watchable movie about killer bats. At worst, it's a piece of excrement. Watch at your own risk.