Product: Stinger (Full Sub) (2007)
Rating: 1.0
Terrible On Every Level
First of all, I'm going to put my dignity on the line and admit that I likeTail Stingto some degree, and have even watchedDeep Shocka few times by choice. So when I say Stinger is one of the most piss-poor pieces of junk I've ever seen then, hopefully, my warning urging all to stay away will be heeded.Not long ago I picked upCentipede, which was released by Maverick/CreepFX as well. It had its share of flaws, but in the world of low-budget creature features it was pretty good. So I decided to give Stinger a shot (for $3.74 total). I would say I wish I never had, but then I would not have the ability to give it the damaging review I now present. This movie seems to be virtually unknown, and I can honestly say it should remain in the void of obscurity. Do NOT salvage this title from the void by giving it a chance.The pacing is terrible. There are long stretches of silence and people wandering around a cramped dark interior without the slightest hint of suspense. When people deliver their lines not only does it seem like they are reading them, but contemplating them as well. The abundant computer effects are the worst I've seen. I know a lot of reviewers say that about pretty much every low-budget creature feature that utilizes computer technology (even if it's really not that bad), but in this case the statement is 100% true. The scorpions look like shiny black CG balloon animals. The movieGlass Trapmay come to one's mind, but the CG ants in that are leaps and bounds ahead of the scorpions on display in this dreck. On top of that, the scorpions constantly let out a generic recycled roar that everyone has heard before countless times. Don't even get me started on the digital sub and minisub.If the movie wasn't bad enough, the DVD adds insult to injury. Many movies in this genre are made with home video in mind; therefore, when they receive a full frame transfer it is either the way in which it was shot, or at least manages to keep enough visual information in the cropped transfer to ensure it isn't too annoying. That is not the case with this movie (unless it had the worst DP in film history). Every shot looks cramped with visual information flowing way past the constraints of the image. There are reaction shots where only half of the person's face is in the frame, or not at all. One scene in particular comes to mind. A character is telling a story and the camera pans over to show someone next him, but instead of actually seeing that person the audience is left staring at a blank wall. It is an atrocious transfer.Don't let the synopsis, semi-neat cover art, or low price cloud your judgement as it did mine. The movie and presentation are all-around terrible.