THE SWARM (1978) ** In which we are reminded that yet another reason to avoid nuclear power is that a swarm of vicious bees might attack the reactor, thereby blowing it up. Strangely there is no radioactivity released, perhaps American nuclear energy is better than Russian nuclear energy. The rest of the plot ignores the fact that Houston, an overgrown dump with international pretensions, would be delighted to be attacked by the swarm, as it would draw an international spotlight; thereby setting off a week's worth of beer drankin', rodeos, mesquite bar-b-qs (yum!) and oil exhibitions. Michael Caine arrogantly strides through it all in a manner that almost saves the film, Fred MacMurray hangs banners and rides a train; Katharine Ross, Richard Chamberlain, Richard Widmark, Olivia de Havilland, and Patty Duke (is she trying to metaphorically warn us against her ex-husband's impending campaign?) hang around the periphery to ensure that we understand that despite all appearances this is a big budget event. Coulda used more Slim Pickens, maybe in a kamikaze run against the bees astride a nuclear warhead.
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