Mimic

Guillermo del Toro can turn even a B-movie premise with mediocre digital effects into a decent, original horror flick. Especially thanks to the unique script, the great use of interiors from the Manhattan underground and, last but not least, the unconventional characters that are typical of del Toro works (the shoeshine guy and his son). Mimic is an action-free, more deviant version of Cameron’s Aliens, which is exactly to my liking. (24.01.2009)

The main problem with this film is its incredibly mundane script that exploits very little of the good core premise (mutated beetles able to mimic a human appearance), making it impossible for a competent director like del Toro to deliver something more than just a horror B-movie for a Saturday evening. I can accept that, especially since Mimic worked so well on me (I hate beetles), but all those low ratings indicate that other people would appreciate “something else”. The atmosphere in the tunnels is very good at times, but it’s ruined by the frequent and pointless action sequences. If it focused more on fear and the ending wasn’t like the ending of 95% of horror movies from the 90s, I would give it four stars. (29.11.2008)

Putting new things on old things doesn’t make them new. Guillermo Del Toro tried to add even more, but the result is still the same. Unfortunately, under the rather imaginative direction, interesting visual style and a very paranoid edit, we have a completely shabby and a story that has been told many times about a great insects (this time beetles) that threaten a city after a genetic mutation. The stupid story, in contrast to the apocalyptic stylization and pathos, even mythological seriousness (e.g., the sequences in the prayer room), looks about the same as a stripper in a thong in the middle of the St. Vitus Cathedral. Completely bland characters with tired acting (including performances by Mira Sorvino and F. Murray Abraham) are mixed into all this. The music, editing and directing are the only virtues of Mimic, but the script buries it so deep that only bugs and other vermin are going to feast on it... (12.06.2004)

In my opinion, an underrated horror film that doesn't lack any ingredient: terror, suspense, effects (digital and make-up – the disguise of "Mr. Boots" is sensational), good catchphrases, likable heroes, here and there a whiff of black humour... Very decent entertainment. (25.03.2009)

Pure mediocrity in every way that cannot be saved by the best director with the best intentions. On the plus side is the chilling setting of abandoned subway tunnels, Beltrami's soundtrack and the evil-looking villains, who, by today's standards, are no longer going to scare anyone. The downside, on the other hand, is the stale and boring script and the complete lack of insight or gory scenes that have always graced del Toro. A big disappointment for me, I expected more from the creator of Hellboy and Pan’s Labyrinth than just a few vague glimpses of his creative genius. 50% (30.04.2013)

It's almost as if Guillermo del Toro was inspired by Cronenberg in how well he can capture insect creatures on screen. It really works, which is good because the story is very B-movie and doesn't bring anything surprising to the table. He's playing it safe, which might seem like a cop-out for such a creator, but then again, it's been a while since this film, especially for American productions, was made. (06.03.2017)

Del Toro's Hollywood debut actually turned out pretty well. I'd mostly single out the first half, which very artfully builds up the tension and prepares the viewer for the carnage in the second half, which tries to be almost "Alien-esque" at times, which of course it can't pull off :) In any case, this is an appealing, functional B-movie, which was great to watch and have checked off in del Toro's filmography. [60%] (07.02.2022)