Released to TV in 1977 as a knock-off of the theatrical "Empire of the Ants," which came out several months earlier, "Ants" is (obviously) a 'when-animals-attack' film featuring the little critters in full attack mode. Although the insects were huge in the theatrical movie, here they're normal-sized but with a toxic bite due to chemicals in the ground or whatever.
Robert Foxworth, a favorite of mine, plays the protagonist with his sidekick Bernie Casey, another favorite. Lynda Day George plays the girlfriend at the old hotel where the ants are uprising and Myrna Loy her crippled mother. Barry Van Dyke plays a stud working at the pool and cutie Karen Lamm his girlfriend, Linda. Suzanne Somers is also on hand as the associate of a businessman interested in buying the hotel.
I've heard some criticize the movie as high camp when it's not campy at all. It's a straight forward creatures-on-the-loose flick with the requisite drama. There's nothing artificial or goofy about the acting or story, which defines camp. This is not to say, however, that there aren't giggle-worthy parts, like when the boy falls into the dumpster.
There's nothing extraordinary about "Ants," but it's certainly decent enough to give an okay grade. Although Somers isn't fat by any means, she's not in good shape like she was early-on in "Three's Company" and over a dozen years later as a hot fitness guru. This can be observed in a couple of scenes where she's wearing a one-piece bathing suit. Karen Lamm works better as the requisite babe. As for Day George, she's dressed to the hilt with loose clothing the entire film.
The film runs 95 minutes and was shot at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island British Columbia.
GRADE: C+
Robert Foxworth, a favorite of mine, plays the protagonist with his sidekick Bernie Casey, another favorite. Lynda Day George plays the girlfriend at the old hotel where the ants are uprising and Myrna Loy her crippled mother. Barry Van Dyke plays a stud working at the pool and cutie Karen Lamm his girlfriend, Linda. Suzanne Somers is also on hand as the associate of a businessman interested in buying the hotel.
I've heard some criticize the movie as high camp when it's not campy at all. It's a straight forward creatures-on-the-loose flick with the requisite drama. There's nothing artificial or goofy about the acting or story, which defines camp. This is not to say, however, that there aren't giggle-worthy parts, like when the boy falls into the dumpster.
There's nothing extraordinary about "Ants," but it's certainly decent enough to give an okay grade. Although Somers isn't fat by any means, she's not in good shape like she was early-on in "Three's Company" and over a dozen years later as a hot fitness guru. This can be observed in a couple of scenes where she's wearing a one-piece bathing suit. Karen Lamm works better as the requisite babe. As for Day George, she's dressed to the hilt with loose clothing the entire film.
The film runs 95 minutes and was shot at Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island British Columbia.
GRADE: C+