I went back to my Crypt of Terror, Mexican horror films set and pulled out another Ruben Galindo Jr. picture. We have already reviewed Cemetery of Terror and Don’t Panic (also by him) here on the site with favorable reviews. I wouldn’t mind watching more of his stuff if I happen to stumble on it. His films are kind of fun and cheesy, not bad stuff. He directed two more films by 1993 and then stopped, concentrating more on producing for Mexican television. The original title of this film is Mutantes del ano 2000 and it better represents the film. The English translation is literally Mutants of the year 2000.

Galindo weaves an interesting sci-fi horror tale which is driven more by the characters and the story than by mutant creatures. In this near future world the earth is consumed by pollution. There’s toxic smog, acid rain, and everyone has to wear a gas mask outdoors. Roberto Cervantes has just acquired a nuclear plant after his father-in-law passes away but his wife Irina despises him for being abusive. Axel, a daring biologist provides her with a shoulder to cry on. He comes to her assistance when a mutant rat eats her dog and leaves blood trails in her home. The pollution has caused animals to mutate (we also see a 3 inch fly) and to add to the problem Roberto’s company is dumping plutonium around town.

Axel brings his best friend Andres to exterminate the household menace but the creature turns out to be larger and more powerful than anticipated. Roberto wants his wife to sign the divorce papers but she has been reluctant to do so. In the third act Roberto shows up with two other thugs and chases Irina around the house even punching her in the stomach. Axel, who had been snooping around the company’ s office to obtain proof of their illegal dumping suspects something is wrong and heads to Irina’s place. Roberto and Axel engage in a spectacular fist fight, including body slams. Meanwhile Bigfoot (Demon Rat) is prowling around somewhere and there’s an acid rain shower outside.

The fighting is exciting and stretches for over 20 minutes. Unfortunately it takes the attention away from the Bigfoot rat creature which ends up only appearing again at the very end. After the creature mauls Roberto, Axel (in typical macho bravado) finds time to bone Irina while trapped in a room with the demon rat still alive. After making love Axel prepares to track down the beast and kill him.

This plays out more like a sci-fi drama with a death match battle. The demon rat just wanders around the house till they encounter him at the end. I have to add that in no way you can confuse this thing for a rat. It’s Bigfoot with long hair and a tail. The body looks humanoid and he stands erect. It’s kind off odd to see all the people wearing gas masks all of the time. I was trying to look for a good laugh in all of this but the acting is good. The only time I did laugh was when Roberto unexpectedly punches his wife in the stomach. All the smog in the film started giving me a headache and by the time it was over I needed an aspirin. If you like your Bigfoot films you may consider adding this to your collection despite the title.

- Jorge Antonio Lopez