The Millennium Bug

The Millennium Bug from 2011 is an independent horror and science fiction film that is a throwback to the creature features of the 80s and 90s. The movie, directed by Kenneth Cran, features an up-and-coming cast that includes John Charles Meyer, Jessica Postrozny, and Christine Haeberman.

As the title suggests, the film is set towards the end of the 20th century, on New Year's Eve 1999, during the time of the Y2K bug, a notorious computer glitch that was thought to potentially create chaos in computer systems around the world when the year changed from 1999 to 2000.

The plot follows the Haskin family who are looking to escape the Y2K madness of the urban area. The short escapade leads the family of three—Byron Haskin (played by John Charles Meyer), Joany Haskin (Jessican Postrozny), and Clarance Haskin (Jon Briddell)—to a secluded cabin in the mountains of Sierra Diablos. The family's hopes for a quiet New Year's Eve quickly dissipate as they find themselves in a twisted play of fate, fleeing from an array of dangers that seem to be just as dreadful as the anticipated Y2K bug itself.

However, their concerns about the potential global crash soon descend into more primal and personal fear. They have more to deal with than the prospect of systems collapsing with the dawning of the 21st century. As the clock ticks towards midnight, the family becomes targeted by the Hill People, a group of perverse and sadistic hillbillies who have their twisted agendas. But this horror is just one layer of several that the Haskins will have to peel away if they hope to greet the new millennium alive.

Unknown to them, something monstrous is lurking in the earth beneath them. A terrifying creature that has slumbered for hundreds of years is awakened by the arrival of the new millennium. Ignoring digital terror, the film steers the source of horror towards more organic, albeit, mythological domain, making it a thrilling and enjoyable watch.

The film is noted for its impressive technical aspects, particularly its complete absence of CGI effects. Kenneth Cran, the director, went old school, deciding to employ practical effects and miniatures to render the horrifying creature and other elements, which gives the film a nostalgic feel, invoking memories of classic monster movies like "The Thing" and "Aliens." This puts a hard focus on physical entities and adds a tangible aspect to the horror that's often missing in most modern creature-feature films, making scares seem more plausible and intense.

The Millennium Bug showcases the performances of its main cast members, with Meyer, Postrozny, and Haeberman offering dedicated portrayals of their characters, as they walk the line between terrified victims and resolute, resourceful survivors, giving the audience someone to root for.

The cinematography excellently encapsulates both the serene and tranquil aspect of the wilderness and its hidden horrors. The camera work skillfully builds tension and the music by Mark Willard intensifies the overall sense of dread and unease. The film also doesn't shy away from moments of grotesque body horror mixed with elements of dark comedy.

Despite being a creature feature, The Millennium Bug doesn't take itself too seriously and is often tongue-in-cheek in its approach towards traditional horror tropes. It is a classic tale of survival, filled with thrills, chills and the squirms in generous quantity, capturing the true essence of a genre picture.

Kenneth Cran’s The Millennium Bug is a unique piece of independent cinema. It’s a welcomed reminder of simpler times when monster movies relied on narrative, suspense, and inventive practical effects. This laugh-to-your-self thrill ride is a recommended watch for those who enjoy B-movie horror and old-fashioned creature features.

In summary, The Millennium Bug takes viewers back to the brink of the 21st century, conjuring up the zeitgeist of the time, while adding in a highly creative twist that leads to a roller-coaster of frights and fight-for-survival will. It's as much about a family's determination to survive against the odds, as it is about a monstrous revelation that the new millennium brings. The film is a worthy nod to practical effects, proving that they can hold a candle to modern CGI and sometimes even outperform them when properly utilized.