Horribly deformed frogs start turning up in the waters of a small Minnesota town. Things get worse when other animals and even newborn babies fall prey to the hideous mutations. Feisty former pop singer and single mother Kim Sweet (a fine and appealing performance by Lisa Sheridan) decides to investigate and alert the public to what's going on.

Writer/director James Ojala handles the absorbing premise with surprising taste and sensitivity by placing a welcome and refreshing emphasis on the well drawn characters as well as delivering a pertinent message about the possible severe damage wrought by pesticides and other dangerous chemicals. Moreover, Ojala also presents a flavorsome evocation of the rural hamlet setting along with a nicely unsettling sense of dread and unease and really pulls out the gory stops at the exciting and harrowing climax. The sound acting by the capable cast further keeps this film humming: Stephen Tobolowsky as the pragmatic Mayor Paulson, Jonah Beres as Kim's sweet son Brody, Bruce Bohne as Kim's feisty father Chuck, Faust Checho as nice guy science teacher Trent, and Justin Overlander as kinky farmer Larry. Tiffany Shepis has a neat small role as ill-fated photographer Tina Stevens. This picture earns extra points for using funky practical effects. Well worth a watch.

It is really trying as another reviewer already stated. And while I've seen better monster movies, I've also seen worse. So this is ok, if you don't mind the low budget nature of it. No pun intended here. Also a very nice turn up from a horror actress who almost just does a cameo in this. Her acting with the camera, without anything being there (literally) is quite funny. I know it is supposed to be scary, but yeah ... well at least something I would say.

There are some nice effects though and the characters are overall likeable. Even the ones you wouldn't think are ok ... or decent. The action ramps up towards the end with some nice (gore effects) ... and then there is a twist at the end ... a good one or too obvious? I'll leave that up to you ... remember though there is a bonus scene after the credits (fyi)

Surprisingly fresh and endearing. While most films of this nature adhere to cheap gimmicks and a one track mindset, Mr. Ojala's creative vision somehow finds a way to weave Comedy, Romance, Suspense, Mystery, and Horror in an enrapturing adventure that keeps you hooked until the last minute.