The Locusts

Vince Vaughn, hot off Swingers and The Lost World: Jurassic Park, takes an ill-advised career detour with this overheated melodrama that recalls the sweaty and smoldering passions of Picnic and the dysfunctional dramas of Tennessee Williams. Vaughn stars as California-bound drifter Clay Hewitt, who gets more than he bargained for when he applies for a job at a Kansas feed lot. Kate Capshaw stars as the manipulative and predatory owner, Delilah Ashford Potts, who's got "a taste for the young 'uns." Clay is compelled to befriend her son (Jeremy Davies), jittery and withdrawn after losing a father to suicide and spending eight years in an institution. The only breath of fresh air here is Ashley Judd as local girl Kitty, who memorably squires Clay to lover's lane in a pickup, while her drunken lout of a boyfriend is passed out in the back. Since it was barely released in theaters, it's probably safe to say that there will be little buzz for The Locusts. Not recommended. (K. Lee Benson)