Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018) | Official Trailer

Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018) is the sixth installment in the Tremors franchise, directed by Don Michael Paul. Known for its mix of horror and comedy, the Tremors series focuses on giant, subterranean, worm-like creatures called Graboids and their evolved forms. In this film, the action shifts from the usual desert landscape to the Arctic, where the characters must deal with Graboids in an environment that poses new challenges for both them and the creatures.

The story follows survivalist and Graboid-hunter Burt Gummer (played by Michael Gross), who is now dealing with health issues after years of battling these monsters. He learns that he has been infected by Graboid venom, which is affecting his body. His only hope of survival is to acquire an antibody derived from a live Graboid, so he travels to the Canadian Arctic with his son, Travis (Jamie Kennedy), to hunt down the creatures. Despite the frigid landscape, they discover that Graboids have found a way to survive in the cold by burrowing into warm volcanic soil, creating a dangerous mix of ice and fire.

The Arctic setting provides a unique twist, as the characters face not only the threat of the Graboids but also the harsh and unforgiving environment. The Graboids and their flying form, the Ass-Blasters, are adapted to the colder climate, adding a new layer of suspense and excitement to the franchise’s classic monster battles. The frozen landscape, snow-covered terrain, and isolated research stations serve as an atmospheric backdrop, contrasting sharply with the desert locales seen in previous films.

The film’s strength lies in its practical effects and creature designs, as the Graboids continue to evolve with each installment. While Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it does embrace its B-movie roots with a self-aware sense of humor and outlandish scenarios, blending action, humor, and horror in a way that Tremors fans have come to expect. Michael Gross’s performance as Burt Gummer is a highlight, as he brings a mix of intensity and dry humor to the character, making him a fan-favorite in the franchise.

Although it offers entertaining creature action and an interesting new setting, the film received mixed reviews, with some critics feeling it didn’t fully capitalize on the potential of the Arctic setting or offer enough new ideas. Others enjoyed it for delivering exactly what Tremors fans look for: a fun, monster-filled adventure that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

In conclusion, Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell is an enjoyable, if familiar, entry in the Tremors franchise. It sticks closely to the series’ formula while introducing a colder, harsher environment, which adds some freshness to the creature encounters. Fans of the franchise will likely appreciate this icy take on the classic Tremors formula, though newcomers may find it a standard B-movie experience with solid action, campy humor, and memorable monster thrills.