Under the Radar

RON UNDERWOOD on Directing Tremors and City Slickers

What began as a marketing conundrum nearly 35 years ago turned into perhaps last summer’s most unlikely film festival. Tremors Fest 2023 was a celebration of all things Tremors, from the 1990 feature film to its sequels (well, one prequel) and a short-lived television series. Held in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the festival was planned by actor Michael Gross, who starred alongside Kevin Bacon and others in the movie, and George R.R. Martin, who just happens to be a fan. Yeah, that George R.R. Martin. And it drew people from all over the country.

For director Ron Underwood, it was a fun salute to an unexpected hit, but below the surface, it was more than that. It was also a testament to Underwood’s working thesis, which is to (mostly) ensure his projects feature characters to whom

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