206: GET OUT OF YOUR PANTS! | Tremors (1990)

·1 hr 15 min·5 clips

Lauren explains how Tremors directly inspired over half of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's villains.

This episode of the Fashion Grunge Podcast features hosts Lauren and Charles discussing the 1990 creature feature film *Tremors*. Lauren is a first-time viewer, while Charles has seen the film multiple times over the years. They selected the movie as a fun, spooky-adjacent pick for October. Lauren immediately connected the film's subterranean monsters to many villains in *Buffy the Vampire Slayer*. She enjoyed the film's quirky, funny tone and noted the strong homoerotic and domestic partner dynamic between Kevin Bacon's character, Val, and his friend Earl. Charles chose *Tremors* over other creature features like *Lake Placid* for its meatier plot and unique monsters. The hosts discuss the film's cast, including Kevin Bacon, Reba McEntire in her film debut, and Michael Gross as the survivalist Burt. They share behind-the-scenes trivia, such as Kevin Bacon initially having an emotional breakdown over starring in a movie about "underground worms." Director Ron Underwood was reportedly unenthused about Reba McEntire's casting but was won over by her charming audition. Michael Gross began filming *Tremors* just one day after the series finale of *Family Ties*. The film had a budget of approximately $11 million and earned $16.7 million at the box office, later becoming a cult hit with several sequels. A cut scene would have featured the character Nancy defending Val and Earl from Burt's accusations while the group was stranded on boulders. The hosts were surprised to learn of a 2003 *Tremors* television series on the Sci-Fi Channel that broke network viewership records for a new series. They reveal that actors considered for the role of Val included Bill Paxton, Matthew Modine, Bruce Campbell, and Ray Liotta. The design of the Graboids' attacking tongues was inspired by eels and desert horned vipers. The episode has a conversational and informal tone, filled with personal anecdotes, tangents, and humorous asides. The hosts frequently go off on related tangents, discussing other films like *The Fly*, biopic trends, and the business of DVD sales. Listeners who enjoy lighthearted, nostalgic film analysis with a focus on cult classics and behind-the-scenes trivia would appreciate this episode. Those seeking a tightly structured, serious critical review or who are unfamiliar with *Tremors* might find it less engaging.

As heard by us

A weird, funny creature-feature talk that finds Buffy echoes in the dirt.

Tremors comes across as a funny, strange, and genuinely charming October pick, with Lauren and Charles sounding like they are having a good time on a first-time watch of the 1990 creature feature.

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Why you'd press play

For a Tremors chat that leans into the Buffy connection and a weird, funny creature feature.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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