EDITOR'S NOTE: This review was written by Richard Jack Smith. The one consistent through-line in the first two Tremors movies has to be Michael Gross' uncanny ability to transform even the silliest dialogue into moments of genuine comic inspiration. Another reliable factor could be the participation of director S.S. Wilson (sounds like a submarine, doesn't it?) He served as one of the producers and writers on the original film. His ability to sustain audience interest with a modicum of horror tactics should be commended.

In Tremors 2: Aftershocks, both Earl Bassett (Fred Ward) and war fanatic Burt Gummer (Gross) are back to destroy more Graboids. Six workers at a Mexican oil field have lost their lives to these giant, subterranean worms. Bassett reluctantly agrees to hunt down the creatures, picking up $50,000 a head for his troubles. Along the way, he calls upon his old friend Gummer, who arrives packing some formidable military hardware.

In lesser roles, Helen Shaver and Christopher Gartin prove alternately annoying and distracting. The latter tries to fill in for Kevin Bacon with some light banter and predictable observations which the film could do without. Meanwhile, Shaver appears easy on the eyes, yet less so on the ears. Her gentle voice betrays any grit the script demands, making the overall delivery fraught with monotonous repetition.

Certain special effects look computer-generated (a kind of slapped-on, animated cardboard quality) while others make refreshing use of live-action puppets and models.

Composer Jay Ferguson lends a helping hand with his catchy themes and neat guitar solos.

The first Tremors came across as a blatant, land-based version of Jaws, equipped with silly poster and all. Its sequel aims to explore more of the humour underlying the excitement. Ultimately, neither picture will break any ground in the subtlety department. Yet both can be enjoyed for providing the sort of escapism any fan-boy should relish.

(Released by Universal Studios and rated "PG-13" by MPAA.)