Bats

As I stood in one of America’s new mega-plexes, I realized that despite numerous choices, it is often hard to find a movie worth viewing. Thus I compromised with my husband and agreed (albeit reluctantly) to see “Bats”.

“Bats” is the story of the destruction of a group of virally infected bats in midwestern America. The story includes, as do many other “monster-versus-man” movies, a scientist whose job it is to study, love, then hate and inevitably kill, the bats. Also included in this romp is the doctor’s assistant, a wise cracking black man, and the sheriff (Lou Diamond Phillips), who for some reason simply must see these bats dead.

Offensive Material: There is quite a bit of cursing, and some bloody scenes. Although, this movie does indeed deserve its “PG-13” rating instead of the classic horror “R.” The bats are quite hideous to see up close. There is also a mad scientist that does not value human life, and attempts to act as God.

I think the most commendable thing about “Bats” is that it is not even remotely as offensive as other horror movies. There are no truly horrible scenes in the movie, and most of the bats are animated and are no more than black blurs on the movie screen. The mad scientist who wants to be a god of sorts does in fact learn that he cannot control his “creation” thus evil loses in the end.

“Bats” is truly just an average movie. The plot twists are predictable, and after five minutes in the theater we all know who will walk out alive. The bats are ugly, smart, and well animated, but are no more interesting than the monsters of several other creature features that have come out in recent years. So, while it is nice to see the good guys win again, if this is your only choice at the local mega-plex, maybe a good book would be in order.